ROLES AND SELF-REGULATION IN ONLINE NEWS ORGANIZATIONS

Abstract

    In the era of massive information flow, online media have become an important platform for presentation, and creating many online news organizations. This study aimed to study the roles and responsibilities of the mass media within the context of being an online news organization and  a self-regulation. This qualitative research methods were employed, including document collection and in-depth interviews with 6 key informants from traditional media organizations that have transitioned to online news production simultaneously, brand new established organizations, and stand-alone news websites. Data was analyzed using selection criteria under specific conditions. The instruments used were a research framework, and semi-structured interviews (IOC≥0.67) using descriptive analysis. It was found that all online mass media adhered to their roles in presenting news, educating, entertaining, and persuading in the form of two-way communication. As the importance of the receivers increases, presentations need to be more cautious, diverse, and in new formats under factors of timing and competition, and one must be versatile. In term of the context, there are internal standards and shared across all platforms, adapting to technology and consumers. Self-regulation  consists of internal regulation, professional association regulation, and joint regulation between professional organizations and the public, which can be seen to change, role development, and standards maintenance, all of which are important for credibility.