Utilizing Trending Technology is Key to Success for Journalists

Journalism is changing and professionals are advising students they need ingenuity and creativity to get ahead in the industry. Budding and veteran journalists must learn to be adaptable and technologically savvy in order to survive.

Quick thinking in the field is expected of today's journalists 

At Saturday’s Face Time with the Pros seminar, journalism professionals volunteered to speak to students in their area of expertise, from mobile journalism to covering live stories. WUSA Scott Broom’s presentation included his mobile coverage of Hurricane Isaac. While Scott was on the road, disaster struck which could have prevented him from covering the story. But because of his inventiveness, the show went on and his report was a success. 

Photojournalist Bethany Swain spoke to students about creating opportunities for themselves and forward thinking. While working at CNN, Bethany spearheaded a project during her personal time before presenting it to the network, which eventually become the award winning series “In Focus.” Bethany also reviewed the basics of how to shoot a sequence and stressed the importance of “getting the moment.” And she reenforced Scott’s message of forward thinking and not dwelling on mistakes in the field.

Students benefit from pro's immediate feedback

Every group of students had several professionals working with them which enabled each student to get attention and advice on their specific area of interest. During the “Working the Live Shot” seminar, students listened to a simulated press conference and were then immediately ushered outside to the news van to report on camera. The workshop tested their abilities to retain the important information and to perform on the spot. University of Maryland Freshman Marina Dimarzo participated in the exercise and learned a lot from the experience and NBC4 news reporter Mark Segraves’ feedback.

Journalist pro attributes success to her education 

In its third year hosted by the University of Maryland, the NATAS Chesapeake Bay Chapter’s seminar included several professionals who had attended the university. One UMD Alumni, CBS News Correspondent Tolleah Price spoke to students about the value of returning to school after being out in the field. Tolleah, like most journalists, had the skills to succeed, but lacked the the background and networking pool to break into the industry. She attributes getting a job at CBS with attending UMD and participating in their Graduate Certificate Program.

The overall message delivered to students from the journalism professionals was to always look forward and keep moving with the times. Journalism will continue to change and if they want to be a part of the industry, they must find avenues to keep up with the current trends.