Electronic Publishing; Challenges and Opportunities; Focusing on E-journalism

Abstract

This paper is an attempt first to introduce the conceptual definition of public sphere from Habermas’s point of view, then explores its compatibility to virtual space as new grounds for formation of new public spheres and finally evaluates challenges and opportunities that the new media can produces with a focus on Electronic publishing.  The focus of the paper is on the challenging nature of electronic publishing that is developing in the world and is sometimes considered as pathological while some consider it as an opportunity for formation or reproduction of public sphere. It is therefore the objective of this paper to answer the question of whether or not e-journalism will provide a ground for development or reproduction of public sphere. The paper in the end will try to propose strategies and /or ways that can take us out of the challenging situation that is being put forward by the development of virtual space. For this academic adventure, we have chosen e-journalism for our analysis as we consider being on the rise while facing challenges that are not applicable to traditional media such as television and radio.  This is a contribution to the body of literature on development of new public sphere along with development of e-journalism