Journalism Redefined

Share This

Whether you’re a casual news observer or one who closely monitors the fine details, you’ve probably sensed the dramatic changes underway in Journalism today. What was “modern” Journalism just a few years ago with outlets hosting blogs and expanding and complementing their print editions with an online presence, is now making way for an expansive digital gateway to an array of content stemming from one news article or video. With last week’s announcement from Vox Media, and an array of similar notable, recent announcements, even bigger shifts among journalists and writers, many long associated with traditional media, proves “news re-imagined” is materializing tangibly and swiftly.

These changes are far greater than simply new ways to consume news, they’re firmly establishing era in Journalism that is entirely defined by digital technology that allows us to experience the news like never before. The combination of digital technology and the curiosity of today’s journalist enable any of us, anytime, to experience news content streaming as the events unfold. Static articles are gone in place of articles providing the expected details we seek, but also offering readers a first step toward accessing a news as it unfolds, and ancillary details through the web’s intricate layers of information. Specifically how digital journalism will continue to evolve for consumers and advertisers remains to be seen. Moreover, with tech companies expanding to offer news and acquiring the talent to write and deliver it for them further proves new ground has truly been broken.

These are extraordinary times in media and digital journalism. I can only imagine what journalism professor’s of American universities and colleges are discussing today in light of these advances. For one who has always been fascinated by Journalism, I would gladly trade places with any first or second year Journalism student …if only for several weeks, to soak in the passionate lectures bound to be underway. I can’t help but remember the iconic journalist I.F. Stone I learned about while a Journalism student myself, and remember the trailblazing wisdom of Carl Rowan two very early and innovative journalists of their respective eras, who certainly re-imagined the news profoundly at the time.

It will be interesting to watch how Journalism becomes transformed in 2014, and which Journalists will help further define it.