CNBC: When News Websites Become the News

For quite some time CNBC.com took the viewer to some boring page that was part of the MSNBC family. Also, for quite some time, they have been announcing plans for a major revamping of their site. The new site was "rolled out" today and, I must admit, it is fairly impressive.

Welcoming visitors to the new website, CNBC President Mark Hoffman had the following statement:

"As you explore CNBC.com you will discover aggressive breaking business news coverage, in-depth analysis, and exceptional investment tools which you can personalize to best serve your needs. In addition, CNBC.com has the most extensive business video in web history, live video programming, a substantial list of topical blogs from CNBC's anchors and reporters, and much more."

The objective is clear, to take news to people in the ways they want it delivered. It is fast in its loading, overwhelming in its resources (including tools to catch your email when you ask to see video with the hope to hit you with ads later), and includes numerous tools to keep track of your investments and to monitor stories of specific interest to you. The only thing that it is lacking is Web 2.0 functions (this link is to one of the best articles I have read on the subject), in which people can drive the media as well as be driven by it (beyond the most basic found at any news sites). I'm eager to news see sites facilitate this need.

What do we learn from this site? The media continues to acknowledge that the web is the future, particularly when it comes to news. And in the future, TV will support the Internet and not likely the other way around. The web, as a news source is cheaper, smarter, and far more efficient than TV. The Internet is truly in its Golden Age.