Backpacking Journalism and the New Frontier of News by Jacob Carah

Martha Stone and Jane Stevens both raise important points about the burgeoning significance of backpack Journalism. From where I stand, Stevens comes from a perspective where the journalist that is versatile in all mediums rules. While Stone's concern about the backpack journalist is a lack of quality and specialization that contends with the all in one skill set.

I agree with both of these ladies for nearly the same reasons on why they seem to have such differing arguments both for and against these Jack & Jill of all trade journalists. For instance Stone states that, "While some multimedia journalists can handle a variety of tasks efficiently and professionally, most will only deliver mediocre journalism." While I agree with this statement in regards to the short run and the current state of backpack journalism, I think over time the new breed of journalist will polish these skills that are becoming the new prerequisite for the 21st-century story teller.

Each of these arguments cut along a very close edge in that the rise of the internet was and is a game changer for journalism and the world. It has completely changed the way people on this planet interact with each other. In terms of technological prowess, a journalist regardless of emphasis should have at least some exposure to web design, video and audio production, editing and cross-medium story structure. Stevens writes that, "As important as it is to develop multimedia journalists, and journalists who know how to work in a team and share information with other journalists with different skills, it's just as important to grow a news organization to support them."

Evidence of the need for technologically savvy journalists is in the loss of jobs and circulation in the newspaper industry that must fall to a total rebirth in useful and practical online news providers. At the same time, individuals with these new skill sets cannot be the self-purveyors of the news. Its on this point of team based work ethic coupled with integrated skill sets that Stevens and Stone cross paths.

My final point rests on where this all began; the Internet like all new mediums before it has disrupted the status-quo and thereby forcing those in the industry to learn new skills. The Web has also opened new opportunities for young and old journalists to tell and provide stories in new and exciting ways. These changes do create challenges that must be met by team and individual alike, where even the handiest backpack journalist cannot rely on just a versatile skill set to bring the news. I see it as a time of renewal and catharsis that is fostering a better brand of Journalism.