New Media, New Journalists, New Skill Sets…

We’ve all read about the challenges newspapers are facing with a decline in print circulation, job cuts, etc. But, as The New York Times reports, “there is one corner of the profession still enjoying a boom: journalism schools.” And for these graduates, it will be all about new media and “multimedia-tasking” with blogs, podcasts and video clips.

This was reinforced when I saw an email from my alma mater, U.C. Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism, addressed to “New Media Graduates” detailing a reporter job opening at MSN Money. The successful candidate should have tech/video skills (Flash, etc) and “programming skill a huge plus.” These new media-savvy reporters would basically produce “packages” – part print, part photo, part video and more. I graduated from the program in 1997 and what a change in the required reporter skill-set since then. Back then, “packages” and “sound bites” were relegated to the world of TV news. We’re keeping on how journalism (think grass roots, participatory type as well) is being transformed by new media. Also important to note: with blogs, let the journalist (traditional or otherwise) beware. Incorrect reporting is exposed and dissected – openly – given the transparency of new media.