When citizens can become journalists overnight with a newsworthy blog, the necessity of formal journalism education comes into question. A new report by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and the New America Foundation says it’s more crucial than ever, but a few changes need to occur. The report, “Shaping 21st Century Journalism: Leveraging a 'Teaching Hospital Model' in Journalism Education,” suggests universities should not just teach journalists, but should produce meaningful journalism by embracing a community news mission.
The report was released at Journalism Interactive, the conference on journalism education and digital media at the University of Maryland. Authors C.W. Anderson, Tom Glaisyer, Jason Smith and Marika Rothfeld write that universities should shadow the method of teaching hospitals that “don’t merely lecture medical students, but also treat patients and pursue research.
Journalism programs should not limit themselves to teaching journalists, but should produce copy and become laboratories of innovation as well.”
A shift in funding must accompany the transition from solely educators to trusted news providers. Universities will need to lean on the federal government, community foundations, lawmakers and the media industry to sustain their goal.
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