Multimedia, interactive and hypertextual features in divergent online news platforms: An exploratory study of Flemish online news

Abstract

This paper argues for not studying the Web as one, homogeneous medium, but instead as a meta–medium that carries various divergent news media like news blogs, discussion forums, Web TV, and RSS news feeds, each with a specific presentation style. Based on a content analysis of Flemish online news media, the level of multimedia, interactivity and hypertext of different divergent news platforms are identified. Results suggest that multiple online platforms are used to present the news, even within meta–media like digital newspapers or portal sites. This analysis also reveals that the use of online news features varies among divergent news platforms, some being innovative and others rather traditional.