A provocative, timely account of the changing face of jounalism from a pioneer of the new-media revolution. For a long time, media organisations have controlled the news, treating their audiences as products for advertisers. Yet as journalism has moved online and behind paywalls, the public is demanding more say in how the news is created. They are using blogs, Twitter, and Facebook to share stories, and selecting their sources to create their own ‘front page’. In this lively, biting critique, media commentator Tim Dunlop explores the rise of the audience, and how unprepared the mainstream media has been for this changing balance of power. Drawing on his experiences as prominent political blogger, he argues that the future of meaningful journalism – the sort we need in order to be informed citizens – will increasingly rely on journalists and editors taking the audience into their confidence and working with them, rather than against them. The New Front Page is a passionate plea on behalf of those tired of being talked down to by the fourth estate. Perceptive and illuminating, it asks audiences and media to work together to hold the powerful to account, and to produce the sort of news and analysis that enriches public debate. ‘A fascinating account of how digital technology has changed Australian media forever.’ Katharine Viner, editor-in-chief of The Guardian Australia ‘An essential guide to understanding our insurgent new media.’ Lindsay Tanner, author of Sideshow ‘Dunlop writes with humour, passion, and insight.’ Gay Alcorn, journalist
