Information wants to be free (to the dismay of some journalists)

Malcolm Gladwell of The New Yorker discusses the idea that in the technological age “information wants to be free.”

In the article, Gladwell cites Chris Anderson’s new book, “Free: The Future of a Radical Price.” In his book, Anderson predicts the following about journalists:

There may be more of them, not fewer, as the ability to participate in journalism extends beyond the credentialed halls of traditional media. But they may be paid far less, and for many it won’t be a full time job at all. Journalism as a profession will share the stage with journalism as an avocation. Meanwhile, others may use their skills to teach and organize amateurs to do a better job covering their own communities, becoming more editor/coach than writer. If so, leveraging the Free—paying people to get other people to write for non-monetary rewards—may not be the enemy of professional journalists. Instead, it may be their salvation.

One things is for sure: There is a lots to consider in this new age.

Harding student blogging for hometown newspaper

One of my journalism students is working as a blogger for his hometown newspaper, the Gorham Times, in Maine this summer. His assignment is to attract younger readers to the newspaper’s site.

John Mark is getting real-life experience in how new and traditional media are interacting in this ever-changing industry.

Good for him. I enjoy his writing, and I know he’s learning a lot. Keep up the good work, John Mark.

Time Magazine article: Can computer nerds save journalism?

Time continues to report on the changing world on news media with its recent article, Can computer nerds save journalism?

Time has published over the last several months several thought-provoking pieces that address the downfall of traditional news media, and what the future holds for journalism. See here and here.

Writing eHow articles

I just started contributing short articles to eHow.com. It’s a challenge to provide instructions to people through direct, efficient writing. So far I’ve contributed three articles:

How to Write a Photo Caption

How to Refinish a Weathered Deck

How to Make  a St. Louis-Style Pizza

More evidence that J-schools need to change

This New York Times articles claims that journalism schools are playing catchup in the rapidly changin world of media. It’s a good read for anyone in journalism education.

AEJMC members muse the future of journalism

Colleagues over at AEJMC challenged journalism professors to submit in a creative way their thoughts on what the future of journalism and mass communication will look like.

The top three entries are posted on AEJMC’s blog. My favorite is associate professor Jane B. Singer’s entry. Concerning undergraduate journalism education, Singer suggests:

…in addition to the overall value of a university education that ideally develops abilities to learn, think, experiment, focus, socialize and grow:

• Preparation for entry-level job that includes training and practice in multi-platform content creation and maintenance, basic updates, routine reporting, editing and self-editing, blogging and working with users. Basic contextual information about journalists and journalism – law, ethics, history, social/cultural roles – also is part of this education.

• Preparation for career advancement that builds on the basics through training and practice in such areas as investigative reporting, analyzing information (in multiple formats), producing commentary, developing a personal voice, planning and creating multimedia information packages, and so on. Given accreditation limitations, any given student can gain familiarity through coursework with only a subset of these.

• Preparation for specialization that focuses more attention on / advising about content and structure of courses outside journalism than is currently provided, with an eye toward development of a marketable area of expertise for the student.

Most student journalists at Harvard not pursuing profession

Fewer members of the Harvard Crimson student newspaper are pursuing journalism careers. The good news, however, is that student interest in J-schools actually is on the rise.

Journalism is still an attractive option for students at other schools, enrollment figures show. Applications to the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism increased 44 percent this year, according to the school. At the City University of New York’s Graduate School of Journalism, applications surged 50 percent, said Stephen Shepard, the dean.

Attention storytellers: You’re going to rule the “Conceptual Age”

As we know all too well, the news about the journalism industry is bad. Layoffs. Closings. Decline in revenue.

But here’s some good news: According to one author, people who boast creative abilities, including designers and storytellers, are going to be in high demand as we usher in the “Conceptual Age.”

Daniel Pink, a former speech writer for Al Gore, writes in his book, “A Whole New Mind,” that left-brain professions, such as accounting, law and engineering, are increasingly being outsourced, while those with creative talents are becoming more valuable.

So here’s one more reason to believe our industry — one that’s made up of mostly creative types — is still incredibly viable.

Newspapers are breaking news — for the first time in decades

The Center for the Digital Future released its annual internet survey and found large increases in use of online newspapers.

An excerpt from the article:

“For the first time in 60 years, newspapers are back in the breaking news business,” Cole said, “except now their delivery method is electronic and not paper. Since the beginning of radio, newspapers have not been able to compete with broadcasting for delivery of immediate news. But in a digital world, newspapers can compete at least as effectively for breaking news delivery with broadcast media. On the Web, newspapers are live, and they can supplement their coverage with audio, video, and the invaluable resources of their vast archives. And, they already have talented teams of reporters and editors who can deliver the news.

“The key to newspapers’ success,” he said, “will be making bold moves entirely into the digital realm, and building business models that allow them to thrive online.”

Bison student newspaper launches online edition

I haven’t mentioned one of the more exciting turn of events in our world of student journalism:

The Bison, Harding’s student newspaper, is now online.

Taylor Durham, an interactive media major, created the site. Thebisonnews.com is interactive, user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing. Kudos to the Bison staff for taking this important step. The innovation and flexibility of the Web, combined with the Bison’s efforts to produce good journalism, should make an excellent marriage.