Sunday, March 10, 2013

Reporting with Mobile Technology is the Future of Journalism


With mobile technology, journalists can capture and report a news story almost instantaneously. This new age of journalism has given birth to “backpack journalists” and “Mojos” (mobile journalists) who rely on technology to stay in field and out of the newsroom. WTOP’s Neil Augenstein was one of the first reporters to forgo all of his equipment and make the iPhone his main tool for reporting. Neil explains how he can scoop the story faster than others who are not utilizing mobile devices to their full potential. 


Reporting with One Device Requires Having the Best Accessories 

Although mobile technology has advanced over the years, journalists still sometimes need to use accessories to make a more polished product. Out in the field, Neil’s biggest complaint is that there is still not a microphone component that improves sound and doesn’t involve bulky equipment. However, there has been a recent breakthrough for the low battery issue that plagues all reporters. CES recently released a lightweight charger for all digital devices that doesn’t require an outlet to function. As technology continues to advance, reporters will only find it easier and more efficient to work off of one device. Neil explains how utilizing minimal devices enables journalists to get the scoop faster and how it is completely revolutionizing journalism. 



Veteran and Budding Journalists are Adapting to Mobile Reporting 

Budding journalists are quickly adapting to mobile reporting, giving veteran reporters a run for their money. Recently, a college senior and recent graduate covered an historic basketball event when a player made an unreal 55 feet winning shot. After capturing the remarkable moment, the reporters put their social media skills to work and the video quickly went viral. However, there are veteran reporters who are shedding the heavy equipment and leaving the newsroom to become mobile journalists. WUSA reporter Scott Broom proudly describes himself as a “One Man Band” as he treks across the country in his news van using minimal equipment to get the news. While Scott was on the road covering Hurricane Isaac, disaster struck which could have prevented him from reporting on the event. However, Scott leveraged his technological knowledge and ingenuity to still get the story. 


Mobile technology is changing the way news is reported, however, Neil stresses that it doesn’t change the ethics behind journalism, “They're just tools.” he says, “It's still up to the multimedia reporter to learn and use journalistic standards, fairness, perspective, and taste, because they don't have an app for that.”

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