When I became a journalist, the galleys had to be waxed before pasting them onto a page mock-up. When I transitioned to broadcast news, we wrote scripts on triplicate, carbon copy sheets.
The UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism has been seeking a new dean for two years. One newspaper says the final two candidates most recently under consideration pulled out because the J-school is seeking a multimedia dean, a seasoned journalist who is also current on the latest communications technologies: web news, online editing, social networking, the works.
The new standards also apply to everyday street reporters like me. It’s not enough to deliver an informative, accurate story. These days, journalists need to know how to produce content for the web, from blogs to shooting and editing video to using ‘facebook’ and ‘twitter’ to spread the news. How do you keep up and keep your job? There’s a long waiting line for multimedia training workshops. Recently laid-off journalists have to do more than send out resumes and clips. You must learn and invest in new skills to even be considered for a new job.
Lucky for me I now have an empty nest and technically, more time to make myself marketable, but becoming a super-journalist is a super challenge. I question how the time I’ve spent becoming “plugged in” takes away from my true calling: to find and tell the story, the old-fashioned way.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
The Bleeding of the American Newspaper
As you all may well know, 120 folks over at the San Francisco Chronicle accepted buyout offers last week.
I went and checked out Jim Lehrer's talk at the Commonwealth Club over the weekend. Of the demise of the American newspaper, Lehrer said, "Panic over newspapers is legitimate." He pointed out there has to be a real story before the "whiners, bloggers, and entertainment" step in. Lehrer added, "If the first information comes in a joke or shout, I think we have a problem."
So what's the solution?
I went and checked out Jim Lehrer's talk at the Commonwealth Club over the weekend. Of the demise of the American newspaper, Lehrer said, "Panic over newspapers is legitimate." He pointed out there has to be a real story before the "whiners, bloggers, and entertainment" step in. Lehrer added, "If the first information comes in a joke or shout, I think we have a problem."
So what's the solution?
Sunday, April 5, 2009
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Burton: Back In The News
Political clout: John Burton is likely to head California's Democratic Party. (See the SF Chronicle's front page story today).) Burton never seems to stay out of the news for long.
I've interviewed John Burton several times. In the 90's in the halls of the the state capitol; and in May 2005 at a Cal Berkeley School of Public Policy graduation where Warren Beatty was the keynote speaker (remember Beatty teasing us about possibly tossing his hat into the gubernatorial race?). Last year I attempted to reach him about that sexual harassment suit filed by a female colleague. The case was settled, but the Chronicle says a woman still blogs "anonymously." I just checked out this "burtonwatch" blog. It's not wasting anytime opposing Burton's quest to lead the party. Nonetheless, Burton always keeps things fun for journalists. His quips translate into great soundbytes.
I'm always intrigued by these lifetime politicians. The article says Burton is 77 and questions how he will reach the party's younger generation. Not on FB or Twitter. Burton's quoted,"So I don't have a computer.. Shoot me." Said like a true Burton .. you have to give him one for consistency. Bottom line, he's a master of fundraising.
Don Perata will soon be 64 years-old and now he's the frontrunner for Oakland mayor -- with deep pockets. I was surprised to read that three serious mayoral contenders dropped out of the race after Perata's announcement to run ... now that's clout.
I've interviewed John Burton several times. In the 90's in the halls of the the state capitol; and in May 2005 at a Cal Berkeley School of Public Policy graduation where Warren Beatty was the keynote speaker (remember Beatty teasing us about possibly tossing his hat into the gubernatorial race?). Last year I attempted to reach him about that sexual harassment suit filed by a female colleague. The case was settled, but the Chronicle says a woman still blogs "anonymously." I just checked out this "burtonwatch" blog. It's not wasting anytime opposing Burton's quest to lead the party. Nonetheless, Burton always keeps things fun for journalists. His quips translate into great soundbytes.
I'm always intrigued by these lifetime politicians. The article says Burton is 77 and questions how he will reach the party's younger generation. Not on FB or Twitter. Burton's quoted,"So I don't have a computer.. Shoot me." Said like a true Burton .. you have to give him one for consistency. Bottom line, he's a master of fundraising.
Don Perata will soon be 64 years-old and now he's the frontrunner for Oakland mayor -- with deep pockets. I was surprised to read that three serious mayoral contenders dropped out of the race after Perata's announcement to run ... now that's clout.
Welcome!
Hi Everyone,
I decided to start a blog for all of us "news vets" out there!
Bottom line, we're in the business of communication and whether you're still in the business, looking for a job, or re-inventing yourself, we have to keep talking!
I hope this blog will be an intelligent exchange of ideas, issues, and support for colleagues and friends ... whatever's on your mind.
If you're a journalist, I know you have a lot to say ... welcome!
-NewsVet
I decided to start a blog for all of us "news vets" out there!
Bottom line, we're in the business of communication and whether you're still in the business, looking for a job, or re-inventing yourself, we have to keep talking!
I hope this blog will be an intelligent exchange of ideas, issues, and support for colleagues and friends ... whatever's on your mind.
If you're a journalist, I know you have a lot to say ... welcome!
-NewsVet
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