The Role of the Internet Portals as an Alternative Medium in South Korea

Abstract

This thesis explores the role of the Internet as an alternative to traditional news media. More specifically, I examined the correlation between the agenda of traditional news media (two newspapers and two television news programs) and the agenda of an Internet portal forum during the 2007 presidential campaign in South Korea. Findings did not support the idea that the Internet plays a role as an alternative medium. Traditional news outlets and the Internet covered mostly the same issues. This finding may indicate that Internet users first find important issues from traditional media, and then turn to an Internet portal to discuss their opinions. I conclude that the Internet may play a role as a supplementary medium to traditional news media.