Conley: Failing to learn, failing to teach
April 30, 2007 in blogging, industry news
UPDATE: I like Andy Dickinson’s approach: Adopt an oldie #
Our focus here is helping the next generation of journalists train for the future. But part of that means understanding what’s going on with the current generation of journalists. Paul Conley sums up the major tragedy that’s taking place: failing to adapt. Go read what he wrote. If you’re like me, you’ll cringe at some of the quotes, and weep at the results (read more via Meranda Watling). #
There are plenty of good journalists out there who are downsizing themselves because they won’t (that’s right – won’t) learn new skills, adapt to change. It’s a shame when that same attitude crops up in a college newspaper newsroom. If you’re a young journalist who has new media skills, I’d encourage you to make yourself available as a resource for your “elders” in the craft. Help them learn new skills – how to hyperlink, how to work with video or audio, how to be more multimedia-savvy. You don’t have to conduct workshops. Point them to some online tutorials. Talk about your job. Ask how you can help them do theirs better. #
t’ll help you and help them as well. It might take some time away from an already busy schedule. But the intangible benefits might – just might – outweigh the headaches. #
Last week, I showed a reporter how to attach a document to his e-mail and how to sign on to wi-fi at the courthouse, skills he'll need because we're beginning to direct file our stories from meetings, etc. Not going to win any awards for those skills, but he asked for help, so I offered it. In the past, I've also shown the reporters and editors how to use Facebook, MySpace and others to find and cultivate sources (especially important in a college town). I guess it's like reverse or double mentoring: I'll show you how to mingle with my generation, if you show me the ropes and what makes you so good as a reporter?
I will say, the reporters I know ARE willing to learn and embrace change. (Though I am certain there must be a few holdouts, my newsroom seems to have pretty quickly and smoothyly moved to a Web-first philosophy.) But some see it as there's no where else for them to go (or that they want to go). And, I guess, you're right, they are downsizing themselves rather than jumping to take that next step into the unknown.
Meranda,
thanks for the comment – and helping some of us older folks. I realize that in writing this it might seem like I've dissed an entire generation of journalists. But that's not the case. I've talked to quite a few "seasoned" news veterans who are more than willing to adapt – Howard Owens at Gatehouse Media and Dwight Yancey at Roanoke among them.
But I've also heard about the same sorts of folks that Paul Conley mentions. I don't usually run into them – i think because the nature of the business has shifted over the past year or two, and many of these folks probably mutter these things under their breath. But I've also run into them in college newsrooms.
It is really hard when even teachers can't agree on what to teach. As of now new media is not even on the radar for the professors that are currently teaching me. I have to be the one to initiate the contact. It is very hard when it isn't a priority for anyone else but myself.
Hi Bryan,
Thanks for the link.
More importantly, thanks for urging journalists to share their skills. There are plenty of folks who don't "get it" … but folks like Meranda are helping to spread the knowledge. With a few more people like her in our newsrooms, we're going to be fine.
Thank you friend for the information
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