Envisioning the Internet: Implementing ‘disruptive innovation’ in media organizations

Authors

  • Tamar Ashuri Tel-Aviv University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5210/fm.v18i5.4216

Keywords:

Innovation, ‘disruptive technologies’, networked media, journalism, online newspapers

Abstract

When incorporating networked technologies, many established organizations face immense challenges, as these media involve new economic and cultural components. Predictions based on models concerning the incorporation of the so-called ‘disruptive innovations’ in established firms, are being offered in this article, viewing networked technologies as ‘disruptive innovations’. The study underscores the obstacles that limit implementation of such technologies in mainstream media organizations, and considers the strategies that might be used to overcome them. Analyzing the case of Israel’s leading newspaper, Yedioth Ahronoth, between the years 1995–2000, it shows how managers of this traditional business approached the Internet. The article analyzes how they respond to the ostensibly ‘disruptive’ networked innovation, eventually turning their organization’s Web site into the country’s chief news and content provider. The study offers lessons that extend beyond this specific case onto the broader vista of the implementation of ‘disruptive’ (networked) technologies in mainstream media environments.

Author Biography

Tamar Ashuri, Tel-Aviv University

Dr. Tamar Ashuri. Department of Communications at Tel-Aviv University, Israel.

Downloads

Published

2013-05-01

How to Cite

Ashuri, T. (2013). Envisioning the Internet: Implementing ‘disruptive innovation’ in media organizations. First Monday, 18(5). https://doi.org/10.5210/fm.v18i5.4216

Issue

Section

Articles