The digital age has changed journalism; and adapting to new technologies has become mandatory. NiemanLab’s predictions for journalism 2017 give an insight into different opinions and beliefs on the state of journalism, where the industry is heading and how its transitioning in the digital age.
Nathalie Malinarich, in her post believes that just because it’s going online, it doesn’t necessarily mean journalism needs to be dumbed-down or lose content and context. A new generation simply needs to learn how to adapt to the changes and develop new skills based on the new technologies.
As I scroll through Facebook, I’m often faced with articles with intriguing headlines that demand I click and read, but upon entering the site, find a less than exciting article. For example, a headline such as ‘Tom Cruise is a stripper’, with an article inside about a movie role he had when he was 21.
There’s a misconception that journalism is losing its credibility due to click bait articles on social media, but Malinarich predicts that it’s simply a case of finding new ways to create meaningful, credible and reliable journalism that can be distinguished from meaningless click bait.
Another opinion comes from Almar Latour, who writes in his post that the best journalism comes from periods of time filled with turmoil and uncertainty. In times of political or national unrest, journalists are required more than ever to produce credible and meaningful work.
People seek answers in these times; they want to know the facts, and the potential consequences. It’s a journalists job and obligation to provide these details, and it’s more important in difficult times to provide truth, transperancy and clarification.
Whilst I agree with Latour, as some of the best journalism I’ve read has been from these times, I also believe that significant world events can test the skills and capabilities of journalists. One particular article stands out; a piece by journalist Raymond Bonner that criticises the way the media handled 9/11, and the fall out from it. In this article, it’s suggested that fear lead to journalists failing to properly do their job. The way in which Osama bin Laden and Al Qaeda were feared caused an international panic, and this was fuelled by the media. So, whilst I do believe that significant world events produce the best pieces of journalism, I also believe they simultaneously test journalists and their ability to be truthful and informative.
