Spring Break
Newspapers need to change in order to stay current
Dan Stokarski
Issue date: 4/13/09 Section: Blogs
Are newspapers on the way out or simply changing shape to meet the needs of the current "digital age?" Morning Call Editor Dave Erdman came to NCC to shed light on and possibly alleviate students concerns.
The energy in the David A. Reed Common Room at NCC's Main Campus was anxious yet optimistic on Tuesday April, 14, as Erdman's hour-long presentation covered everything from the current state of The Morning Call to the possible outcome of newspapers.
"No one knows the future, so get over it" was the central thesis of Erdman's presentation. Erdman stressed that we can only speculate at this point, but by pushing forward and exploring different avenues, the newspaper has a fighting chance.
As a journalism major intent on graduating with a B.A. in Communications, I can tell you that the demise of the newspaper is a very real threat. This downfall has the potential to affect a vast number of students and journalists worldwide if the proper advances in the field are not taken.
Although newspaper revenue is down and employment is at an all time low, I'm not convinced this is the end for professional journalists. I think that newspapers, like everything else, are changing with the times and will eventually go Web based.
"People love change," said Erdman. "It's the transition that's the bitch."
I feel Erdman's observation is blunt yet correct. We, as students, are at the forefront of the shift in professional journalism. I believe that the loss of the newspaper as we know it will simply open doors for journalist to get creative and explore new information spreading techniques.
The journalist of the future will have to have broad Web-based and technological knowledge. I feel that once the ultimate goal of subscription-based Web journalism is reached, the public will demand a slew of portals by which to obtain their information.
I'll admit that the loss of the print newspaper will mark something of a sad milestone in our U.S. history. The newspaper helped shape our country when pioneers like William Randolph Hearst took risks much like we are doing today. The world isn't showing any signs of slowing and the only way to keep up is to roll with it.
The energy in the David A. Reed Common Room at NCC's Main Campus was anxious yet optimistic on Tuesday April, 14, as Erdman's hour-long presentation covered everything from the current state of The Morning Call to the possible outcome of newspapers.
"No one knows the future, so get over it" was the central thesis of Erdman's presentation. Erdman stressed that we can only speculate at this point, but by pushing forward and exploring different avenues, the newspaper has a fighting chance.
As a journalism major intent on graduating with a B.A. in Communications, I can tell you that the demise of the newspaper is a very real threat. This downfall has the potential to affect a vast number of students and journalists worldwide if the proper advances in the field are not taken.
Although newspaper revenue is down and employment is at an all time low, I'm not convinced this is the end for professional journalists. I think that newspapers, like everything else, are changing with the times and will eventually go Web based.
"People love change," said Erdman. "It's the transition that's the bitch."
I feel Erdman's observation is blunt yet correct. We, as students, are at the forefront of the shift in professional journalism. I believe that the loss of the newspaper as we know it will simply open doors for journalist to get creative and explore new information spreading techniques.
The journalist of the future will have to have broad Web-based and technological knowledge. I feel that once the ultimate goal of subscription-based Web journalism is reached, the public will demand a slew of portals by which to obtain their information.
I'll admit that the loss of the print newspaper will mark something of a sad milestone in our U.S. history. The newspaper helped shape our country when pioneers like William Randolph Hearst took risks much like we are doing today. The world isn't showing any signs of slowing and the only way to keep up is to roll with it.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Philadelphia Movers
posted 7/17/09 @ 11:19 AM EST
Many newspapers have already gone out of business, but there is still a chance of recovery for some newspapers. It won't be easy and it will take a lot of creativity and innovation. (Continued…)
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posted 11/23/09 @ 2:16 PM EST
Fully agree, that newspapers need some change to be interesting.
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posted 2/02/10 @ 12:55 PM EST
Nah, newspapers will never change.
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