Newspapers survived and even thrived against radio and television. But the Internet is proving to be a tougher competitor. So tough, in fact, that most daily newspapers have started Internet editions, including the Messenger-Inquirer. In February 1997, the M-I launched a Web site. Content includes the local news and sports that are in the print edition, as well as links to The Associated Press wire service.
Reporters now write short versions of their stories.
These are placed on the Evening Edition of the site, which is published at 8 p.m. The Web site is also used to get breaking news to readers as it happens. When the tornado hit Jan. 3, the M-I newsroom posted early stories and relief information on the Web site within a couple of hours. When reporters learned of President Clinton's impending visit, they posted updates on when and where he would be in Owensboro as they learned more facts. During elections, returns are put on the site several times during the evening.