Journalism: What Are The Risks?

If I were to ask you to consider what it is to be a journalist, what would you think of? Would you immediately consider the perks; the ‘pros’ of a lifestyle associated with freelance hours, worldwide travel and access all areas? Or would you think of the deadlines, the supposed lack of security and the dog eat dog mentality of the media? Whilst it’s fair to say these are considerable drawbacks of the trade, by no means are these the worst things a budding journalist can expect to endure.

One primary example is journalists who venture into areas of conflict as war reporters, done so in what writer for The Globe and Mail Anthony Feinstein regards as a bid to “open our eyes to a contemporary history we can no longer ignore.” These journalists are risking it all by choosing to work in some of the most dangerous situations, at times to devastating effect. James Foley, a 40 year old journalist kidnapped by Islamic State militants in 2012 whilst covering the civil war in Syria, was killed. James, or more fondly referred to by those who knew him well as Jim, was beheaded. His death, videoed and posted on YouTube for the world to see, was no doubt a warning to journalists attempting to overstep their mark on a territory which no longer withstands the code of conduct that once allowed journalists to work in conflicted areas - without the fear of confrontation from its inhabitants. 

In 2013, Reporters Without Borders claimed there had been “a significant increase in the abductions of journalists” in addition to “a slight bump in threats and physical attack,” making modern journalism the most dangerous it has been to date. In the last year alone, 71 journalists were killed, with 39% of those within zones of conflict such as Syria and Somalia. 87 journalists were kidnapped, with 2,160 threatened or physically attacked. The stats horrify me; and I can only hope that these will serve as a reminder that safety precautions are vital for our war reporters visiting zones of conflict in the future.

Mentality is a factor at risk as a journalist also. Distressing environments and war trauma can result in PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder), “a syndrome that can arise after an individual is exposed to a life-threatening stressor” (Feinstein, 2014), revealing that the damage is not always so obvious from the outset. 

Whilst it can be said that these are consequences of war journalism, are the risks so prevalent in day to day news reporting? Of course, journalists who place themselves willingly into the scene of a crime, incident or confrontation are at risk of harm. But, to me, the risk is minimal in comparison. Whilst war reporting is not something I personally envisage myself pursuing (but hey, never say never, right?) I have a huge respect for those who do, and have, risked it all to benefit their audience. 

Is Print Journalism Becoming Obsolete in the Wake of Digital Media?

I’m the first to admit that, when it comes to seeking out news and information, I head online to find it. The idea of picking up a newspaper to catch up on worldly events seems somewhat like a novel concept to me. It’s something I imagine saving for a rainy day, tucked up in some small cafe at breakfast time with a cup of tea, turning the pages to fill the time. But, ask anyone my age and they’re more than likely say the same.

So, what does online journalism offer that its predecessor can’t? What’s the major difference between turning a page or scrolling on a screen? In my opinion, online news outlets offer a wider, more diverse search platform that is unique to me. Compared to print journalism, online news articles and sites offer the inclusion of videos, sound and access to sources, making digital journalism a much more exciting and immersive experience. It’s quick, direct and (broadband and phone bills aside) free. Plus, it’s all available from the comfort of my very own home. Okay, so going out to pick up a newspaper is hardly the most taxing of activities. But you get the idea.

Sure, there’s nothing quite like having a tangible product in your hands. It’s almost like the ownership an album in it’s CD format compared to that of an mp3 download, or comparing a physical copy of a book with a Kindle eBook (a debate that us English Literature students agonise over.)

But in age where technology has made everything seemingly easier and more accessible print journalism has undeniably suffered, with readership for British newspapers falling 13% this year, as estimated by the National Readership Survey. Magazines have gone out of print, only to resume their content online to an even larger following. Take, for example, fashion magazine ‘Company’ who announced their final issue in September this year, but continued to publish their content via online blogs, Instagram accounts and Twitter users to a mass of devoted readers. Social media can be regarded somewhat as both the cause and cure of the apparent decline of print journalism, as platforms such as Twitter, Instagram and Facebook have undoubtedly changed the way we perceive news and our definition of what it is to be a journalist (an issue I recently discussed on my blog which you can read here.)

According to news.com.au, more iPhones are sold in 24 hours than babies born in the world. With apps that make accessing news as easy as a click of a button, it’s clear that print journalism is losing its touch in an increasingly digitally dominated world, with Pew Research Journalism Project reporting that out of the 64% of American adults that use Facebook, a staggering 30% use the site as their only source of news. But, all things considered, print journalism still appeals to a generation and population other than those whose iPhone never leaves their side, with Sun columnist James Manning claiming the demise of print journalism to be a "myth" and "still very important for some of us," suggesting that there is indeed still a demand for the printed word. 

So, you might just find me in that cafe after all.

News Curation and Storify.

News curation. The discovery and gathering of newsworthy content, sources and data that allow a journalist to piece together a story. Put simply, it’s something all journalists do. Take, for example, collecting information on an incident of interest to the general public. Reporting back would require research into the time, the date and the place. Throw into the mix quotes from witnesses, opinions of those concerned or viewpoints from local experts or academics and suddenly you’re curating a variety of content that will create a clear picture for your audience.

In recent years, news curation has evolved more significantly into digital curation, due to the increasingly technological advancement that makes social media at the forefront of journalistic tools. A prime example of this is Storify. Launched in 2010 by co-founder Xavier Damman, Storify allows its users to create both stories and timelines by incorporating articles with social media from a search engine sidebar, from anything along the likes of Twitter posts, Facebook and even YouTube videos. 

From personal experience, using Storify is both an engaging and interesting device in expanding the credibility and interest of my stories. By allowing me to incorporate a diverse range of media, readers can dictate which aspects of the article they wish to pursue further, if any, meaning the story I create is quite literally beyond my own. Enabling the inclusion of Tweets and statuses means I have been able convey opinions from members of the public, in turn portraying how digital curation has changed journalism with an active platform where journalists and users alike can participate in joint reference and discussion. Digital publishing director for Trinity Mirror blogged about the way in which journalists can use Storify and outlined his top 12 tips for using it effectively, a guide I found beneficial when using the platform myself.

Social media aspects aside, it has also prompted me into considering the validity and reliability of each source I use before implementing it within my own work. As easy as it is to simply drag and drop an article that “sounds about right” from the seemingly endless content, it’s essential to check before publishing what you're actually linking to, meaning my use of Storify has been both entertaining and informative in pursuing digital curation for use within my journalistic ventures.

Microblogging and Journalism.

It’s undeniable that social media has evolved to such an extent over the past few years alone that journalism has had to adapt its approach to present news in a relevant and easily accessible way. So how can journalists grab the interest of their readers in a succinct and impressionable manner? Enter microblogging. Or, in more familiar terms, Twitter.

Created in 2006 by Jack Dorsey, Evan Williams, Biz Stone and Noah Glass, the platform which now boasts over 500 million accounts allows it users to ‘tweet’ a 140 character status to their followers. These tweets can range from literally anything; be it your opinion on that days news, a new dress you bought or the restaurant you visited for the first time and loved last night. 

Not only can Twitter be used for personal means of communication between users, it opens doors for consumer to business interaction. So, for example, that restaurant you loved? Mention them in a tweet to let them know how well you think they’re doing. The disappointment of a poorly constructed garment at a well known store? Tweet it. By doing so, the general public are influencing the business world like never before with reviews, opinions and recommendations that are honest and, most importantly, short and straight to the point. 

So, how can microblogging through the likes of Twitter be incorporated into journalism? A short description grabs the attention of followers on the rapidly updated timeline feed to link to blog posts, articles and news pages that make news easily accessible. By using a question, it invites followers to interact with content, topics and issues raised by the writer or organisation, in turn spreading the word and raising further interest for potential readers. The inclusion of a simple hashtag allows users to follow shared content and participate with online ‘conversations’, making it a simple yet powerful communicative tool. Having an online profile on the likes of Twitter is, according to journalism.co.uk writer Rachel Bartlett, "vital" and, "given the rise, and continuing growth, of social media as a traffic referral for many news sites today, being able to share content effectively is also a valuable skill to be able to demonstrate."

In my opinion, journalism has benefitted hugely from the likes of microblogging and I’ve found it incredibly useful in promoting my own blog content. Not only that, but gaining followers whose interests are similar to mine regarding journalism means shared posts and retweets keep us all up to date with whats going occurring on a regular basis. From a journalistic perspective this means professionals are enabled to cultivate news and interact with the public, all within one singular platform. 

Blogging and Journalism.

Turn on your laptop, sign into Blogspot, choose a username and suddenly you have the very basic tools at your disposal to become a journalist. The next bit is the slightly more important part; what do you want to say? Well, that’s the thing. You can say anything. The blogging world is seemingly unlimited, with new users logging on everyday to tell the world exactly what they’re thinking, about anything and everything it seems. 

From news outlets and business corporations to at home reviewers and opinion writers, blogging has become an integral part of the online world. I’ve been blogging for just under a year now and, despite only doing so for such a short period of time, I’ve realised what an impact it’s had on shaping how rapidly journalism is changing. It’s a freeing and open ended space where news and individual thought can be represented without the need for editing, censorship or consideration as to whether or not it’s suitable for broadcast. There is no need for that all inclusive asterisk that forewarns its reader that all thoughts are those of the writer alone, because we already know that. 

Not only are blogging platforms allowing freedom of speech, businesses and brands alike are recognising the potential of having everyday people reach out to their audience. Take, for example, the fashion blogging industry. Events are held over the nation specifically for certified and well known bloggers in the fashion community, who have established themselves from the comfort of their own home, simply for the chance to be mentioned in a blog post, Twitter status or snapped for an Instagram photo. Not only that, bloggers can be considered ‘experts’ in a specific field; self confessed foodies can become reviewers and recommenders for their audience, just as beauty bloggers can promote a product sent through for tested ‘approval’ by particular brands. 

So where does this leave the ‘traditional’ journalist? Well, in not such an enviable position, it seems. The lines of what it takes it be considered legitimate are blurring as the technological age advances with the likes of social media. That being said, NPA editorial director Rick Neville claims blogs “lack the maturity, balance and moderation usually demonstrated by mainstream media,” meaning not everyone is as keen to consider bloggers in such high esteem. 

.@sambrook takes a dig at the term 'citizen journalism' - suggests anybody can be a journalist now #futurejournalism

— Abigail Edge (@abigailedge) October 22, 2014

So is #blogging considered a legitimate form of journalism now, or is it like what instagram-ing is to photography? #justasking

— Roxy (@RmystiQue78) October 21, 2014

What can be said, though, is that with such a thriving participatory community, blogging is here to stay as a benefit to both its users and audience alike.

"Some say blogging will be the end of journalism. Maybe – but for me, at least, it was also the beginning." -@jhandel http://t.co/3FY5biqRcj

— Muck Rack (@muckrack) September 17, 2014

Why Journalism?

If you’re anything like me, the definition of ‘journalism’ has become a difficult concept to discern. Not because I don’t know what it is exactly, but because it’s ever changing and ever evolving into something new every day. In its simplest terms, ‘journalism’ is the spreading and sharing of information. To me, it once meant scouring the likes of BBC News, waiting for 6 o’ clock or listening out for the radio to inform me of the day’s events. But now, not so much. 

These days, journalism is everywhere. All it takes is a smartphone and an internet connection that allows you to capture and share something of interest to the world, whatever it may be. Technological means and innovative creations such as iPhone apps make sharing information easier than ever before; Snapchat and Instagram focus solely on visual communication, whereas the likes of Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr make space for personal opinion and expression with seemingly unlimited possibility. 

Personal blogging is quickly becoming a worldwide phenomenon; platforms such as Blogspot and Wordpress are making the individual voice heard like never before. And that’s just it. A news update can be as quick as logging onto Youtube to recount the day’s events from your favourite amateur reporter, all from the comfort of their very own bedroom. Journalism is now communicative and, better yet, participatory; be it from a video reply or the addition of a simple hashtag to kick-start an online joint discussion across the globe.

It’s reasons like this that have made journalism appear so dynamic and exciting to me; you don’t have to be a certified professional to share and shout about what you love. Getting news to people no longer requires expensive gear, just a desire to be heard. It’s an industry that’s only going to grow and develop and I for one am certainly going to be part of it, iPhone at the ready.