ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book addresses the question of what journalism is for, in an age when anyone can publish directly to an audience; and when information is free and abundant. It focuses on some roles of journalism that have seen increased importance in a networked age. There are parts of the web which are hidden to search engines, stories which are scattered across hundreds of pages, or which only come into focus when gathered from a range of sources and combined. Journalists have the ability to shine a spotlight on these corners, and make it easier for others to dig deeper into them. The proliferation of social platforms in particular has been recognised in two ways: one dedicated to writing for social media platforms, and a second on community and social media management.
