http://hsji.org Hosted at the Indiana University School of Journalism Wed, 21 Jul 2010 20:36:24 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 http://hsji.org/student-work/2010-the-media-decade/ http://hsji.org/student-work/2010-the-media-decade/#comments Tue, 05 Jan 2010 02:44:59 +0000 Jessica Haney, Indiana University School of Journalism http://hsji.org/?p=789
Yes, we are in a new year, but more importantly we are facing a new decade, a new chapter. We’re out of the rut that we were stuck induring the 2000s, and we can look ahead to the possibilities of the 2010s.

As journalists, we bite our nails in anticipation of what to expect in our ever-changing profession. It’s exciting, yet terrifying at the same time. We must look back to look ahead and identify the trends. The 1980s were the Internet years— understanding and perfecting the technology for release in the 1990s. In the 1990s we saw the mobile evolution begin with phones appearing in our personal vehicles. The 2000s were just the tuning years for social networking platforms and widespread usage of internet on mobile devices, keeping users an arms length from their favorite mobile application.

I predict 2010 to be the first step toward the mainstream use of social media with changes in mobile technologies and abilities. A mobile phone will have the capability to video conference, stream and distribute video live. As phone providers compete, I foresee these devices permitting us with higher quality services such as an HD camera lens, expanded bandwidth, battery power, and improved security features at an acceptable price range. These new features, while they may take a while to attain, will provide an information grid across the world—transferring data and news in an instant, unlike anything we currently have.

This new information flow from everyday people has already taken effect, as with the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India of 2008. The citizens of Mumbai linked to web sites with more details on the attacks than ever seen on most US networks, alerting the media of the breaking news. Retailers like Zappos, UrbanOutfitters and others use mobile apps for the online shopper and offer their customers a chance to write and publish reviews of products, strengthening the bond between consumer and retailer.

It is evident that the people want to be heard and the media wants to hear them. Many television news programs and newspapers are using their own websites and social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter to stay connected with the audience.

As news is interpreted and shared, people without journalism degrees will become first hand correspondents by sharing their findings for credit. The place for broadcast journalism and print journalism will only become more competitive as people will be able to decide when, where, and how they want their news presented. As a journalist, you’ll have to know many trades. The ability to report well is only the foundation of journalism. You have to take advantage of this skill and other opportunities in order to capture your audience and be distinguishable from the guy reporting an unfolding story from his cellular phone.

It’s exciting to me. I have great ambition and look forward to the challenge, as well as the chance to work with the new technology. I think the new decade will be very empowering in the sense that our individualistic tendencies as a society will make the media world more personal and collaborative. I am still waiting for cars to fly.

These are just a few of my predictions as I interpret what is taking place and how it can expand. I would love to hear how you think the media world is changing or how you think it will change within the next 10 years.


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