Media Metamorphosis

Megan Carnahan

mc054910@ohio.edu

Constant Change

Media are ever-changing. In a technologically developing world, we must adapt to new advances and ideas in the way we, as reporters, present ourselves. We are constantly adjusting the five Ws in journalism:

Who is considered a journalist?

What news should be reported?

When should we release this news?

Where can we spread the news?

Why should people care and listen to our news organization?

Pros and Cons of the Developing World

In the "State of the News Media-Online Values Survey" article, many, many people (journalists, citizens and others) are split on how they view the current condition of the news media. About half of news-interested people think that the Internet is “changing the fundamental values of journalism” and is loosening standards and inviting less careful reporting.

I tend to disagree. 

Photo courtesy of http://internet-browser-review.toptenreviews.com/

It is inevitable that with change comes even more change, but I don’t think that the Internet is making us just “throw out” our fundamental values. There are some positives about the technologically advancing world that people need to realize. The Internet allows us to use pictures, videos and articles; It allows us to connect to viewers around the world and attract new audiences.

In the The Huffington Post's Parents section, a mother writes about how the Internet helped her connect with mothers all over the world to fight her postpartum depression, as well as posting pictures of her daughter growing up so her distant family could see her.

Not too long ago, none of this could happen.

Bloggers Can Be Journalists, Too?

In my opinion, I say yes, but with some stipulations. I apply these stipulations with every other writer, reporter, journalist and all the other news gatherers out there. These media folks must act ethically in their work, unlike Crystal L. Cox,  who abused journalistic ethics.

In the article, "Judge Clarifies that Bloggers can be Journalists (Just Not One in Particular)," Judge Marc Randazza stated that Crystal L. Cox did not fit the criteria of being a journalist. She posted profanities, defamatory statements, and released names and personal information of certain people she was covering. This obviously is not how an ethical journalist should act.

On the flip side, bloggers everywhere can look up to video blogger Josh Wolf. He served 226 days in jail, longer than any other journalist in U.S., history for protecting source materials. As a result of him “upholding the principles of a free and independent press,” he was named Journalist of the Year in 2006 by the Society of Professional Journalists. He also made some states reconsider their shield laws to add “blogger” under the category of journalist.

 

“Onions have layers. Ogres have layers.” & Journalism Shall Soon Have Layers

“Layered journalism” will soon be a more familiar term to hear. It is something that I am definitely for. Journalism will be layered horizontally, in which different forms of journalism will be brought together, (print, broadcast, online, photography and so much more). It will also have a vertical aspect, mixing many layers of the different types of journalists out there. There could be citizen journalists and bloggers, freelancers and commentators -- whatever combination you can think of.

Photo courtesy of www.sodahead.com

I believe that this concept of “layered journalism” will bring about a great convergence of ideas and people, only to make the distribution of news and stories that much better. Though some traditionalists may disagree, I have high hopes for the way media is transforming. As long as we, as journalists, keep our ethics and morals in mind, we will hopefully convert these changes of the media into encouraging and favorable news conditions for the public to believe in again.