Web publishers wonder: 'Is it worth being online?'

December 9, 1998
Web posted at: 2:30 PM EST

ATLANTA (CNN) -- Publishers and broadcasters with Web sites are assessing how online visitors are using news on the Internet, and whether the medium is paying for itself.

Millions of people worldwide browse for news on the Internet.

However, most news companies with Web sites say they still don't make money, although they expect to in the not-too-distant future.

At a recent forum in Atlanta, analysts said that despite current losses, most newspapers, broadcasters and other news outlets can't afford not to be online.

"They understand very well that that's where the future of advertising is," explained Internet analyst Mark Mooradian.

Internet advertising is already becoming more aggressive. In some cases, online users who download a video clip may be forced to watch a commercial before the actual clip begins.

News browsing

So what do online news watchers look for first? Surveys show the most popular first stops in the United States are national and international news stories.

Business stories are said to be the third most popular stop for online users in the United States; sports and entertainment stories come next.

The internet won't supercede traditional news media anytime soon

But news alone isn't enough to satiate the Internet news junkie.

Web publishers say Internet customers typically want more than television or newspapers can give them.

"I think what will win out in the end is good quality, credible content, combined with great services ... and commerce opportunities," said Daniel Rosensweig, president of ZDNet.

Rosensweig said that despite the Internet's booming popularity, he believes television and newspapers are here to stay.

"I think history has shown that one medium doesn't necessarily replace another medium," he told CNN. "It actually expands the number of people who come in and use information."

By the end of this year, the Internet is expected to reach 100 million users worldwide. Since its inception as a mass medium just a few years ago, the Internet has reached the 100 million-users mark more than twice as fast television did.