A digital juggling act : a case study of new media's impact on the responsibilities of local television reporters

Budding journalists entering the field, or those trying to stay relevant in their job, will have to be able to assume a range of job responsibilities in the evolving media landscape. This case study explores the dramatic transformation new media is having on the daily job responsibilities of local television journalists. Through in-depth interviews with reporters and participant observation, the research reveals reporters' tasks and work routines are evolving in three areas: dissemination, newsgathering, and the relationship with the public. Study participants expected new media to impact their dissemination process, ramping up job demands as they produce content for multiple platforms. However, they never anticipated new media, particularly Facebook and Twitter, would be so useful in the newsgathering process. In addition, the research details how the shifting relationship with audience has affected reporters' responsibilities. This case study is a useful snapshot along the convergence continuum, adding to our understanding of the fundamental changes taking place in the journalism field and, more specifically, to local television news reporters. Lessons learned from this research are helpful to others in the industry and journalism educators.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.A.

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Journalism (MU)

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Missouri--Columbia

Year dc:date.issued

2012

Author dc:creator

• Adornato, Anthony Carmen

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Reeves, Jennifer, 1974-

• digital media
• television reporters
• convergence journalism
• diffusion of innovation

Statement dc:rights

• OpenAccess.

Language dc:language.iso

eng, English

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10355/15235

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:mospace.umsystem.edu:10355/15235