The Marcolian Online

Apr. 19 , 2007

New Media requires new breed of professionals
By Brea Gardner
gardnerb@marietta.edu

The face of media is changing as we enter a new digital era. Gone are the traditional and most recognized gatekeepers of media: newspapers, radio, and television. Enter: the internet, XM radio, cell phones, podcasting, blogs, YouTube, and yes--Facebook! The journalist is no longer the grizzled professional; the groomed suit-wearing, briefcase/notebook toting type we typically associate with the field. The new breed of journalist is anyone and everyone: you and me. The power of one has been greatly magnified as any number of people with a computer (or any of the other advanced and varied tools of technology for that matter) and a willing voice can create stories from their homes. User created content and citizen journalism are fueling a new media that emphasizes "hyper-local" news and entertainment. Traditional boundaries are already being obliterated as newsrooms across the country are beginning to integrate all facets of their news dissemination process into one centralized and coherent information center.

The media is in a scary state right now as lack of control and monitoring could possibly lead to chaos and an overwhelmed market of information overload. Integrity and ethics are again coming into question as entertainment and so-called "info-snacking" are infiltrating into our world and dominating the current media consumption. Ratings and money seem to be the only concerns. Many newspapers have already gone online and changed their entire mission and model in order to reach more people. Those who don't will be left behind, for the new media is unforgiving to those who resist and do not acquiesce to change. Therefore, many will need to critically rethink how they present the news--if not for success, then out of sheer necessity.

These paradigm shifts are happening right now. Many may be unaware of this or may not even care. But beware; this doesn't just affect one industry. Every type of business that exists uses communication or some form of media in order for information to be shared and processed, and therefore to function. That format has now changed. So, to coincide with the recent media forecast, Marietta College is responding by updating the current curriculum of the Mass Media and Communication Studies Department in order to best reflect these changes and prepare its students for a new, conceptual working world. Emphasis will be placed on producing "whole-minded" media enthusiasts. This overhaul will allow the department to match the new demands and requirements of the industry as it is redefining its identity, while keeping the journalism and media students and their jobs relevant for the future.


• Campus News • Viewpoints • Sports • Arts & Living • Greek wrap-up • Ask Marc • Spotlight • New faces at MC • Meet our staff • Staff profiles • Letters to the editor policy • History of the newspaper • Benefits of advertising • Ad rates		Apr. 19 , 2007 New Media requires new breed of professionals By Brea Gardner gardnerb@marietta.edu The face of media is changing as we enter a new digital era. Gone are the traditional and most recognized gatekeepers of media: newspapers, radio, and television. Enter: the internet, XM radio, cell phones, podcasting, blogs, YouTube, and yes--Facebook! The journalist is no longer the grizzled professional; the groomed suit-wearing, briefcase/notebook toting type we typically associate with the field. The new breed of journalist is anyone and everyone: you and me. The power of one has been greatly magnified as any number of people with a computer (or any of the other advanced and varied tools of technology for that matter) and a willing voice can create stories from their homes. User created content and citizen journalism are fueling a new media that emphasizes "hyper-local" news and entertainment. Traditional boundaries are already being obliterated as newsrooms across the country are beginning to integrate all facets of their news dissemination process into one centralized and coherent information center. The media is in a scary state right now as lack of control and monitoring could possibly lead to chaos and an overwhelmed market of information overload. Integrity and ethics are again coming into question as entertainment and so-called "info-snacking" are infiltrating into our world and dominating the current media consumption. Ratings and money seem to be the only concerns. Many newspapers have already gone online and changed their entire mission and model in order to reach more people. Those who don't will be left behind, for the new media is unforgiving to those who resist and do not acquiesce to change. Therefore, many will need to critically rethink how they present the news--if not for success, then out of sheer necessity. These paradigm shifts are happening right now. Many may be unaware of this or may not even care. But beware; this doesn't just affect one industry. Every type of business that exists uses communication or some form of media in order for information to be shared and processed, and therefore to function. That format has now changed. So, to coincide with the recent media forecast, Marietta College is responding by updating the current curriculum of the Mass Media and Communication Studies Department in order to best reflect these changes and prepare its students for a new, conceptual working world. Emphasis will be placed on producing "whole-minded" media enthusiasts. This overhaul will allow the department to match the new demands and requirements of the industry as it is redefining its identity, while keeping the journalism and media students and their jobs relevant for the future.
Mailing address: Marietta College Box A-20, Marietta, Ohio 45750-4000 Physical address: McKinney Media Center, 508 Putnam St, Marietta, Ohio Phone: (740) 376-4555 E-mail: marc@marietta.edu