Anytime, anywhere, on any platform
Romenesko in his column for Poynter.org askes the question: Is it necessary for news organizations to be on every platform?
He refers to an article written by Robert Picard for Neiman Reports calling for a clear rationale for using blogs, social media and new technologies in newsrooms.
But, what about innovation within the news industry and the need to start leading instead of following when it comes to technology and journalism?
Robert Picard’s point about taking stock of the various
opportunities presented by new technologies in the face of new business
environment is quite accurate. The need to demonstrate the value of these
technologies in relationship to journalism and the fiscal and human resources
is paramount.
Merely because a technology is popular with some users and
journalists does not mean that its use will be beneficial to the news
enterprise as a whole,” he states
But, this is a two-edged sword. What is the yardstick being
used to evaluate these new technologies? It is not simply good enough to use
traditional values, principles and practices. There needs to be room for
innovation, experimentation and re-evaluation of journalism. Without the spirit
of exploration, newsroom will be left in the dust and made irrelevant by others
outside of journalism that are able to creatively capitalize on emerging trends
and technology.
Picard’s arguments sound like a business manager talking.
And, journalism is a business. But, one of the reasons mainstream media is in
its current bind was its blindness to the creative uses of technology taking
place around it. Blogging was considered a self-indulgent, inane form of
entertainment when it was gaining prominence. That was until some bloggers got
serious and began posting news and political commentary.
Journalist and newsroom leaders cannot keep playing catch up
as the rest of the world pushes ahead by adopting and adapting new
technologies. Sure, it is important to be responsible, but it is vital to not
be left behind.
