Introduction
Journalism is a field that traces its roots to the beginning of the 16 century century, when early people of the Fourth Estate in Europe began publishing news stories that were distributed to the general public. Particularly, as per Anderson Journalism is a job that focuses on the production of news articles for broadcasting through different media platforms, such as magazines, newspapers and the current most popular news sites. 1 Notably the advent of digital technology has changed the nature of journalism significantly, as indicated by the use of the Internet to cater to the ever-changing needs of society. Because of this, certain elements of the media, such as newspapers have seen a decrease in the last decade, causing questions about the viability of the journalism industry.
In particular, several newspapers, like the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, have recently stopped operating which indicates the severity of the problem caused by technological advancements. Yet an article entitled “Newspapers are dying however, journalists’ futures aren’t bleak” from Sophie Kaplan provides an excellent investigation of the circumstances of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, revealing that the future of journalism is bright even with the loss newspaper companies. 2 According to Pavlik the emergence of technological advances in the field of journalism has led professionals working in the field to think of innovative ways to present news to the general public with a captivating style. 3 As this is the case, the majority of journalists have adopted technology into their work they do to keep up with the changing needs of their readers. For example, the diverse members in the 4th estate have adopted the different social media platforms because they are aligned with the changing habits of their readers as well as trending in the field. In this way this article combines an analysis of a case study to show that, despite the technological advances that have led to the demise of newspapers and the media industry, journalistic future remains positive.
The Overall Argument
To support the above assertion, it’s essential to prove that technological advances have changed the landscape of journalism dramatically and to the good without the presence of newspapers, as the readers of the media have embraced new methods to get news or other pertinent information. According to Anderson the age of digital is seeing more and greater numbers of people connect to the Internet through smartphones and personal computers , among other devices that are digital. 4 As this is the case, they consider using these devices to read information as being more convenient to buying magazines or newspapers through the non-convenient sellers. In comparison to a few years ago, Hermida, Fletcher, Korell and Logan indicate that the newspapers part of the journalism business has been experiencing a decrease in growth because people nowadays prefer newspapers’ sites, Facebook sites, and blogs over other news websites. 5
However, the declining developments in the industry of newspapers are not a sign that there is nothing to be done to ensure the future of journalism. Particularly, the field requires technological advances that will enable it to adapt to the current technological advancements. In line with Pavlik’s opinions and his belief that the use of innovative strategies to ensure the future of journalism is vital at a point when timely dissemination of accurate information is highly valued. 6 In this regard, the diverse social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat in addition to others, allow journalists to develop their careers in a creative manner.
Social media platforms provide journalists with a fresh information environment that is relevant to the creation of news. In the past, news organizations would share the news following coverage of the events that drew attention of the public. Today, however, people record and share their coverage of information via various online platforms. 7 As as a result, journalists are now turning to different social media platforms to gather sources of information, gather data and interact with their audiences. In this context the role of social media has transformed into a valuable information ecosystem that helps to enhance the growth of the journalism industry. In the wake of the demise of newspapers because of technological advances however, social media is still functioning as an information source which is essential in the production of news and broadcasting.
The effectiveness that social media sites provide gives journalists with the opportunity to connect and interact with their readers. 8 The interaction and connections that are generated by social media makes journalists able to remain aware of the needs of the public to read in news stories. As an example, news agencies can ask the public to participate in an opinion poll through platforms like Twitter to get a better understanding of their views about a specific issue that is of interest. The wide coverage offered by the different social media platforms extends the news stories that are broadcast by media organizations further to the international frontier. Additionally, the extensive coverage of news that is relayed through social media boosts the effectiveness of journalists. A survey found that at most 58% of journalists who use social media say that it improves their overall performance in a significant way. According van der Haak Parks Castells, Parks and Van der Haak Castells the efficiency gained from the social media shows that journalism industry is still bright in spite of the demise of certain sectors like newspapers. 9
The requirement for live information also makes social media an essential for journalists to use. One of the benefits that modern technologies offer is its capability to improve the quality of high-quality products and services in real time. In particular, the necessity to stay up-to-date with celebrities’ news and events requires journalists to continuously update their followers when events take place. Therefore, social media is among the most reliable platforms to get information. It gives journalists the chance to improve the effectiveness of their professional skills through the prompt publication of news updates when new developments occur. Thus, the technological advances that affect journalistic practices present professionals in the field opportunities to aid in the growth of their profession by utilizing avenues like social media.
An explanation of the Case Study
“Newspapers are dying However, the news media’s future isn’t all bad” Written by Sophie Kaplan is an informative report that gives an outline of the extent to technology-related changes resulted in the loss of significance of newspapers as the primary medium of disseminating news to diverse publics located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Kaplan highlights that the simple access to the Internet via the use of smartphones and cable TV has resulted in the demise papers as the only resource for information. 10 Evidently the accessibility of the Internet via a variety of digital devices has made it feasible and practical to access news updates on platforms, like those that are provided by various social media. Therefore, these platforms are more reliable than traditional print media. This alarming fact is a major reason behind the recognition of technology as an imminent danger for the journalism industry’s future.
The situation has resulted in the closing some print media companies which include The *Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, The Independent, Cincinnati Post,*and the Baltimore Examiner. Kaplan points to that the Internet change as the main reason that has led to the decision of certain people who are part of the Fourth Estate to leave the house that has been evolving through the sixteen the century. 11 The negative trend in the newspaper industry has led bloggers to write about the current situation in order to highlight the negative impact technological advancements on journalistic work.
According to Kaplan the internet blogs like The newspaper death Watchkeep readers informed about the various print media organisations that have gone out business due to technological advances. The blog, however, is not just concerning the decline of newspapers, but as well the revival of journalism. In this way, Kaplan believes in telling the story of decline as well as the revival of journalism as a dramatic solution to the problem. 12 In this regard, the rebirth of the field of journalism is due to changes in technology. People living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, should prepare themselves for a different work environment. So, the direction of the field in Pennsylvania is contingent on the readiness of experts in the field to face an evolving landscape that is embracing technological advancements.
The case study also exposes the findings of a study published in 2011 from the New York Times that found a drastic decline in circulation for various newspapers across The United States (US). 13 The pattern is alarming to individuals involved in the business since many companies are likely to cut down on publication of papers due to the widespread adoption of the digital broadcasting of news. Thus, the decrease in newspapers is an evident sign that journalists have to make the most of technology in their favor and create the rebirth of their field. In this regard it is crucial for journalists to be innovative in their work, and to make use of technology to work in their favor. 14 As this is the case, Kaplan seeks to prove that social media has many 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 how many of the technology advancements have led to the loss of jobs that are a concern for those working in the field. Between 2007 between 2007 and 2008, more than 20000 journalists lost their jobs because of the decreasing newspaper demand. The alarming instances of job loss triggered by the growing popularity of the Internet as an information source which can aid in the production of news calls calls require experts in the field to develop new methods of accomplishing their duties. Therefore to ensure being able to keep their jobs journalists must alter their roles and adopt ones that incorporate technological advancements.
A survey conducted by Gallup showed that Americans have lost faith in the media. Therefore, the popularity of the media is decreasing. In particular, Kaplan indicates that 32 percent of Americans have faith in traditional media, such as newspaper publications. 15 In this context it is essential for journalists to consider the reliability and credibility of information to earn the trust of their audiences. 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 of the public. In this regard, the study highlights journalists’ necessity to use information platforms like Facebook or Twitter to uncover the true details about events that are worthy of having it classified as news. According to Hermida interaction with people through the different platforms provided by social media is one method to build trust between media houses and the general public. 16
Kaplan acknowledges the shifts in the field of journalism which is evident by the decline in enthusiasm for reading about news in Americans. 17 So, the need for journalists to adapt can be argued to a large extent. One method of adjusting to meet the changing needs of the times requires media professionals to embrace technological advancements, thereby ensuring their viability in the ever-changing business. Utilizing new platforms such as social media sites provide journalists and news agencies with opportunities to share the stories they tell in a manner that is appealing to their audience because the public spends the majority of their time using social media.
Kaplan highlights the role of platforms like Snapchat as a key element in the learning potential of the broadcasting process. In this way, news agencies like CNN, ESPN, the Wall Street Journal, and Buzzfeed incorporate Snapchat to provide information to their viewers and encourage users to engage and enjoy visually appealing news. This has helped media organizations more relevant because the majority of people spend their time on these platforms. Furthermore, social media gives users with the ability to select from a wide range of news stories that appeal to their interests the best.
Furthermore, Kaplan explains that all media houses have an Twitter handle, which facilitates broadcasting new breaking stories. 18 The time-to-time of Twitter posts helps the news cycle have consistency, thereby ensuring 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 instrument that could boost the longevity of the journalism field. Furthermore, the necessity for journalists to think outside the box is vital to safeguarding an exciting future for journalism amidst the decline in the number of newspapers. One of the benefits of being creative is making use of technology to enhance the flow of information to audiences. In this regard the study confirms the necessity for professionals in the field of journalism to be creative and embrace technology to ensure their longevity within the journalism field. 20
Evaluation of the generalizability Case Study
The study can be applied to other cases as it clearly demonstrates that the use of technology within the world of journalism is inevitable all over the world and not limited to Pennsylvania. Particularly the industry of social media is a great way to save the industry of journalism from decline as evidenced by the decline of magazines. The ease of access to social media devices via digital devices like smartphones and personal computers allows them to get news and/or information across the globe. In the positive, journalists may see it as an advantage that allows the speedy delivery of news as the majority of people have access to the Internet without issue. Today, nearly the entire populace of the US owns a smartphone and has access to numerous online social networks. According to Van der Haak having a presence on these platforms is essential to secure their future in the field. 21
But, certain regions far behind in access to the Internet This hinders the accessibility of news stories to certain targeted viewers. In some developing nations where only a handful of people are connected to Internet. This creates gaps that need to be addressed in order to facilitate the dissemination of information to users from diverse backgrounds. In this respect this case, it reflects the reach of the Internet around the world. It is nevertheless important to note that some users might not fully embrace the various websites for social networking. Therefore, journalists working in areas with low technological capabilities may be able to experience the negative side of the digital journalistic environment.
This is not an isolated instance of the necessity of embracing technology in a creative way to aid the advancement of journalism as it shows how world’s social media gives journalists a fresh information-based landscape. Social media platforms provide journalists with details about current issues that require official reporting as news. The new information landscape enables journalists to get details from the most important sources in the field regardless of geographic place of the source. This is why the new information sources provides news organizations a new way of accessing data for efficient news production. Technology can also influence the involvement of people, and thus increases their trust in news organisations.
However, the study is not comprehensive as it does not examine possibilities of the current information technology that could facilitate the acquisition of inaccurate information about a specific issue. In all likelihood, it is essential for journalists to obtain reliable information from sources prior to making it available for news broadcasting. As it is essential to earn the trust of news organizations and journalists, experts in the field must make sure that the information they collect through channels like Twitter, Snapchat, and Facebook is true and accurate. 22 By doing this, they will protect their business from the detrimental effects of technology in the field of journalism. Technology also helps in the management of news cycles by keeping it consistent through the use of podia like Twitter to provide the latest news. But, there is a necessity to increase the gathering of reliable data from social media to increase the credibility and authenticity of information delivered to the public. Therefore, the necessity to change the role of journalists in line with current technological developments is essential to ensure the long-term viability of the industry of journalism amid the declining newspaper sub-sector.
The losses in jobs in the newspaper aspect of journalism show that it is now the time for journalists to alter their role to reflect the shifts brought on by technology. In particular, the mid-2000s witnessed an increase in the number of people laid off employed by newspapers and thereby indicating the difficulties caused by technological advancements like the Internet along with cable television. In order to safeguard journalism from dying it is essential for journalists to accept new roles that incorporate technology to ensure the longevity of their career as reporters. In this instance newspapers are able to change according to the latest fashions. In this case, for instance they could publish their articles on the internet through their social media profiles and thus allowing more opportunities to advance of their careers.
But, the evidence isn’t clear if technological advances can lead to the creation of sufficient job opportunities for journalists who are qualified. Additionally it is believed that the Internet can be more beneficial in ensuring the long-term viability of the profession of journalism when it could influence the creation of unending jobs for both future and current journalists. 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 groups. The opportunities for employment created by these departments is an indication that technology within the field of journalism can aid in the creation of new jobs.
In the end, the case provides an accurate depiction of manner in which technology such as the Internet and cable TV has transformed the nature of journalism following the demise of newspapers, which has prompted journalists to be creative to ensure their survival in a fast-changing industry. Social media certainly offers Internet opportunities that demand agents of the media to think creatively to capitalize on and improve their professional skills to keep up with latest trends. 24 However this case is constrained in certain areas that are discussed. This is why there is a necessity of further research on questions like the reliability of information gathered through social media.
Conclusion
Despite the demise of the newspaper Journalism’s future is enhanced by the integration of technology. According to reports, several media companies shut down because of the decline in circulation of their printed newspapers. This caused the reduction in employees working for news agencies. However, these issues are called people in the sector have to be creative and combined with technology to take advantage of the vast opportunities offered through social media networks like Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook. The ease of access to news sources offered by social media platforms allows journalism to get the trust of their viewers due to the constant involvement. As a result, as outlined by the study journalistic future is sure to be bright thanks to the technological advances that make it possible for media agencies to collect and distribute information across a broad geographic area.