The news industry faces a bright future despite its rapid transformation, according to Mark Briggs.
As the author of three acclaimed journalism texts, as well as an entrepreneurial journalism blog, Briggs understands the changing expectations of the industry. In 2007, he wrote “Journalism 2.0” in an effort to assist the print journalist generation transition into the multimedia climate of today and tomorrow.
His 2009 venture “Journalism Next” is written instead for journalism students and young professionals who will never be part of the traditional print news of the past. Despite the negative stereotype depicting a dying industry, Briggs remains optimistic and motivates readers that they will play a significant role in this exciting future.
Briggs argues that news media will not die; it will evolve. One century ago, newspapers faced technological upheavals similar to those seen today. That was a legendary time to be going into journalism, and Briggs provides three reasons why the same is true today.
- Journalism has a bright future.
The demand for journalism is actually increasing – not decreasing – as audiences obtain the ability to selectively choose their news sources. Commitment, passion and the ability to provide insights or a niche that nobody else can sets successful journalists apart from the trough.
2. The future is in your hands.
The most pertinent skills Generation Y has to offer potential employers are unique media/distribution ideas and a basic knowledge — or at least intuition — of emerging technological tools. Where major newspapers failed in their attempts to re-market an identical news structure to the online audience, the new generation of journalists can succeed by redefining the medium and techniques.
3. Journalism will be better than it was before.
Briggs writes, “Change is inevitable, but progress is optional.”
Journalists today do not have a choice whether or not their industry is changing; it has, and will continue to do so. The good news is that journalists can modify their contributions to work with the evolution and ultimately help their audience become more knowledgeable. Advances such as Facebook, Twitter and RSS feeds allow multiple pieces of information to be shared with a larger audience than ever possible before.
Journalists today will decide how citizens tomorrow are informed about some of the most crucial aspects of their lives.
Mark Briggs discusses the evolution of journalism methods.
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