We talk about Web "pages" where no physical pages are involved and
"freedom of the press" where no pressing goes on. I think "newspaper"
is a fine name to use for any 21st century Web site that features news
and that may or may not print an edition using ink and paper... text,
pictures, video, audio, traditional, alternative or online-only.
(I use "online newspaper" as an inclusive term when referring to CNN's
Web site, NPR, MSNBC, the late Nando.net or the New Haven Independent.
I encourage others to do the same.)
The name "Newspaper Division" -- with a short mission-statement
subtitle -- is my first choice. My second choice would be "News
Division." Third would be (listen to the feathers ruffle) "Journalism
Division." The line beneath that headline on the division Web site
should tell the story.
So what /do/ division members study enough to present in that
subtitle? If there's a division whose member can write a great subhead,
this must be it! Mine may be verbose and too inclusive, but it's a try:
"Focused on the reporting, editing, uses (and gratifications),
business, culture and significance of the traditional, alternative and
online news media."
I'm sorry that I won't be in Chicago to talk about this in person. We
also might note parallel organizations: Our interest in business
aspects of the formerly pulp-based newspaper industry parallels that of
http://www.inma.org -- which now says its "N" stands for "Newsmedia";
our interest in the practice of news and information gathering, editing
and presentation links us with
SPJ,
ASNE and
ACES. And so on.
I'm also rushing out to trademark the title "Traditional, Alternative and Online: The TAO of Newswork."
