As part of Student Media Convergence Week, UT students and faculty were able to learn more about online journalism during a panel discussion Thursday, Feb. 21. The panel of online journalism professionals featured:
- Katie Granju, senior online producer of the WBIR Web site
- Staci Wolfe, senior Internet marketing editor for Lucasfilm Ltd.
- Peggy Collins, multimedia editor and producer for the MSN Web site
- Patrick Beeson, project manager for E.W. Scripps Co.
The panel discussed topics dealing with online journalism, such as how to use the new media and the job description of an online journalist.
The audience was able to ask questions regarding the topic, and the panel gave advice on how students can use the skills they know to obtain a career in online journalism.
Students can get a higher salary in the field of online journalism because they have the skills and knowledge that somebody who graduated 20 years ago doesn't have, Collins said.
Don't underestimate the online tools you use in your personal life. It can get you a job. Patrick Beeson, project manager for E.W. Scripps Co.
The panel encouraged students to start their own blogs and to use Web sites such as Facebook in order to get familiar with social networking tools available online.
"Don't underestimate the online tools you use in your personal life," Beeson said. "It can get you a job."
Wolfe told students they should know the basics of computer languages like HTML if they want to succeed in a career in online journalism. The most important skill is being able to talk to the developers, Wolfe said.
The panelists all said that the most challenging aspect of Web journalism, and also the most exciting part, is the fact that it is constantly evolving, and the job of a Web journalist can change drastically over a short period of time.
The panelists, students and faculty members were also invited to a dinner at the UC Ballroom, where Bob Benz, a partner with Maroon Ventures, stressed the importance of internet journalism in his speech, “Disruptive Journalism: A 21st Century Strategy for News Coverage.”
Benz started his speech by pointing out that he recently sold his home without the help of a realtor, but instead relying on Web site and online ads. He said his experience was indicative of the growing influence of the Web.
Benz pointed out an advantage the current generation of college students has: familiarity with the online world. Using Facebook, Flickr and YouTube is second nature to college students, which are valuable skills in the new world of online journalism.
It is extremely important for those seeking a job in online journalism to have a blog, according to Benz and the panelists. Beeson said if he was in the position of hiring people, the first thing he'd ask is 'What's your URL?' Wolfe encouraged students to start one immediately and share their opinions on issues.
Online journalists should also become familiar with local blogs, Benz said. He cited Instapundit, the blog of UT law professor Glenn Reynolds, which generates more traffic than many local news Web sites. Benz said Reynolds may update the blog more than 50 times in a single day.
Finally, Benz stressed that with so much information on the internet, the online journalist must filter it and pick out what’s most important.
A second workshop, "Web Journalism: A Public Conversation," is scheduled for April 3-4.
Comments
Patrick Beeson commented, on February 22, 2008 at 9:37 a.m.:
It was a pleasure participating in yesterday's panel. This was a great wrap-up story!
If any student would like to discuss further any topics that were covered, or if you just want to network, please get in touch with me: http://patrickbeeson.com/contact/
Liz Overton commented, on February 22, 2008 at 11:13 a.m.:
I really enjoyed yesterday's panel discussion. I just recently decided to pursue a career in web journalism and I found all the information at yesterday's discussion and dinner to be tremendously helpful. Thanks to all the panelists, TNJN, Dr. Stovall, and everyone else for putting this on!
Peggy Collins commented, on February 22, 2008 at 1:14 p.m.:
Thanks to everyone for your work, participation and interest. I look forward to seeing where journalism goes with your talents in the toolbox.
Staci Wolfe commented, on February 22, 2008 at 1:49 p.m.:
A great big thanks for Dr Stovall and all the students who made this conference possible. I have learned a lot from the journalism students at UT and I'm honored to be a part of this program. You can find always find me on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, LinkedIn, Squidoo, etc...as Staci Martin-Wolfe.