Payton Gendron, 19, is facing numerous hate crime charges after fatally shooting 10 Black people on May 14.
Streaming news has come a long way from the days when radio and print were the only news sources. There was a town crier who yelled the news as he walked the village. He was a better lay guide than a newspaper, but he was limited by his distance.
Cable TV entered the TV news business. In 1980, Ted Turner started the Cable News Network. This one-upped broadcast news with live events and live coverage.
Streaming news has also proven that it can draw niche audiences. In the past decade, the major streaming networks have chased breaking news. They also schedule regular nightly news programs. They offer documentaries, reruns and news analysis.
The major news networks have invested hundreds of millions of dollars in their streaming operations. They have high hopes for the future. However, they have been careful to avoid overhyping streaming.
Some streaming networks have succeeded in attracting a mass audience. In fact, a recent survey found that a majority of Americans have subscribed to at least one streaming service.
Online newspapers also offer fast news. They provide comprehensive coverage, usually objective news, and are unbiased. Most online newspapers also offer links to local TV stations.
Streaming news is a win-win for the major news networks. It reduces the scarcity of media and gives viewers the choice of viewing on their schedule. It also makes building news libraries economically feasible.
As streaming news grows, new players are likely to enter the market. Some online news operations are overtly political. The proliferation of choices could polarize the audience.
