The media and journalism are facing an enormous transformation as digital-only news outlets increase in popularity and the rise of artificial intelligence technology influences our media consumption. So, how exactly is technology changing the media landscape today?
Going online only
As printed newspaper sales face a steep decline and traditional media outlets expect swinging cuts, the world is embracing digital-only journalism and media in their place. Where in years past a printed newspaper or magazine was a journalist’s primary focus, today journalistic efforts are more often focused on the digital space.
This technological transformation has also given rise to ‘citizen journalism’, which allows ordinary people, with their phone cameras and social media, to report on breaking news and events.
Moving with the times
As the concept of the virtual newsroom becomes more popular and journalists shift their strategies to fit in with the ever-evolving landscape, upcoming journalists must adapt to the modern age. For those studying on NCTJ courses with providers such as newsassociates.co.uk/what-is-the-nctj/, studying and analysing technological trends within the industry will be critical.
The use of automation and AI tech
Artificial intelligence and automation have become an important tool for today’s journalist. Where an AI-written article can never replace human-written journalism, AI has become a super effective method of time-saving for modern journalists, even at giant outlets such as the New York Times. AI and automated fact-checking, proofreading and report production give a journalist more time to spend writing or in the field.
The news cycle
No longer confined to the strict journalistic timetables of the past, technology has brought about the 24/7 news cycle. Online, journalists have instant, any-time access to a global audience, and 24/7 digital media now appear to dominate the industry’s landscape.
Social media
The advent and popularity of social media have also been instrumental in transforming the media landscape of today. Big news outlets and organisations use these platforms to great effect for publicising breaking news to an instant audience or sharing immersive multimedia content such as videos, readership polls and images.