Mobile technology may be crucial for media outlets in the future, according to CyberJournalist. 85% of iPhone users use mobile Internet to access news and information sites, while 31% watch TV and video, according to American Jounalism Review (AJR).

According to AJR, "Rather than replacing the traditional news outlet, cell phones may complement other media, becoming 'smart,' readable, visual, acoustic and connected, serving readers who access breaking news, sports scores, weather, blogs and stock quotes on the mobile Internet."

Although mobile content might not immediately repair the damage caused by declining print circulation and advertising revenue in the US, washingtonpost.com's James Brady believes that in the near future The Washington Post might get "close to filling the gap."

With the mobile audience expected to grow, news outlets are targeting this arena. The Washington Post, for instance, provides breaking news, headlines, stories, text alerts through sms, interactive blogs and polls, sports results and the city guide.

However, Matt Jones, Gannett's director of mobile strategy and operations, said, "The numbers are growing and it will be a multibillion dollar market, but not anytime in the near future."

Source: Cyberjournalist.net, ajr.org