But old media have only embraced the online environment belatedly,
and developments are still minimal in many developing countries in
particular. In the developed countries, some of this expansion into
cyberspace was defensive - seeking opportunities in markets where new
competitors foraged (including scavenging off old media’s offerings),
and following migrating audiences or intercepting a new generation
[17]. In many developing countries, in contrast, it was idealistic in the
sense of wanting to “get the message out” on all available platforms. It
was also to serve the diaspora and the outside world, and indeed also
a matter of professional pride. Nowhere, despite some initial illusions,
was it originally a matter of making serious profits - at least in the early
days. It was, instead, an exercise in experimentation that actualised the
freedom (of the press) to publish. Whatever the motivation, it should be
welcomed, and encouraged. But at the same time, it amounts in a sense
only to a quantative extension of journalism. Indeed, although many
models exist [18], most online newspapers remain heavily dependent
on content from their print parents. Yet, as is well-known, new media
platforms also make possible a qualitative change.