Unit H - Digital Platforms

Question 1

How do news websites hold people’s attention?

Answer 1

Ease of navigation and publication of compelling stories or images.

Question 2

What do news websites often contain compared to printed publications?

Answer 2

More information or material that cannot be published in print.

Question 3

What is a good rule for web design and why?

Answer 3

Simple and logical as you don’t want users to click away and get frustrated.

Question 4

What gives more value to users?

Answer 4

Links (internal and external)

Question 5

What else is important when considering web design?

Answer 5

SEO.

Question 6

What can be used to appeal for information on websites?

Answer 6

Comment sections at the end of an article, forums and message boards.

Question 7

What must you be wary of when using comments, message boards and forums? (three)

Answer 7

• beware anonymous posts or ‘rants’ - may be inappropriate or illegal to publish
• know the organisation’s system of moderation
• be wary of taking posts from message boards/forums that are not run by your organisation as the poster may think their post is private

Question 8

What must you keep in mind about appeals for information? (four)

Answer 8

• they can be useful in developing a news story
• careful that requests do not put the public in danger
• do not encourage people to break any laws when getting such information
• be cautious about what you receive

Question 9

What must you consider when using a website poll or text/phone vote line? (four)

Answer 9

• they can be a good snapshot of the public opinion
• not equivalent to true opinion poll
• people voting in newspaper poll are self-selecting
• can give fresh legs to a news story but also can be open to manipulation by people

Question 10

What are the two reasons that reader interactions are encouraged?

Answer 10

1. News on the web is a conversation - don’t just tell readers what is happening but give them chance to give us their views, enter into discussion and build sense of web community
2. Can also help us do our jobs better as can see which stories are most read and give readers more of what they like.

Question 11

When does the importance of feedback become clear/

Answer 11

When we consider our community role - as informers to the public.

Question 12

What can polls lead to?

Answer 12

Become a debating chamber for the community.

Question 13

What are some other ways for readers to communicate with journalists and the community?

Answer 13

• add comments to news stories - moderation may be needed, check legal position
• message/bulletin boards
• live web chats
• invite readers to submit pictures