Problems of local media in the digitalization process from past to present: The case of Bolu province

Local media is gained a global dimension with the development of new communication technologies and internet. The definitions of geographical and cultural highlights changed with the internet. The local media can now appeal to all segments of society, and reach readers all over the world, rather than a journalistic activity with limited boundaries. Internet and new communication technologies, while providing some convenience in terms of presenting and delivering the news to the local media, have also caused information pollution and reliability problems. In this context, it becomes important to analyze the effects of digitalization on local media. This study explains the development processes to comprehend the dimensions of digitalization with describing the local media at first. In this direction, internet and social media definitions are examined, changing journalism practices are explained and their relation with local media is referred. In this article, the effects of digitalization on Bolu local media was researched and within this purpose, meetings were held with authorized persons in local media organizations. Certain themes were reached by analyzing the interviews and these arguments were combined under the main themes in a way that complements each other semantically. As a result, it is observed that digitalization affects the local media of Bolu both positively and negatively.