While this post from PromotionWorld focuses on the benefits of document-sharing for businesses (e.g. making company reports available online), there are some valid points for news organisations:
Document sharing has become a very important and crucial ingredient when it comes to the world of SEO. Sharing documents online has helped business increase their visibility in great new way.
Sharing source material using tools such as Scribd and Yudu can add to articles by giving the reader more detail about what’s involved. Additionally, as this post points out, branded widgets are often available for document-sharing embeds spreading your news group’s name across other sites.