Major differences occur between print and online journalism. More people may read the news story on the Internet because it is easier and faster for editors to make corrections as opposed to print. Once a story is printed, it is there forever. However, once a story is put on the Internet, if any new information comes up, the editor is free to change anything from the title of the story to the wording to any new or misidentified persons mentioned in the story.
The St Louis Post-Dispatch has printed a story about water safety after a man drowned in the Meramac River on July 17, 2011. It mentioned that people should take safer procedures and wear life-jackets in rapid, high-stream waters, especially with alcohol involved. It described how easy it was for the man to drown even in shallow areas. The print version went on to state that "Dr. Elizabeth Eckhard -- a medical director at Mercy Children's Hospital -- said her emergency room had already seen one child drowning this summer." However, the online version stated that Dr. Donna Eckhard said this. This was a clear indication that the newspaper made a mistake in referring to one of its sources. Furthermore, the title changed from "Water 'smarts' vital, drownings show" to "Drownings in Missouri, Illinois as weather heats up."
So, one would infer that the information the St Louis Post-Dispatch provides in its newspaper would be more accurate online than in the print version.
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