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The Drudge Report

The Drudge Report is an internet source of international news. It is an example of the essence of new media. Incorporating links from various news websites (newspapers etc.) along with videos and pictures, it provides a central hub for an internet surfer to find daily news that is constantly updated with each new occurrence. The Drudge Report expands its focus to all sorts of news from the absurd ( Former Congressman Charged with 'Exposure of Sexual Organs'... ) to the ironic HEARING ON 'WARMING OF PLANET' CANCELLED BECAUSE OF ICE STORM... and everywhere in-between. The Drudge Report was also the first news source to break news on the Monica Lewinsky scandal, and has been a continuous source of breaking news since 1994. To say that it is not viewed as a reliable news source would be a misstep as even Mark McKinnon, one of President Bush’s top advisors, has admitted that he checks the site 30-40 times a day.[i] Although top government officials check the website, there have still been errors and some argue the legitimacy of the “inside knowledge” that the creator Matt Drudge dishes out on the site.[ii] Even through accusations of false reporting (Only a couple cases, stories were quickly erased from the website and apologized for) the Drudge Report has remained a vital source of news for many Americans. The Drudge Report is a perfect example of the mediamorphosis that has gripped nearly every aspect of our lives. Whereas twenty years ago many people turned to newspapers, T.V., and radio for national news; these days more and more people are shifting to the internet and websites like the Drudge Report as a way to quickly and easily get links to news from all around the world from a constantly updating source.
The Drudge Report truly blends old media and new media especially with its use of links to various news sources including online versions of newspapers such as the New York Times. What makes the website even better is the frequent updates made by Matt Drudge and staff that provide breaking news and any further progression in other news stories. These updates make it easier for people like Mark McKinnon to get their news fast and reliably without having to wait for the T.V. stations to get around to sharing the information, or Heaven forbid wait until the newspaper arrives the next morning. Just as there was a mediamorphic progression from the radio to the television for news, there is now an increasing surge towards the internet as the primary news source. The Drudge Report has tapped in to the public’s craving for news at lightning speed and provides an easy way to access it (Through a page with three columns of links which bring the reader straight to the news source with a click of the button) so that all users interested in the current news can successfully get it. With the incorporation of pictures on the site and video clips accessible through links the viewer gets the visual news of a T.V. with the written news of a newspaper. With all of these elements incorporated onto one website there is no doubt that this type of source is the future of news.
In the new media age of rapid information and an unwillingness to wait, having a website like the Drudge Report is an extremely beneficial tool. Brought on by mediamorphosis, old forms (newspapers, writing) are blended with new forms (internet news videos, online articles) to create a fast, up-to-date, and reliable source of news.

[1] "Drudge Report Sets Tone for National Political Coverage", ABC News, 2006-10-01. [1] Broder, Jonathan (1997-08-15). A Smear Too Far. Salon.com. Retrieved on 2006-10-05.


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jstanley
Latest page update: made by jstanley , Feb 20 2007, 10:00 PM EST (about this update About This Update jstanley Edited by jstanley


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