Emily Guskin

The impending release of Google Drive and looming changes at Google+ triggered a lively online discussion last week as bloggers generally seemed to welcome these new developments. On Twitter, it was another big week for pop stars while a tragic car accident in Japan registered as the most viewed news video.

Social media users are often fascinated by high-tech advances and a preview of Google’s augmented-reality glasses last week generated a major reaction on blogs and Twitter. Meanwhile, an April Fools’ joke at the expense of a presidential candidate was the most popular news-related YouTube video.

The newspaper industry enters 2012 neither dying nor assured of a stable future. The industry has rallied around a story about itself – that year-by year it is developing new digital products and new revenue streams to transition from dependence on print advertising. In 2011, that traditional advertising pool declined for a sixth consecutive year. The website of the Gannett Company, emphasizing those digital initiatives, now intentionally has no mention of newspapers on its home page.

The year 2011 was one of marked transition and even some positive numbers for network news.

The ethnic media play an important role by providing news in both foreign languages and in English about places and issues that are often absent from the mainstream media. To provide greater depth, we issue reports on different groups at different times. This report focuses on Native American media.

Major changes came to Google’s Search last week and bloggers rallied largely to voice displeasure and concern. And Super Junior, the Korean pop group that has rabid fans across the world, continues to be a draw on Twitter.

News of Apple’s dominance in mobile shopping and the possible waning of price comparison websites struck bloggers interest last week.

A set of moving photographs that helped define the year 2011 generated major attention in the blogosphere (and also helped BuzzFeed have its busiest day of online traffic ever). Teen singers dominated the conversation on Twitter and a Mexican presidential candidate’s gaffe was the most popular news video on YouTube.

A pepper-spraying incident at UC Davis set off a viral video on YouTube and critical commentary on blogs. In addition, conservative commentator David Frum received rare kudos from liberal bloggers.

The GOP presidential hopefuls were a major topic for bloggers and Twitter users last week as two other subjects also generated significant interest in both social media platforms—the Occupy Wall Street protests and the life and legacy of Steve Jobs.