by Ruth Belena

Created on: August 05, 2010   Last Updated: August 17, 2010

Newspapers could not exist without technology, and technological changes have always impacted the newspaper industry throughout its history. Technological advances have allowed great progress to be made in the processes of printing and newspaper production, with major improvements in photography, methods of communication and speed of new reporting. Some of the biggest changes in the newspaper industry have occurred in more recent years, with the advancement of digital publishing and use of the Internet.

• Methods of communication

In the early days of newspaper reporting, it could take days, or even weeks, for overseas news to be published. This was largely due to the time it took for hand-written copy to be transported by land and sea. Technological changes impacted news reporting with the use of telegraphy, and the later introduction of telephones. Various electronic devices have been used in the newspaper industry, including telex, teleprinters and fax machines, resulting in almost instant reports being received in newspaper offices, to appear in print the following day.

Modern communication devices allow journalists to report new stories from around the world, and to conduct interviews by phone or using the Internet. More journalists are using portable equipment and small devices, capable of storing and sending text, images, video and audio recordings. This means that reporters and editors can stay in constant contact, transmit important information and share documents.

The biggest change for news editors and journalists working in the industry today is that breaking news can be reported as it happens. Witnesses to a natural disaster or a terrorist attack can post photos or videos on the Internet, and give live accounts of what is happening. News reporters are aware of this and many of them do keep up-to-date with what is being posted on Twitter and Facebook.

Some news stories are also based almost entirely on what has being posted by celebrities in social media networks. Rumors about celebrities can spread rapidly online, and are not always true, so unconfirmed reports have to be verified or refuted.

• Electronic publishing and new applications

Newspaper websites can be updated with breaking news reports, images, video and audio content. Almost every newspaper now uses the Internet to publish an electronic version, or to show highlight of what is being reported in

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