There are two main types of ‘News Websites’, the first are the conventional ones with high overheads, paid reporters, news studios and backroom staff. The second type are ‘People powered news websites’ with more reporters and lower overheads; people are increasingly using the Internet to find ‘the full story’.

Advantages of People Powered Websites

1. High on the list is unbiased reporting, it is recognised that some newspapers reflect the views of their owner. An internet search shows "Italian regulator accuses media of Berlusconi bias".

2. As more and more people turn to the internet for news, many become reporters, in the same way as many readers of e-zines become authors. It is recognised that there is a ‘growing army of reporters’ for these websites.

3. It is considered that these sites will eventually become number 1 for breaking news because ordinary people are the reporters. Wherever there is breaking news there may a person capable of reporting it directly to the internet.

4. It is expected that the number of ‘people reporters’ will eventually outnumber the salaried reporters for traditional news services.

5. There is no subscription; newspaper websites often charge a fee or ask for a subscription. This is because the newspaper supporting the website does not want to provide a free alternative to the purchase of their newspaper.

6. 24 hour news; whatever the time, day or night, when a story breaks, it is increasingly likely that there will be someone in the vicinity with a smart phone or mobile internet device.

7. Unaffected by the mobile phone network having difficulties during a major disaster. At the time of the London Bombing, the mobile phone network was unable to cope with the volume of calls as people phoned friends and family who were in London; wifi internet and broadband were unaffected.

The growth of the internet and mobile internet devices.

The internet continues to grow, as does the use of mobile internet devices, e.g. the Ipad, tablet pc’s notebooks and smart phones.

To submit an internet news story the user follows 3 simple instructions

1. They click on a button to write the story

2.They have an option of adding photos and / or videos and tags

3. They login (or register) and then press the submit button.

Because it is so easy, it encourages people to be reporters and to be able to see their name next to their news story.

Conclusion

The continual growth of the internet, together with mobile internet technologies (e.g. Ipads, note books, tablet pc’s and smart phones with internet access enables more people to access internet news websites. Users are also becoming reporters and it seems there will be an good supply of reporters who will regularly submit news articles. This is similar to the way many readers of e-magazines have also become authors.