Newsroom
Communications and electronic journalism have changed dramatically in recent years and promise to change even more in years to come. The familiar lines that once marked the boundaries between radio, television, print, computers, telephones and other media are blurring. News in the future will be a fully digital broadband mix of audio, video, print, graphics and databases. In the coming years, new technology and changing market forces will completely transform the news industry.
Electronic journalists are already seeing their work distributed on-line, some of it by organizations other than traditional broadcast stations and networks. As a result, journalists have to be more versatile and learn new skills. Stations must adjust as well, as the new digital equipment required to gather and present the news will be far more powerful, much easier to use and offer great possibilities for new products and revenue--and new competitors as well.
Regardless of the medium of distribution, the essence of journalism will always be selection and story telling. But, when nearly every home and office can receive dozens if not hundreds of sources of news and information, who will bear the ultimate editorial responsibility? The implications of these technological changes for the public and for our democratic society require a thorough examination from the perspective of both the journalist and the news consumer.
To help journalists understand and use new communication technologies effectively and responsibly, RTNDF's The Future of News project examines the impact of changing technologies on journalism. The Future of News addresses these key issues:
1. How will changes in communication technology affect journalists and news organizations.
2. How can the quality, integrity and usefulness of the news product be maintained.
3. How can journalists use these new communication tools to better serve the audience and our society.
4. How will the audience react to this rapid pace of change.
To fulfill its objectives, The Future of News carries out original research, new publications and broad public education. The beneficiaries of The Future of News products and services are first and foremost working journalists and news executives who face the direct impacts of the changes. Additional beneficiaries include journalism students, educators and others concerned about the impacts of these changes.
Affiliated with the Radio-Television News Directors Association, RTNDF is a 501(c)(3) educational institution that promotes excellence in electronic journalism through research, education and training for news professionals and journalism students. RTNDF's programs are supported entirely by charitable contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations.
