Save the Media

So why am I blogging about the media. I’m blogging because I really believe that journalism needs to survive. To me, it’s a vital watchdog in a free Democracy.  I am writing this blog as part of my small attempt to help save the media.

I’ve been a newspaper journalist — reporter, editor, copy editor — for nearly 20 years, and I love this business.  Journalism does great things.  I got into this business with the typical idealism. I wanted to be a voice for those who had none. I wanted to expose the wrongs in society. I wanted to make a difference. And in my small way, I have.

But like a close relative who sometimes needs a kick in the pants, journalism needs to get its head together, I think.  New media is here, and you need to use it.

I’m worried because so many journalists I know are  stubbornly digging their heels in and refusing to change quickly enough with the times. Yes, it would be nice if this were still the 1960s, and people had nowhere else to get their news except the mainstream press. Wake up. Those days are gone.

The good news is people are consuming more news then ever. The bad news is traditional media has much competition.  So journalists have to get into the interactive media game. They must start using the tools that bloggers use. They have to learn the lingo; the attitude; they have to start connecting with their readers.

I love the path journalism is taking, although I know it will prove rocky. I find it invigorating to be at the start of this new journalism revolution. In this blog, I’ll be talking about my own experiences using social media, networking and listening to the community to serve it better. I’ll write about “joining the conversation” of the interactive Web and how that give journalists power they could never imagine in days gone by.

I’m a pragmatist. Stop mourning that the heyday of journalism is over; start working to bring about a second heyday. I hope you’ll follow along on this journey with me.

– Gina

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