Alexander Ivanov is one of the creators of the INVESTOR.BG’s websites, a long-time blogger, journalist and nowadays – Internet Development Manager at NOVA TV.
He is one of the participants in the forthcoming workshop of LEKOVI Foundation, dedicated to the digital media.
How long have you been working with online media, do you prefer them to the traditional ones and why?
I’ve been dealing with digital media for 13 years. The truth is, since my first job ever till now I’ve been engaged with digital projects.
What is missing or is ample in the Bulgarian online media these days?
Investments in journalists are missing as a whole, in the people who create the real product. This is especially obvious in the online media where quantity is more important than quality.
Most of the digital media are working according to the the copy-paste principle, using the informational agencies as a sole source. Some of the last month’s bigger merges and acquisitions at the market would probably break the model which will be very profitable for the users.
How far are we from the moment of fully digital public services in Bulgaria? When, for example, are we going to apply for and receive our drivers licenses online?
The digitalization and the establishment of the so called electronic government must be a top priority of the legislature and the executive power in Bulgaria. A very active business and civil society is needed so that the legislative processes to be pushed to work. Unfortunately, this process is not a priority for the government right now.
Why young people use broken Bulgarian when writing online? Do we have to be literate online?
We have to accept it as a kind of a slang. I don’t think it’s too bad, it is simply a type of communication which doesn’t necessarily lead to illiteracy. On the other hand, the style and literacy of the online media must be immaculate! When you prepare an article or video for the public, all principles should be observed.
If you have unlimited possibilities for the creation of your own online project what would it be?
Independent. Unconventional. Of use.
What type of future do you foresee for the Bulgarian digital media?
The interesting type!