The new skills and expectations for journalists in a changing media landscape

Journalism is growing and evolving almost daily. When I talk to my parents or grandparents, who watch the news, about journalism they are shocked to hear that it has evolved to a one man band. People still don’t understand all the work and skills journalists today need to have.

So what is a Multimedia Journalist?

According to “Mobile and Social Media Journalism” by Anthony Adornato, multimedia journalists produce content across multiple platforms and are required to monitor and increase audience engagement for their work.

Journalists must now combine both “new school” and “old school” skills in order to land a job in the field. These include not only having clear writing, fact-checking and critical thinking skills, but adapting photo and video techniques for an audience that increasingly consumes news on mobile devices as social media is critical to gaining attention.

The landscape has changed from “old school” journalists in terms of what people’s old values are of journalists. There no longer needs to be a mold shaped for “anchorwoman” and “anchorman.” The non-traditional is now being embraced in terms of hair, clothing and other personal expressions.

In today’s job market, skill requirements now include excellent reporting and writing skills and a demonstrated social media presence. It’s no longer just having a strong resume, journalists are expected to have their own brand/portfolio through social media.

Multimedia journalists are now expected to be on social media all day through shooting video, writing stories and posting on social media. There is an element of creativity expected to catch the attention of future employers and must have a strong social media presence to make it in the field.

An example of when I filmed a story using an iPad mini rather than a traditional camera (Photo by Brianna Warrant)

The benefits of a growing media landscape can include more job offerings than before, as more and more jobs are opening up dedicated to mobile and social media. These positions are leading the charge in shaping the future of journalism as they have the ability to reach different audiences through developing strategies and analytics of an online presence.

Although most journalism universities are now teaching the use and importance of social media for the future generations, it poses a challenge for older journalists who must learn and adapt within the workforce and completely change how they have been practicing in their field their whole lives.

Another negative drawback to this landscape is your activity on social media can make or break your chances of even landing a job. One wrong post and your career is done.

Ethics as well can be posed as a problem with the growing digital landscape. Journalists must ensure that they do not post inappropriately and keep biased opinions to themselves. Despite this, they are also expected to show their personality and passions.

I know what you’re thinking after reading this… this is crazy! The amount of work and expectations for journalists today is undoubtedly very high and I think many audiences who know nothing about journalism probably aren’t aware of what work goes into news.

I have been told in both my internships that only a certain kind of person can make it in this field and sustain being a journalist. These people are persistent, creative, can take a hit whether it’s on social media or out in the field and those who truly love what they do.

How do you think the digital landscape is changing journalism? Do you think that journalists are adapting well to it or is there something missing from this puzzle that will never be the same again?