I hate to say I told you so, but...
Last week I wrote about how Wired magazine thought the future of journalism will all happen on small, online publications like Sharesleuth.com--nimble outfits with low overhead and small, flexible staff.
This week I wrote about my buddy Adam B. Ellick who wrote a print piece and edited a video piece for his NY Times story about a dying generation of dumpling makers in the East Village.
In both cases I told you that web tools and simple video skills could change your career as a non-fiction writer. Today, I have concrete proof that this model is pure survival. The Columbia Journalism Review blog has the scoop:
"[ABC News] has found a way to keep reporters in the field in far-flung locations. They’re doing this by using new handheld communications technology, and keeping one-person bureaus open in several cities. The reporters will travel their region, using small DV cameras and editing-enabled laptops."
Run, don't walk, to the nearest video editing class. Borrow your friend's camera. It's time to tell stories...
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Recently, I've read more pieces where people lament the coming of this type of journalism. I suppose it's a rejection of the "cult of the amateur" but it seems like productions without the overhead of studio glossies have more actual CONTENT than the overworked garbage produced during the last 20-25 years.
I think there is a legitimate concern about accuracy, but that is overcome by some degree by the speed of communications and the online community. I'm thinking about i-reporters on CNN but it could really apply to almost any mainstream media outlet.
Posted by: Jamie | October 7, 2007 8:13 AM | Permalink to Comment