How to get ‘with it’ for non-wired journalists
Don Day January 2nd, 2008
Howard Owens is offering a challenge to “non-wired” journos: get with the program. He offers a plan for this journalists that many newsroom manager could offer (especially if it has some sort of incentive attached). The ideas include starting a blog, buying a digital camera, posting to Flickr, Twitter and YouTube, getting on LinkedIn, MySpace and Facebook and use RSS and SMS. Newsroom managers would be smart to use Owens’ plan as a template for old-school journalists to invest in their own future - and the future of their newsroom.
4 Comments Add your own
1. Charles | January 2nd, 2008 at 11:09 pm
I work on a student newspaper, specifically the web site. It was not much of anything before, one one story up from each section. Now, all our original stories are up for all to read, plus I’ve added the front page for all to read. This semester we’re going to add blogs, focusing on TV, Music, Art, and Journalism. And we’re working on ways to promote both our print and on-line editions.
I am toying around with a Facebook page for our product, but that article mentioned MySpace, which is a terrific idea, also.
My point is, if we can do it at a college level, where we don’t even meet every day, then other media companies can do at LEAST half of Owens suggested program. It’s not that hard, and even a little innovation can go a long way.
2. Brink | January 3rd, 2008 at 6:46 am
So, in order to be a journalist today, I have to deal with Facebook and MySpace crap?
No wonder the GOOD journalists are leaving and being replaced with kids who don’t care about basics like accuracy and facts.
3. Dan | January 3rd, 2008 at 10:45 am
I hope Brink is a ringer … cause that comment makes no sense on this site.
I’ll bite.
No, Brink … you need to find your audience … and they have chosen to be on Facebook, MySpace, et al.
The GOOD journalists at my shop have all learned the basics of “being online” and many are starting to experiment on their own (And will be encouraged to do so throughout 2008).
The crappy, “I’m on TV” types are still around for some reason — looking more out of place day by day, like dinosaurs after the comet hit.
4. Jason | January 3rd, 2008 at 10:17 pm
While I admire the spirit of this idea (and I’m miffed because I already do all of the things he talks about), I’m not sure that it makes sense to have ALL journalists in ALL shops doing this.
Just like you don’t want everyone working the courts beat, or everyone hitting up the same sources, you don’t want everyone on Twitter.
Believe me, take a look at most TV station blogs. You don’t want most of those people blogging.
Instead: focus on rewarding those who do experiment. Encouraging people who have unique voices to be out there.
Everyone should know how to use MySpace and Facebook, but having veteran journalists posting pictures to Flickr seems like a waste of their talents.
Maybe I just don’t want the oldsters interfering with my turf…
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