The Future of Journalism

After reading “The Future (We Hope) of Journalism," an article written by John Carroll, I became more aware of the drastic shifts happening in journalism today because of the advancements in technology, which allow for everyday people to publicize their voices through the Internet. I found the optimistic tone of the article refreshing and insightful. I appreciated Carroll’s analysis of the “old media,” “new media,” and “portal” outlets that exist in journalism today. His vision for how each type of media can exist in the future was well thought out and articulated. I agree, that, although, the modes and methods of news may change shape and evolve for the various kinds of media, ultimately, the old media, new media, and portals will all have vital role to play in today’s journalism and will continue to need each other’s contributions in the future.

The author rightly observed that the new media (bloggers and portals) can exist and build upon the news, precisely because of the diligent work of the “old media,” professional reporters finding news and verifying it. Bloggers and Portal outlets can then obtain these news stories and elaborate with their opinions and pull from other sources to spread news or provide social commentary about it. I completely agree that bloggers and portals (who either do not want to hire reporters or who cannot afford to do so), would not be able to successfully run their outlets, if it were not for old-school media professionals digging up stories, investing in and maintaining vital sources and contacts, and verifying the accuracy of the stories they expose. So, while the old media will have to change and adapt to our new technologically-advanced world, they won’t go extinct either.

The author delivered a much needed reminder to his readers about the importance of the news in society. Journalism makes it possible for the public to hold the powerful accountable and honest. Without the institutionalized media checking up on the actions of the government and big business, those powerful entities would be able to get away with all kinds of corruption and injustice.The news keeps the public well-informed and therefore, better equipped to participate in their civil responsibilities.

The media usually takes quite a pummeling from the public (and sometimes, rightly so), but it’s vital for people, especially Americans expected to intelligently engage in our political system, to utilize and appreciate the freedom of the press and the vast amount of information their efforts uncover and present to the world.

I particularly identified with the section of the article that addressed the “loneliness” of the being in the middle. I have noticed that the voices who not fit neatly into the stereotypical political boxes, are either ignored, or attacked by the more extreme voices from the right and left. So, they get double the criticism, making both “sides” unhappy.

I agree with the distinction Carroll made between “journalistic” voices, who aim to service the public by presenting fair and accurate information and decidedly “non-journalistic” voices who purposely use the news to manipulate the public. Extolling the virtues of “old media” ethics, is a good reminder for new media proponents to be ethical in their presentations of information.

The third section of the articled raised some interesting question about whether or not the media will be “independent” enough to really keep government and big corporations accountable. As the old media serves as a watchdog for government and big corporations, bloggers and other new media serve as a watchdog for the larger, more institutionalized media. Yet, institutional journalism is still needed to keep up with the massive entities that the government and big business have become. The public certainly benefits from both institutionalized media and smaller, more individual media outlets.

The concluding section of the article was particularly encouraging, for someone like myself, who is hoping to have a career in journalism. We are living in a unique time, with access to all sorts of technology and social networks to utilize in our pursuits of journalism. It’s exciting to participate in a journalism that is no longer a “one way” monologue, but a huge, public “conversation,” where the voices of all kinds of people can be heard and appreciated. The new media allows anyone who is willing to have some means of public self-expression, and this ultimately benefits everyone.