Search

The article examines the effects on journalists, both broadcast and print, of writing blogs for their organizations' Web sites. A survey of over 200 such journalists was conducted. The study found that most journalists reported significant changes in how they conducted reporting and presented their work. A majority said that blogs altered their relationship with their audiences to an interactive one. The primary effect of this shift was that the journalists noted they were generating far more story ideas from comments and suggestions made by blog readers than from official sources of information in business and government.

The article presents a discussion of new partners for investigative reporters. It is mentioned that people who live in the community could help reporters exceed their limitations when it comes to inside information and insight. Some strategies for investigative reporters are beat blogging, citizen journalism and partnering with local television or radio station. Beat blogging is a concept created by Jay Rosen wherein reporters are linked with a social network of experts. Under citizen journalism, technological know-how is provided by citizens.

The article presents information about the "Team Watchdog" of "The News-Press." After the newspaper utilized crowdsourscing to enhance reporting, Team Watchdog was formed to improve investigative reporting and further involve the community. The team focused on various topics including a database of day-care inspection reports, the use of taxes for services and time-out rooms utilized to discipline students with disabilities. It is mentioned that editors and reporters got to work well with members of Team Watchdog. Online research is also done by the team.

A reprint of the article "Are Reporters Doomed" published in the November 12, 2007 issue of "The Guardian" is presented. It focuses on citizen journalism and the adoption of new media in journalism. It is mentioned that media companies are likely to have fewer employees in the future whose responsibility will be to process reports from freelancers, bloggers and citizen journalists. It also discussed the use of the Internet and the role of reporters.