The Web's Struggle for Life: A Week of Commentary Over Substance

Strategic Insights -

As the Democratic National Convention dominated the web, news sites resorted to commentary and games to fill the void of actual news, highlighting the limitations of the internet as a source of live, immersive news experiences. The omission of real-time reporting on significant events, such as the clash between police and protesters, was particularly striking. Cable channels continued to feature drama-free images from the convention, with most web sites instead clinging to commentary and speculation about Vice President Al Gore's speech and ability to appear presidential.

Key Takeaways:

  • The web struggled to provide live, immersive news experiences during the Democratic National Convention, often resorting to commentary and games to fill the void of actual news.
  • Cable channels continued to feature drama-free images from the convention, while web sites focused on speculation about Vice President Al Gore's speech and ability to appear presidential.
  • The absence of real-time reporting on significant events, such as the clash between police and protesters, was a notable omission.
  • NBC's Sam Donaldson engaged in lengthy web chats with guest Harry Thomason, but admitted that few viewers were actually tuning in.
  • Digital content such as quizzes, games, and puzzles failed to provide meaningful insights into the convention proceedings.
  • Sites like Inside.com's David Carr poked fun at the coverage, highlighting the reliance on flimsy narratives and speculation.

Statistics:

  • By the late afternoon of the convention, news sites had more stories about Vice President Al Gore's speech than the actual convention proceedings.
  • Only ABC continued to lead with convention coverage, with Fox and MSNBC eventually shifting focus to Senator Joseph I. Lieberman's speech.
  • The majority of web sites featured commentary and analysis from pundits and experts, rather than real-time reporting.
  • The web chat between NBC's Sam Donaldson and guest Harry Thomason lasted for hours, with few viewers tuning in.

Sources:

  • Inside.com - David Carr's article
  • MSNBC - Jim Miklaszewski's reporting on the convention
  • Fox News - Story on the clash between police and protesters
  • CNN - Coverage of Air Force Two's arrival at Burbank Airport
  • MSNBC - Electoral Chess game and protesters' version of Monopoly
  • Inside.com - David Carr's article predicting news coverage of the Democratic convention.