How did Straitstimes.com evolve from a traditional newspaper to a digital news platform?

Straitstimes.com evolved from a traditional newspaper to a digital news platform through a gradual transformation driven by the broader digitalisation trends in the media industry. This shift involved moving from print-focused journalism to embracing digital content formats, data-driven news production, and multi-platform distribution to meet changing audience habits.

Key points in this evolution include:

• The transition began notably around the mid-2010s, when journalists and media professionals at The Straits Times started shifting from print to digital journalism, reflecting the industry's overall move towards online news consumption.

• The platform expanded beyond text-based articles to include videos, podcasts, and interactive content, leveraging digital media to engage audiences more effectively.

• Leadership commitment and innovation at various organisational levels were crucial to this digital transformation, involving calibrated risk-taking and adapting to new technologies and audience preferences.

• The rise of internet penetration and social media usage among the population accelerated the need for The Straits Times to strengthen its digital presence, as more readers turned to online platforms for news and commentary.

• The digital platform also incorporated data analytics to guide editorial decisions, starting each day by looking at data to better understand audience interests and tailor content accordingly.

Overall, Straitstimes.com’s evolution reflects a strategic response to the decline of print media revenues and the rise of digital media consumption, transforming it into a comprehensive digital news platform with diverse multimedia offerings and data-informed editorial practices.