US: Online comments boost WaPo's transparency

Posted by Maddie Hanna on June 6, 2006 at 11:28 AM

Washingtonpost.com visitors can now post comments to accompany the Post’s sports articles online, a feature that will spread to other sections of the site within the next few weeks, according to Editor and Publisher. The change marks another example of newspapers stepping up efforts to increase transparency and reader involvement, hoping to retain a readership being drawn to a broadening spectrum of media outlets.

Inappropriate material, a problem that inevitably accompanies the decision to publish public opinion, will be monitored and removed. The Post even had to terminate the comments feature on one of its blogs in the past.

A statement from Caroline Little, CEO and publisher of Washingtonpost.Newsweek Interactive: “The decision to allow comments in blogs and articles on washingtonpost.com has been very successful, but not entirely without the occasional stumble. This new launch is a sign of our recognition of a lowering of the barriers between journalists and readers and our continued commitment to the site being a place that sparks dialogue and allows participation in new and innovative ways.”

Source: Editor and Publisher (through European Journalism Centre)

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