The evolution of journalism in the digital age

Journalism is evolving. In a world where the smartphone has subverted the camera, and anyone can capture a story, the role of journalism and its subsequent immersion in social frameworks has had a transformative impact on the way that Americans consume content. No matter whether you’re a traditional publisher, or a student completing an online master’s in journalism, understanding the way modern media operates in a highly competitive environment can be key to forging a successful career in journalism.

Recent data from the Pew Research Center highlights just how much our media consumption habits have transformed in the last decade – with more than 80% of media consumers preferring broadcast or digital journalism over traditional newspapers and magazines. Let’s delve into this evolution in journalism – how the changing world has shaped today’s media, and will continue to shape how we interact with media in the years ahead.

Traditional media – The age of the newspaper

The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution helped pave the way for earlier media publications in the U.S. While there had been limited media publication for much of the 18th century, growth in the U.S. newspaper markets didn’t shift until the early 19th century – with the First Amendment enabling publishers to air grievances without fear nor favor, newspapers became the voice of governments and aggrieved citizens alike. 

As the population of the US grew, newspapers also experienced rapid growth – with many traditional printers lacking the capacity and scope to reach out to wide audiences with their limited logistical and printing capabilities, it was estimated that by the early 20th century, the number of newspaper publications peaked at around 22,000 individual brands across the U.S. market.

Modern advancements in printing technology, such as the development of improved printing presses, saw many brands begin to acquire small publishers to stand out in a congested market. By the 1970s, the number of media publications had consolidated by nearly 90%, with an estimated 1,800 publications still in the market.

New delivery – Radio and television

In this shifting realm, however, new technologies were creating new avenues to spread and share news. Radio broadcasting made its way to the airwaves in the early 20th century, allowing for a conversation when times were tough that a simple newspaper simply couldn’t offer.

By the 1940s, the invention of the television had made its way into the American family living room – and as a result, broadcasters such as NBC and CBS experimented with news broadcasts – a short-format broadcast of the happenings of the day, allowing for families to receive a more detailed summary of the news than what could be offered by radio, in a speed faster than that of traditional print media.

As the bombing of Pearl Harbor occurred in December 1941, radio and television broadcasters worked in tandem to provide special reports from Honolulu – a precursor to modern breaking news events. This tested the capabilities of contemporary radio and broadcast publications to reach out to the modern world – a sign of things to come for the transformation of journalism – and an early warning sign for traditional print media.

Radio and television continued to grow – with broadcasters finding new and creative ways to present transformative moments in American history – from the Watergate Scandal to the events of September 11, radio and television have presented an opportunity to witness major events from across the nation, happening live before our very eyes.

Improvements in radio and broadcast television have had an impact on the way that Americans consume their news media, resulting in a decline in print media consumption as audiences found faster ways to get the media they needed. It has also transformed the way that journalists respond to the needs of audiences – by preparing for multiple audiences, journalists can tackle a variety of audiences with media that engages their particular needs.

On-demand media – The rise of web-based journalism

However, it can be said that the impact that radio and broadcasting has been relatively minor when compared to the emergence of the personal computer, the emergence of the Internet, and the impact that it has had on media consumption. 

While the personal computer was first introduced to the U.S. market in the 1970s, it was typically cost-prohibitive and inaccessible to most families. As costs declined, and technology advanced, by the late 1980s, the personal computer was widespread throughout many family homes.

For many media publications, without warning, the introduction of the personal computer in the family home became a predecessor to the demise of conventional print journalism. Media organizations simply couldn’t compete with the speed and volume of information that an Internet-connected personal computer could provide – as devices became faster, smaller, and more portable, traditional media companies found themselves on the outer when audiences wanted content that they could consume immediately.

As a result, there have been further declines in the number of newspaper publications. Once a mighty industry, newspaper and media agencies have been forced to pivot, to tackle news in a format that customers prefer. While this may seem grim, it’s presented many opportunities for journalism to innovate – with a rise in immersive, investigative journalism such as the work done by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists on the Pandora Papers – an area of data-intensive investigation that simply may not have been possible without the personal computer and the Internet.

What does the future hold for journalism?

In the last century, the emergence of technologies such as radio, broadcast television, and the Internet, have had a significant impact on the way that Americans consume media. It’s also changed the way that journalists are seen – no longer are they names on a piece of paper, they’re now vocal representations of the work that they publish.

The future of journalism looks set to be transformative, yet again. As we revisit technologies such as podcasting and innovate in fields such as data-driven journalism, consumers look set to enjoy a golden age of content, tailored to their needs. For the traditional newspaper business, however, they’ll need to continue to look at new ways of evolving their business and approaching new audiences. For the prospective journalism student, however, there has never been a greater opportunity to shape your own future in such a critical field in communications.