THE ORIGINS OF A NEW SPECIES OF JOURNALIST A new species of journalist is emerging. Who are they and what news skills do they need for the digital age?
I
n the 1940 US film classic His Girl Friday, Cary Grant’s girlfriend and heroine journal- ist Rosalind Russell gets by on her looks, her wits, and her typing ability.
That skill set would not do the trick for Ms Russell as a 21st century journalist.
As magazines morph from a print-centric mindset to a
multi-platform approach to publishing, editors need journalists with a veritable treasure trove of skills unknown to most magazine people a mere five years ago.
Writers must not only be able to research and write the way they have always researched and written (albeit with vastly more sophisticated tools), they must also be able to shoot and edit photos and video,
EYEWEAR TO ENHANCE AWARENESS — It won’t be long before something like Google Glasses becomes a reality . But before then, the 21st century journalist must have eyes that see more than the obvious, that understand the potential in what she sees for video, photo, audio, and interactive content.
ACCELERATED BRAIN —
Ms Russell is thinking about journalism all the time, constantly looking for new stories and new means for delivering those stories. Her cranium is stuffed with new ways of looking at what being a journalist means. New ideas, originality, and getting noticed are keys to success!
RADAR EARS — Ms Russell is constantly listening for new buzz, new products, and new avenues for delivery. She is listening to podcasts in her area of expertise and instantly accessible via smartphone apps like the walkie-talkie app Voxer. She is attuned to what is happening NOW!