Table of Contents
Introduction
The field of journalism has its beginnings to the beginning of the 16 century century, when the first people of the Fourth Estate in Europe began publishing news stories to be distributed to the general public. Particularly, as per Anderson journalist, journalism is a field that focuses on the production of news articles for broadcasting through various media platforms, like magazines, newspapers as well as the presently most popular news sites. 1 Notably the age of the internet has changed the character of journalism in a significant way, indicated by the use of the Internet in order to address the changing needs of contemporary society. Because of this, certain elements of the media like newspapers have experienced a drop in their growth over the past decade, which has raised concerns about the future of the industry of journalism.
It is notable that a number of print newspapers, such as the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, have recently stopped operating which indicates the seriousness of the situation that is caused by the technological changes. Yet this article “Newspapers are dying but Journalism’s future isn’t bleak” written by Sophie Kaplan provides an excellent investigation of the state of affairs of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, revealing that the future of journalism is bright in spite of the decline of newspaper. 2 According to Pavlik the emergence of technological advancements in the field of journalism has forced professionals working in the field to come up with innovative ways to present information to the public with a captivating style. 3 As as a result, the majority of journalists working in the field have adopted technology into their work they do in order to stay in tune with the changing needs of their readers. For instance, the different journalists who are part on the Fourth Estate have taken on the different social media platforms because they are aligned with the changing preferences of their audience and trending in the field. In this regard this paper combines an analysis of a case study to show that, despite the technological advances that have led to the demise of newspapers but Journalism’s future remains positive.
The Argument in the Overall
To prove the overall arguments, it’s essential to demonstrate how technological advancements have changed the nature of journalism dramatically and in a positive way even without the presence of newspapers, as the readers of the media have embraced new methods to access news and other pertinent information. According to Anderson the age of digital will see more individuals use the Internet via phones and personal computers as well as other devices that are digital. 4 As this is the case, they consider the use of these devices to get information as being more convenient to buying magazines or newspapers through the non-convenient retailers. This is why, compared to a few years ago, Hermida, Fletcher, Korell and Logan indicate that the newspapers aspect of journalism has seen a decline because people nowadays prefer newspapers’ sites, Facebook sites, and blogs over other news websites. 5
However, the declining developments in the industry of newspapers don’t mean that there is no way to ensure the future of journalism. Particularly, the industry must adopt technological advancements that will enable it to adapt to the current technological advancements. In line with Pavlik’s ideas that the development of innovative strategies to ensure the future of the industry is essential at a time when timely dissemination of accurate news is highly valued. 6 In this respect, the numerous social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat as well as others, offer journalists the chance to develop their careers in a creative manner.
Social media platforms provide journalists with a brand new information-based landscape that can be used to improve the creation of news. In the past, news organizations would share the news following coverage of news events that attracted the attention of the public. Today, however, people record and share their coverage of news through various websites for social media. 7 As consequently, journalists have turned to different social media channels to access sources of information, gather data and interact with their audiences. In this context the role of social media has become a vital information ecosystem that helps to enhance the rapid growth of the journalism industry. In the wake of the demise of newspapers because of technological advancements the social media continues to function as an information source that is vital for broadcasting and news production.
The efficacy in social media provides journalists with the opportunity to engage and communicate with their readers. 8 The interactions and connections generated by social media makes journalists able to stay on top of what people want to read in news stories. In particular, news outlets are able to engage with the public through an opinion poll through platforms like Twitter to learn what their opinions are on a particular topic that is of interest. Thus, the extensive coverage offered by the different social media platforms can take the news stories that are broadcast by media organizations further to the international frontier. Additionally, the extensive coverage of news that is relayed via social media improves the effectiveness of journalists. A survey found that at most 58% of journalists who utilize social media claim that the tool boosts their overall performance to a large extent. According van der Haak Parks Castells, Parks and Van der Haak Castells the efficiency gained from social media indicates that journalism industry is still bright despite the decline of certain sectors like the newspaper industry. 9
The requirement for instant information also makes social media an essential for journalists to adopt. One of the benefits to modern-day technology is its capacity to boost the availability of top-quality products and services at a moment’s notice. In particular, the requirement to stay up-to-date with the latest celebrity news demands that journalists continuously update their followers in the event of events. Therefore, social media is among the most effective platforms to get information. The platform gives journalists the opportunity to increase the efficiency of their work through the prompt announcement of news updates whenever any new developments happen. Thus, the technological advances which affect how journalists work present professionals in the field opportunities to aid in the advancement of the profession via avenues like social media.
An explanation of the Case Study
“Newspapers are dying However, the future of journalism isn’t bleak” written by Sophie Kaplan is an informative report that gives an overview of the extent the extent that technological advancements resulted in the loss of importance of newspapers as an essential medium of disseminating news to diverse publics located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Kaplan highlights that the simple access to the Internet via phones and cable television has led to the demise newspaper publications as the only resource for information. 10 Evidently the accessibility of the Internet via a variety of digital devices has made it feasible and easy to get news updates via platforms, like those offered by different social media. Thus, platforms that are based on the Internet are superior to traditional print media. This alarming fact can be attributed to recognition of technology as an imminent danger for the journalism industry’s future.
The difficulty of the situation has resulted in the closing some print media outlets which include those of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, The Independent, Cincinnati Post,and the Baltimore Examiner. Kaplan identifies that the Internet technology as the primary reason that has led to the decision of certain people who are part of the Fourth Estate to leave an area that has changed through the sixteen the century. 11 The negative trend in the industry of newspapers has inspired bloggers to report on the state of the industry in order to highlight the negative impact technological advancements on journalistic work.
According to Kaplan that blogs on the web like The newspaper death Watchkeep readers informed about the various print media organisations which have gone out of the market due to technological advancements. It is interesting to note that the blog does doesn’t just cover stories concerning the decline of newspapers, but as well the revival of journalism. This is why Kaplan believes in writing about the decline, as well as the revival of journalism as a dramatic way to approach the problem. 12 In this sense, the revival of journalism is due to changes in technology. People living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, should be prepared for a brand new work environment. The development of journalism within Pennsylvania depends on the ability of the professionals in the field to face the new environment that embraces technological advancements.
The study also highlights an investigation conducted from the New York Times that found a drastic reduction in the circulation of newspapers in The United States (US). 13 This trend is a concern for individuals involved in the business since increasing numbers of companies are expected to cut down on publication of publications because of the popularity of the digital broadcasting of news. Thus, the decrease in newspapers is an obvious sign that journalists have to make the most of technology in their favor and create an enlightenment of their work. In this instance it is crucial for journalists to be innovative in their work and embrace technology in order to work in their favor. 14 As this is the case, Kaplan seeks to prove that social media offers a variety of ways for journalists to use their imagination to help ensure their longevity in the field without newspapers.
The need to embrace technological advances to ensure our journalism’s future demonstrated by the extent to which these technological advances have resulted in the loss of jobs that are a concern for those working in the field. Between 2007 between 2007 and 2008, more than 22,000 journalists were laid off due to the decline in need for newspapers. The alarming number of job loss triggered by the rise of the Internet as an information source that could facilitate the creation of news calls requires experts in the field to develop new methods of accomplishing their duties. In order to do this in the interest of maintaining their positions journalists have to alter their roles and adopt ones which incorporate technological advancements.
A survey conducted by Gallup found that Americans are less trusting of the media. Therefore, the popularity of the media is decreasing. In particular, Kaplan indicates that 32 percent of Americans trust the traditional media, such as the newspapers. 15 In this context there is a need for journalists to consider the reliability and credibility of their news in order to gain the trust of the public. This is why the accuracy of technology is among the elements that experts in the field are able to consider in the context of gaining the trust viewers. In this regard, the study highlights journalists’ necessity to use information platforms like Facebook or Twitter to uncover the true facts of the event which is worthy of having it classified as news. According to Hermida that interacting with people through the different social media platforms is one way of establishing trust between media companies and the general public. 16
Kaplan acknowledges the changing trends in the world of journalism, which is evident by the decline in readership of news in Americans. 17 So, the need for journalists to adapt can be argued to a large extent. One way to adapt to meet the changing needs of the times requires journalists to be able to integrate technological advancements, thereby ensuring their viability in the ever-changing business. The discovery of new media like social networks provides journalists and news agencies with opportunities to share their tales in a manner that is appealing to their audience as they spend much of their time using social media.
Kaplan highlights the role of platforms like Snapchat as essential to enhancing the educational nature of news broadcasting. In this way, news agencies such as CNN, ESPN, the Wall Street Journal, and Buzzfeed incorporate Snapchat to provide news to their audience and encourage users to engage and enjoy visually appealing news. The change has helped media companies more relevant as the majority of people are spending most of their time on social media. Furthermore, social media gives users with the ability to select among a range of news items that are interesting to their interests the best.
Furthermore, Kaplan explains that all media houses have the Twitter handle which allows for broadcasting new breaking stories. 18 The time-to-time of Twitter updates helps the news cycle keep its regularity, thus earning the trust of the audience. 19 Since social media can encourage people to read and interact as well as facilitating the goals of media companies, it can be described as a vital tool that will help to increase the viability of the journalism field. Additionally, the ability of journalists to think out of the box is vital to protecting an exciting future for journalism in the decline in the number of newspapers. One of the benefits of being creative is making use of technology to enhance the distribution of information to audiences. In this context this case study demonstrates that it is essential for experts in the field of journalism to take on new ideas and technology to increase their viability within the journalism field. 20
Evaluation of the generalizability Case Study
The study can be applied to other cases because it demonstrates clearly that the use of technology within the field of journalism is inevitable all over the world and not limited to Pennsylvania. Particularly the field of social media could be beneficial in rescuing the journalism business from a decline as evidenced by the decline of magazines. The ease of access to social media phones via digital devices like smartphones and personal computers make it simple to get news and/or information all over the world. In the positive, journalists see this as an advantage, which facilitates the effective delivery of information because the majority of people are able to access the Internet without issue. Today, nearly the entire populace of the US owns a smartphone and is able to connect to various websites for social networking. According to Van der Haak having a presence on these platforms is essential to ensure their future success in the field. 21
But, certain regions far behind in access to the Internet This reduces the availability of news content to certain targeted audience. For instance, in certain developing nations only a small percentage of users have access to Internet. This creates an unmet need to be filled to enable the distribution of information to users who have different backgrounds. In this sense this case, it reflects access to the Internet across the globe. But, it is important to recognize that certain audiences might not be fully embracing the various digital platforms for social media. Therefore, journalists working in areas with low technological advances could be confronted with the negative side of the digital journalism world.
This is not an isolated instance of the significance of using technology with creativity to help facilitate the advancement of journalism as it illustrates how world’s social media gives journalists a fresh information environment. Social media platforms provide journalists with details about topics that are trending and require official reporting as news. The new information landscape enables journalists to get details from the most important sources at the local level regardless of geographical area. Because of this, the new information sources provides news organizations a new way of accessing information to produce news effectively. Technology affects the way news organizations interact with people, and thus increases trust in the news organisations.
However, the study is a bit limited as it doesn’t examine possibilities of the current information technology which can facilitate the acquisition of incorrect information about a specific issue. In all likelihood, it is essential for journalists to gather reliable information from sources prior to making it available for news broadcasting. Because it is crucial to gain the trust of news organizations and journalists, experts in the field must ensure that the information collected via channels like Twitter, Snapchat, and Facebook is accurate and authentic. 22 By doing so, the stakeholders will protect their profession from the harmful effects of technology in the field of journalism. Technology can also aid in the maintenance of news cycles by keeping it consistent through the use of podia, such as Twitter to provide the latest news. But, there is a necessity to increase the gathering of reliable information from social media platforms to ensure the reliability and validity of information delivered to the public. Thus, the need to change the role of journalists in line with current technological developments is vital to ensure the long-term viability of the journalism industry despite the declining newspaper industry.
The losses in jobs in the newspaper sector of journalism indicate that it’s time for journalists to shift their role to reflect the advancements made by technology. Particularly, the mid-2000s saw an increase in the number of people laid off employed by newspaper companies and thereby indicating the difficulties that comes with technological advancements like the Internet as well as cable TV. In order to safeguard journalism from dying it is crucial for journalists to accept new roles that combine technology to sustain the viability of their career as reporters. In this scenario newspapers can adapt according to the latest developments. In this case, for instance they could begin publishing their content on the internet through their social media accounts and thus allowing new opportunities for the growth of their careers.
However, this case isn’t clear if technological advancements can aid in the creation of enough job opportunities for journalists who are qualified. In addition it is believed that the Internet could be more effective in helping sustain the profession of journalism when it could influence the creation of unending opportunities for journalist who are currently employed or aspiring to become one. 23 Currently the majority of media houses has a social media division that is responsible for the acquisition of and dissemination of news to different publics. The opportunities for employment created by these departments is an indication that technology within the journalism industry can help in the creation of new jobs.
The case overall is an accurate depiction of manner in which internet and cable television have changed the face of journalism. Internet and cable TV has changed the landscape of journalism following the demise of newspapers, which has prompted journalists to be creative to ensure their survival in this constantly changing field. Social media certainly offers Internet opportunities that demand agents of the media to think creatively to take advantage of and increase their expertise in keeping with new changes. 24 However the case is restricted in certain aspects, that are discussed. Therefore, there is the need to conduct further investigations into questions like the validity of information obtained through social media.
Conclusion
Despite the loss of the newspaper however, journalists’ future is enhanced by the integration of technology. In the past, a number of media companies shut down because of the decline in circulation of their printed newspapers. This caused the reduction in workers who worked for news agencies. However, these issues are called those involved in the industry need to adopt a new approach to creativity that is coupled with technology in order to capitalize on the vast opportunities offered through social media networks, such as Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook. The accessibility to information sources that are provided by social media platforms allows journalism to gain trust from their audiences due to the constant involvement. Therefore, as is evident in this case study journalists’ future prospects are likely to be bright due to the technological advances which have made it easier for media agencies to collect and distribute information across a broad geographic area.
