Opportunity Comes Cloaked in the Challenges of Change
Dec. 4, 2009
By Rebecca Townsend
As members of the Missouri School of Journalism began exploring the ramifications of the rapid rate of technological advancement on the media industry, they found themselves reaching beyond the boundaries of formal academic discipline. Interdisciplinary partnerships are "changing the ways we think about journalism," said Associate Dean Brian Brooks.
The partnerships are proving to be mutually beneficial, but established cultures – such as traditional academic incentive structures – must adapt to reward collaboration over individual success. Dale Musser, director of MU's information technology program, said rigid academic divisions must recede as collaborative ventures evolve.
"New media isn't just media; it's education, entertainment, performance, human interactions, networking interactions, social sciences…Let's stop thinking in silos…"
As an "unapologetic representative of old media," Columbia Daily Tribune Editor and Publisher Hank Waters, III emphasized the synergistic possibilities between the old and the new. And he reminded the group that traditional media still play a vital role in reporting the news.
"Don't forget that nothing amounts to much as far as news delivery goes unless there's content."
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