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Very Online

Five journalists on covering the internet in search of meaning, not viral trends

Karen Maniraho
Columbia Journalism Review, 2022
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8

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The internet beat is culturally relevant, but the media has difficulty describing it accurately, reports Karen Maniraho, a fellow at the Columbia Journalism Review. She discusses how five journalists each approach writing about the internet. From outlets as varied as traditional news channels to internet-focused newsletters, these reporters delve into how they cover the web and why. One focuses on “Black Twitter” to provide a new perspective on a mainstream subject, while others take a more anthropological viewpoint. All five agree on the complexity and significance of reporting on the internet, its subcultures, and its impact on society, business and politics.

Take-Aways

  • Each journalist must define the internet beat for him or herself.
  • Internet reporters seek to relay something more meaningful than the latest trend.
  • Reporters should avoid promoting “hype cycles.”

About the Author

Karen Maniraho is a fellow at the Columbia Journalism Review. 

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