Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.3/85335

Title

Australian online newspapers: a website content analysis approach to measure interactivity

Author(s)

Hashim, Lina;  Hasan, Helen;  Sinnappan, Suku

Abstract

This paper addresses the growth and development of the concept of interactivity in online newspapers from the perspectives of computer-mediated communication, journalism, advertising, and information system. This paper discusses the concept of interactivity originally coined by Heeter. The study maps Heeter’s dimensions that are content availability and choice, communication opportunity, effort of users, responsiveness, and customization and management of information onto contemporary settings of Australian online newspaper industry. The researchers reviewed 12 Australian online newspapers over two snapshots using website content analysis approach. Results draws out interesting discussions as to the level of interactivity highlighted by the online newspapers industry. Content availability and choice was found to be the most significant element of interactivity. It is noted that, while the majority of Australian online newspapers offer interactive functionality for expressing opinions, blogging, contests and polls, only one online newspaper provided genuine interactive gaming.

Publication type

Conference paper

Research centre

Swinburne University of Technology. Faculty of Higher Education, Lilydale

Source

Proceedings of the 18th Australasian Conference on Information Systems (ACIS 2007), Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia, 05-07 December 2007

Publication year

2007

Keyword(s)

Australian online newspapers;  Interactivity;  Website content analysis

Publisher

The University of Southern Queensland

ISBN

9780909756963

Publisher URL

http://www.acis2007.usq.edu.au/

Copyright

Copyright © 2007.

Peer reviewed