Journeys in journalism

The history of modern-day news publication is traced from 1^st century China, to Europe, and the United States. There is mention of the enormous contribution made to journalism and democracy by US journalist, statesman, diplomat, and inventor Benjamin Franklin.

It is explained that changes in technology, and communications technology in particular, have always been accompanied by changes in news production methods and the dissemination of news. Current changes and their impact are highlighted, especially in relation to the impact they are having on how journalists work.

Concepts of media convergence are introduced. Impacts the internet and world wide web (web) are having on journalism as a profession, and on journalism education, are highlighted, as are the expectations media organisations have of journalism graduates.

Overall, the chapter/lecture aims to convey a sense of what it is really like being a journalist today, what is expected of journalists by employers and the communities they serve, and the rich heritage, traditions and ethical underpinning of the profession.

We are living in one of the most radical, positive, and exciting periods of change journalism has ever undergone —an era which could aptly be dubbed the ‘computer-assisted communications revolution’.

It is also a time when new technology and new media are challenging old ideas. Newspaper circulations are falling in many nations, as are the ratings of news and current affairs programs on free-to-air television. But new media industries are emerging and gaining strength as journalists (and others) write news for publication on the web, or for access via mobile phones and PDA computers.

In this context it is of note that even newspapers were once perceived as a new-fangled fad.

Many of the world’s first journalists and first newspaper publishers had to overcome persecution and fight for freedom of expression. They tended to shine a light on corruption and on the wheeling and dealing of the rich and powerful – something that induced fear and loathing among those on the receiving

The first Australian newspaper was the Sydney Gazette, which appeared in 1803. In the 100 years that followed, literally hundreds of new newspapers emerged. Most were independently owned by printers and compositors (those who assembled type to be printed) also fulfilled the role of journalists. They gathered news, wrote about it, edited it, and printed it.

While newspaper circulations are falling, nearly every newspaper of note now has an online edition.

Implications of new technology

The explosion of new technology has seen a move towards what has become known as journalistic and media ‘convergence’. It is a concept explained in detail in chapter/lecture 13. Basically, in a journalistic sense, convergence is about a marriage between old and new forms of media – in which combinations of radio, television, print, and the web – are combined in single newsrooms.

Newspapers and, to a lesser extent television stations, are now ‘scooping’ their own publications and broadcasts by publishing breaking news online.

Source: Lecturer notes     The Daily Miracle: An Introduction to Journalism