New Facebook Instant Articles app, The future of news

Has journalism sold its soul? Last week on Wednesday, Facebook launched its new Instant Article App that saw publishing giants such as The New York Times, National Geographic, BuzzFeed, NBC, The Atlantic, The Guardian, BBC News, Spiegel and Bild, endorse the new application.

What this app means?

Basically, this app allows Facebook users to read full, interactive stories from the big publishing names such as New York Times and others, without leaving Facebook. In the past media outlets have been simply posting links on Facebook that direct readers back to their site, as traffic that can be monetized.

Now they’re allowing Facebook to host those same stories, which gives Facebook unprecedented control over their content. This means that, as a Facebook user, you will be receiving notifications via your News Feed and do not have to go to the website and read the full article.

For the publishers…

Well, all is not lost as many think. Publishers will now have power and control over stories, brand experience and monetization opportunities through ads sold in their articles, and retain the revenue. But also the face of journalism is about to change, as it will be faster and more interactive now.

Stories will come alive in new ways. From Zoom in and explore high-resolution photos by tilting your phone, to watch auto-play videos as you scroll through stories, readers will explore interactive maps, listen to audio captions, and even like and comment on individual parts of an article in-line.

Mark Thompson, President and CEO, The New York Times Company said, “The New York Times already has a significant and growing audience on Facebook. We’re participating in Instant Articles to explore ways of growing the number of Times users on Facebook, improving their experience of our journalism and deepening their engagement. We have a long tradition of meeting readers where they are and that means being available not just on our own sites, but on the social platforms frequented by many current and potential Times users.”