Dijital transformation process in local media: The case of Konya

ABSTRACT Rapid improvements in communication technologies have brought about radical changes in the media sector, as in many other fields. Journalism is one of the professions most affected by these technological innovations. Studies conducted on the local press in Türkiye show that local media organisations have gained significant momentum in adapting to the digitalisation process. In studies examining the impact of digital transformation on the local press, this situation has come to the fore particularly in recent years. These studies provide a comprehensive assessment of both the advantages that digitalisation offers local press organisations and the problems it creates. In this study conducted with a focus on the province of Konya, first, the local press and its characteristics are defined, while the dimensions, development processes and effects of digitalization on the local press are explained. Additionally, this study investigates the impact of evolving journalistic practices due to digitalization on the Konya local press. For this purpose, interviews were conducted with newspaper owners, managers, and employees of local press organizations. The findings obtained from these interviews regarding the adaptation processes and effects of local newspapers to digital transformation were evaluated and interpreted using descriptive analysis. Keywords: Local Journalism, Digital Transformation, Digital Transformation in Local Press