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Trends in Today's Media |
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A panel of three well-known media experts discussed topics in a lively and informative question and answer format . In the notes below,
To view an audio recording of the discussion, see Amy Gahan's Contentious Weblog. The page includes instructions for downloading the audio. You can listen to it with any MP3-compatible media player, download it, or find relevant links at: http://blog.contentious.com/archives/2005/08/06/what-writers-really-need-to-know-today-audio
What trends do you see?
A : Public conversation is the context within communication is occurring today. “Citizen journalism” with individuals expressing their views and perspectives is taking hold while the “big guys” (media) are being ‘kicked down.’ Voices are being heard from all across the globe. The top weblog languages include Portugese, English and Chinese.
C: Small, privately-held newspapers are driven by ad space sales. Companies are cutting budgets and reducing their ad space which is causing newspapers to encountering problems.
J: Many newspapers are now hosting citizen journals (i.e. Rocky Mountain Journal’s “My Hub”). Jobs are being merged to increase productivity. Editors are being asked to perform graphic design functions. Simple web design skills are important (Front Page, Dreamweaver, etc.)
What skills are needed?
J: Good, basic, concise writing with knowledge of AP. Basic editing and reporting courses are now available through colleges such as Metro and Community College.
C: Business writing skills, being super nosey and having a great imagination are essential. In addition to a basic writing ability, you must be able to ask the critical questions, such as “How much money do you make.” Attention to AP style is a plus. Graphic design ability is not currently required to perform the job.
A: As an independent professional, it is critical to constantly be in a learning mode. It’s not necessary to know everything, but it is essential to know how and where to access needed information. Having a good, rich network is of tremendous help as is focusing on an area of expertise.
C: “It’s all about who you know.” It’s critical to keep contacts alive and nourished. LinkedIn is a great place to network. A trend is emerging for moving reporters/journalists to “telling a story” that includes a beginning, a middle, and an end.
J: Attitude and approach are critical – as is gaining experience. Finding a niche and specializing improve chances for success. She is seeing a new type of journalism – features being told from the 1 st person perspective.
A: Her success is based on her ‘not being able to shut up.’ Participation and involvement in blogs, discussion forums, etc. has put her name out there and generated business for her.
A: Journalism and the media are not one field. Looking inside and asking the question ‘what interests me’ gets you on the path. Once you have a sense for your interests, conduct informational interviews with others in desired field. ‘Look at where you’re going as connecting with people vs. finding a job.’ She was originally a physics major and switch to science journalism.
C: “If you’re looking to make money, don’t do it.” The field may look glamorous, but it’s hard work. The best way to get started is by viewing a publications editorial calendar (usually 1 year out) and offering to do a guest column.
J: It’s easier to get your foot in at smaller newspapers (Urban Spectrum, Sentinels, etc.). Starting with a newspaper and moving to magazines seems to work best.
C: “It’s no way to make a living.” www.salary.com provides salaries for different professions within specific geographic areas.
A: Disagrees that ‘it’s no way to make a living.’ She doesn’t believe you have to do just one thing. Even if you have a day job in the media, exploring other areas after hours can be lucrative. Wired Magazine has a good article (http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/12.10/tail_pr.html about new trends.
J: Suggests a BA in Broadcast Journalism and moving into PR. State jobs pay about $42,000 with Union jobs (Rocky Mountain News) paying about $58,000/yr. Payment for articles varies.
Blogs which are essential content management systems with a built-in infrastructure.
Links to feeds are also good sources to stay ahead of the curve. Important connections can be made through blogs. The best way to find information or become involved within a specific industry or topic is to use one of the blog search engines:
J: Being concise is critical.
Notes written by Liz Carlock
A POD-cast of this meeting is available at http://contentious.com/
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