Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

The face of news is changing. It is estimated that 46% of people get their news online at least three times a week and almost every news entity has turned to virtual media to keep up with the demand. Online news revenue now generates more than print newspaper revenue and over 50% of people have learned about breaking news through social media rather than official news sources. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google+ and other social media platforms make sharing and accessing the news easier than ever while mobile phones and devices mean that we can be constantly “tuned in” and connected. What implications do these technologies and new ways of exchanging information have for the future of journalism? The ongoing transition from print to digital and the rise of the amateur “citizen journalist” are events that have been assessed quite critically. Now that any one of us can act in an immediate journalistic role, questions arise around legitimacy and accountability. Almost 50% of people reported that they received a