The Presence and Use of Interactive Features on News Websites
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2016
Keywords
content analysis, convergence, engagement, interactivity, newspaper, television news
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1080/21670811.2015.1042982
Abstract
Although interactive features, such as comment sections, used to be rare on news websites, they are now the norm. Based on theoretical concepts of interactivity and convergence, we analyze whether diverse sites are similar in the provision and use of interactive features online. We conduct a content analysis of 155 news websites to examine the presence and use of social media buttons, lists of hyperlinks, polls, comment sections, and mobile sites. Television news and newspaper websites are compared, as are local and more broadly targeted news sites. The findings provide little evidence for interactive convergence. Rather, results reveal many differences in the adoption and use of interactive features based on medium and target. Reasons for differences across these sites are discussed.
Citation / Publisher Attribution
Digital Journalism, v. 4, issue 3, p. 339-358.
Scholar Commons Citation
Stroud, Natalie Jomini; Scacco, Joshua M.; and Curry, A.L., "The Presence and Use of Interactive Features on News Websites" (2016). Communication Faculty Publications. 919.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/spe_facpub/919
