Week 8 -- How the Tools discussed in the readings will change or have changed the way reporters work

Technology has brought about major changes to the way reporters gathered and disseminated news. There are several important tools in the hands of the journalists, and one of them is photography. For example, with the advent of digital camera, photojournalists will eventually do away with dark room processing and time consuming manipulations with the enlarger. The digital camera would set for the photographer the best aperture and shutter speed combinations.

Word processors have also eased the job of reporters as far as journalists dealing with languages using Roman and similar scripts are concerned. In those days, reporters used to change paper after paper on the typewriter till they could type in a good lead. Now, a reporter can just modify the lead without much hassle.

In addition to that, computer has speeded up the transmission of news. For example, a reporter can work at home with a computer and file his or her report over telephone lines. However, this has yet to become common in the journalism world for now.

Another advantage of the tools of reporters can be seen in news gathering process. In fact, most newspaper today receive press releases and statement over fax and of course, it has speeded up delivery.

In many countries including Malaysia, press hand outs are now being issued through the Internet or E-mail. In other words, it is now possible to release information simultaneously around the globe, and this new development in technology augurs well for reporters in performing their day-to-day work in this era of globalisation.

I believe the Internet will emerge as major source of news in the coming years, although it may not dislodge any of the established media such as newspaper, radio and television in the near future. And even now the ability to combine text, voice and pictures gives added strength to Internet as a medium.

In my view, convergence of various media plays an important role in enhancing reporters' ability to harness the power of Information technology (ICT) as far as journalism profession is concerned.