Liz Sawyer_Vision Paper
Even before attending Newhouse, people told me what a poor decision it was for me to major in journalism. Professional reporters urged me to switch my major and pursue a career path that was more secure and not undergoing rapid changes every few years. But, as a "green" 18-year-old, I ignored their disapproval, constantly reminding myself that the industry was merely changing, not dying.
Four years later — and mere hours from graduation — I still believe that to be true. However, my experiences have also taught me that the current journalistic model cannot sustain itself if it doesn't evolve with the technology around it. People (including Millennials) still desire and consume news at a rapid pace — arguably faster than ever before. Social media and online platforms deliver news instantly. This increases the publics' ability to consume news, as well as their ability to consume information that is false. In many ways, it acts as a double edged sword. My concern for the future is that technology will continue to increase the amount of misinformation available.
I've heard many people argue that technology will soon replace reporters and photographers altogether. Inventions such as the Autographer, which snaps photos based on what it deems "interesting," and computer-generated news articles, provide a sort of artificial intelligence in the field of news gathering. The latter uses software to take data, like sports statistics and financial reports, and turn it into a cohesive story. What originally started a formulaic attempt has (scarily) evolved into something much more accurate.
Despite these impressive —albeit worrisome — advances, I truly don't believe that human journalists will be cast aside in favor of robotic ones. This is because people are necessary to communicate with one another. Sure, we can have a legitimate conversation with Siri on our SmartPhones, but a computer can't sympathize or love a human (at least not yet). Without those innately human characteristics, it's nearly impossible to have masterful reporting and writing.
However, this is not to say that all technological advances won't affect the industry in a positive way. The idea of drones used to scare me and evoke a series of Big Brother/privacy concerns. But the more I learn about them, the more excited I become about their future prospects in news gathering. As soon as companies can fix their image problem, drones will revolutionize the way journalists cover war, sports, environmental crises and other disasters. Images will be clearer because the devices can get much closer to the event than humans, which means they may save lives by removing reporters from dangerous areas.
Even non-dangerous events would benefit from their footage. A few weeks ago, drones carrying GoPro cameras filmed MayFest (was that you?!) The resulting shots were spectacular and a whole new way to view the campus-wide student party. FAA restrictions may eventually become an issue in getting drones off the ground for news organizations, but I foresee reporters/operators getting some sort of certification to legally fly them for media use.Â
In the next 10 years, virtual technologies like Oculus Rift may also serve as a leading reporting tool. The ability to revisit brief scenes of important events is no small feat, but if accomplished, would be highly coveted. The opportunity for reader interactivity would skyrocket! However, I think the Oculus Rift has many improvements to make before it can reach its full potential. Within only two minutes of using the Rift myself I developed a full blown migraine. Somehow the virtual world will have to become even more realistic (not just 4D).
Overall, I'm optimistic about the rapidly changing journalistic landscape. It just seems that, more than ever, novice journalists have to be up for anything and everything. I will like be learning how to use new tools each and every day.





