1) Why has Google led to the decline of the newspaper industry?
Google had led to the decline of the Newspaper industry because people are now accessing Newspaper's online along with other News websites. It is a much easier and convenient option to read the News online as you can get it straight away by accessing it straight away on PC's of just by your phone and usually for free of charge unless you subscribe to a package.
2) Do you personally think Google is to blame for newspapers closing and journalists losing their jobs? Why?
In my opinion, I do not believe Google or any other search engine is the total blame for Newspapers declining and journalists losing their jobs. In fact, it has led to more competition between big businesses and small business as advertising has become more affordable but it also means prices are more competitive and therefore a benefit for customers. After all, the Internet will carry on growing along with technology and as long as that happens we will continue to see a decline in traditional media as other easier and more accessible options are available.
3) Read the comments below the article. Pick one comment you agree with and one you disagree with and justify your opinions in detail.
"The irony is that Google is probably more of a savior than a killer of journalism and editorial content. How many thousands of blogs, fan sites, writers, startup outlets, etc., have been discovered by Google’s search algorithms? How many talented artists and great stories have found a launching pad on YouTube and other Google outlets? How much content has been spread into new languages due to Google translate?
I completely agree with this comment, Google has excelled in terms of providing us all with wider content and more global stories. Furthermore, as he states, Google has been a stepping stone for many bloggers and talented writers, ultimately allowing the public to receive better content.
"Obviously, Google is not to blame. I don’t think it’s about blame. I think the Internet is incredibly poorly designed. Rather than being free, everything on it should cost something in order to compensate creators."
I disagree with this comment as I don't believe the internet should be "payed for" just to "compensate creators", the public has to pay for broadband at home, and data on their phones etc, so in a way they are paying for the internet as they have to pay for it themselves to access it. So I disagree as to why the public should have to pay more just to find out what is happening around the world globally.