Michele Weldon

In the brave new world of blogs and new media, experienced journalists must equip themselves with both the tools and mindset to survive.

“We have to reinvent ourselves as journalists,” urged Michele Weldon, Assistant Professor at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism in her presentation to the IWPA gathering February 16.

“The decline of print journalism and rise of new media challenges writers to communicate their messages across today’s multi-platforms,” said Weldon, who recently published her third book: Every Man’s News: Adapting to a New World in Journalism.

“Today’s journalist needs a modernized toolbox,” said Weldon, who advised listeners to take courses at community colleges to learn how to utilize blogs, podcasts, videos and other-based media to make them more marketable.     

 “Get a microphone for your IPOD and learn how to text,” she said. “You don’t have to be an OL [Old Lady] in today’s world. Adding photos and videos will add value to your work.”

The platforms for news changed and so has the content. The capacity of the Web to deliver breaking news has made print journalism “the last to cross the finish line.” As a result, journalists have to dig deeper to reach audiences.

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