Thoughts on "Backpack" journalism (Week One)

--from Lindsay Wilkes-Edrington

Martha Stone argues that the problem is few journalists are capable of multimedia journalism and those who are will likely produce mediocre work. While there may be some truth to her point, I feel it is unfair to dismiss convergence journalists and their ability to tell stories. I think the growing interest in convergence is evidence more people are recognizing the importance of thinking outside the box.
It’s rather unfair to criticize “backpack” journalism, or convergence journalism in general, when the traditional mediums aren’t on solid grounds these days. If anything, convergence journalists are essential. They are the innovators who are looking for ways to make the public interested in journalism.
With programs like the one at MU, I think the label “mediocre” will be unfitting and unfair to convergence journalists in the future. While we are learning a variety of skills, that’s not the priority. Regardless of sequence, the main lesson in our journalism education is learning what makes a good story. We may all become a “jack of all trades,” but I refuse to believe we will be “masters of none.” Our top priority will always be to produce good journalism.