There’s no doubt that the way the news is delivered to the audience is changing. Multimedia websites, social media, blogs, and apps are altering the way people receive their news. This has left media outlets scrambling to keep up with changing technology and journalism schools wondering what to teach and how to teach it.
It perhaps even has resulted in some potential students questioning the future of the mass media and what they need to know to practice in this ever-changing environment.
Here are 12 things Joe Hight, director of information and development at The Oklahoman, recommends that individuals aspiring for careers in journalism should know:
- Develop good reporting and storytelling skills.
- Understand the importance of the First Amendment.
- Be accurate and credible (strive for fairness, clarity and sensitivity).
- Have ethical standards.
- Have initiative and be flexible and able to adapt to change.
- Become more aware of cultural diversity.
- Learn to use multiple devices to record news.
- Be versatile with your multimedia skills.
- Understand the need for multiple platforms.
- Know how to use social media effectively (not just among your friends).
- Think “audience” instead of “readers” or “viewers.”
- Keep trying to fulfill your dream: A determined journalist finds the story. A determined journalist finds the way.
