Explain How Convergence Has Changed Traditional Journalism

Convergence has changed traditional broadcast journalism as much as it has changed print media. In fact, American media companies continue to take solid steps forward by merging diverse media outlets such as newspapers, television broadcasting, radio broadcasting with online journalism (Huang, et al., 2006). Successful journalists must be a jack of all trades in order to succeed in the competitive world of broadcast journalism. The days of merely standing in front of a camera operator with mike in hand are numbered. Broadcast journalism has converged with the technological Digital Age. Media convergence has muddied the distinctions between broadcast journalism, print journalism, and online journalism (Huang, et al., 2006). An aspiring journalism student needs to have a firm understanding of technology as well as reporting in order to survive in the fast paced media industry. Accurate news must reach the public in record time. Broadcasters are learning how to reach more viewers by streaming news feeds through the Internet and satellite feeds (Straubhaar, et al., 2012). …show more content…
Cable news networks and the Internet changed broadcast reporter deadlines. The public demands to know information about happenings as they occur. In the past, broadcast news was scheduled at specific intervals during the day or night. Broadcast reporters must be able to provide the most precise information in the shortest amount of time possible. Journalists often upload their stories to the web as well as prepare them for broadcast. Reporters entering a converged media environment must understand that good news gathering skills and accuracy are only the beginning of their job responsibility. Broadcast reporters