Interactivity and multimedia in Latin American newspapers: Inroads in an incomplete transition

Abstract

This content analysis explores how 19 flagship newspapers from throughout Latin America adopt multimedia and interactive features in their websites and open up to a more dialogical relationship with their audiences. The results show that that newspaper websites continue to replicate their print version in online settings and are bringing citizens into the virtual newsroom only on a limited basis. All websites examined have some multimedia and interactive content, but only a few allow readers to report errors, submit their own content, or even contact the reporters directly. These findings highlight the challenges and pending tasks for the Latin American press in its transition to the online realm.