Multimedia applications for local newspapers and local information

Local newspapers are one of the means by which community identity and culture are sustained. Electronic versions of local newspapers can maintain the role of local newspapers as cultural standard-bearers for the community, yet deliver their information in a technologically up-to-date manner. The flexibility of the technology allows for electronic newspapers that can assist disadvantaged groups in society, such as the geographically isolated, or the disabled and elderly, as well as the population as a whole. Electronic newspapers have thus the potential to widen cultural value-making across more of society than conventional printed newspapers can achieve. The main success story will be founded on the quality, on the usability, and on the user focus, content and services. Those newspapers which are able to gain early experience in making high-quality products will have the best basis to be successful within a new emerging and prospering market.