| Online reading habits are different compared to | | | | go with their scripts. |
| those of newspaper readers. Online readers skim | | | | In internet reporting, these elements are taken |
| through sites and texts instead of thoroughly | | | | together and manipulated based on how the story |
| absorbing content. They feel a need to be | | | | could be best presented. |
| proactive when using the internet and fulfill this by | | | | Studies have also shown that online readers value |
| actively pursuing information rather than just | | | | credibility. In the print and broadcast media, |
| taking in what is presented to them. | | | | reporters build their credibility over the years and |
| Online readers also look for their "quick fix" and | | | | earn the trust of readers and viewers. Online, |
| tend to scan headlines and read only the first two | | | | however, it's a different ballgame since readers |
| paragraphs of the story. If they find the story | | | | are not always certain who is behind the story, |
| interesting they would probably read through its | | | | and whether the site could be trusted. To |
| entirety, but they wouldn't really care about | | | | establish credibility in the story writers can use |
| details. | | | | graphics and links to sites to show that due |
| They crave for the interactive. You can fulfill this | | | | diligence was done. Don't be afraid to use links in |
| need by presenting news through elements that | | | | your stories. In the online world, links are currency. |
| best tells the story: text, audio, video, graphics, | | | | If you have a well written story readers will go |
| links. Print media look for information and | | | | back and read the rest of it after checking the |
| supplement this with photos, while TV reporters | | | | link. In writing online, remember that links could |
| look for emotions on camera, and complement | | | | function as a means to verify your story. |
| reports with images, sound bites and pictures to | | | | |