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.
Sam Tongue says
I find it fascinating how about three or four of these ideas all have to do with ‘multimedia’ or ‘multi-platform’ journalism. But in doing so, Mr. Hight makes a great point: we need to know these things.
Not only do we need to know them, but they need to be taught to us as well. I’m currently a college student at Arizona State, and it is the most important thing there to teach us the importance of being a versatile journalist. Therefore it shouldn’t just be the obligation of a student to learn these things, but also of faculty and staff at journalism programs to do so as well. When we teach students how to use these tools and embody all 12 of these skills will be when journalism will regain trust from its readers.
thekrg says
Sam, I couldn’t agree more. This means that the faculty must teach these skills. It also may mean that the faculty need to learn these skills, as many educators likely didn’t use these tools when they were media professionals. In this way, faculty are re-learning their craft or at least adapting their teaching to include multiplatform reporting tools.
Thanks for your comment!
alaneoftraffic says
StateStPosts profkrg Thanks!! #12 is the most important