Learn how journalists can navigate new reporting challenges and stay resilient in an evolving media landscape with adaptable methods.

When I asked one of my favorite photographers what camera he recommended, his answer surprised me. He pointed to his head and heart, and said, "These are the most important equipment you'll ever need." My colleague was right and his answer extends to reporting. Any tools you use are secondary to the fundamentals of ethics, accuracy and inclusion. Work with honesty and humility. Consult multiple sources, check your facts, and unless you're writing an opinion piece, keep yourself out of the story.

Last updated on Jul 24, 2024

Here's how you can navigate the challenges of adapting to new reporting methods.

In the fast-paced world of journalism, staying ahead means embracing change. Adapting to new reporting methods can be daunting, but with a strategic approach, you'll find it's not only manageable but also invigorating. As you learn to navigate these waters, remember that flexibility and a willingness to learn are your best allies. Whether it's mastering social media algorithms or understanding the nuances of data journalism, each step forward is a valuable addition to your reporting toolkit.

1 Embrace Tech

In the digital age, technology is at the heart of new reporting methods. You must become comfortable with the latest software and platforms that are reshaping the industry. This means dedicating time each week to learn new tools, whether it’s a content management system, video editing software, or data visualization tools. As daunting as it may seem, remember that proficiency comes with practice. Start with the basics and gradually build your skills.

Add your perspective

Nico Russo

Founder SAOViVO | Media Management, Digital Media, Journalism & Technology
Report contribution
The media business today is in a big crisis. One of the reasons is because traditional media outlets created behemoths of newsrooms based on the print industry, and when the internet came, there were digital outlets doing the same at a tenth of the cost. Tech was a big factor in this. Staying relevant by always being mindful of the newsroom's workflows is a must.

Like

2 Stay Updated

The media landscape is constantly evolving, so keeping abreast of industry trends is crucial. Subscribe to newsletters, follow influential media figures on social media, and participate in journalism forums. This will not only provide you with insights into emerging reporting techniques but also help you understand the context in which these methods are being developed. Knowledge is power, and staying informed is key to adapting successfully.

Add your perspective

Nico Russo

Founder SAOViVO | Media Management, Digital Media, Journalism & Technology
Report contribution
ICFJ and Reuters are both great examples of newsletters that are pretty good at covering what is happening in the industry. Simon Owens also has a very good newsletter covering 'niche journalism,' which focuses on newsrooms with smaller but loyal audiences. Those are the ones that are changing the industry. Finally, on the AI side of things, 'There is an AI for that' and the 'Journalist's Toolbox' by Mike Reilley are great ways to find new tools that can be helped by AI.

Like

3 Network Smartly

Networking has always been a cornerstone of journalism, but now it extends beyond traditional face-to-face interactions. Engage with peers and mentors online to exchange knowledge about new reporting methods. Attend virtual conferences and webinars to connect with industry leaders. Remember, the relationships you build can lead to collaborative opportunities and insights into how others are navigating similar challenges.

Add your perspective

Nico Russo

Founder SAOViVO | Media Management, Digital Media, Journalism & Technology
Report contribution
I'm a member of the Media Party team, an event dedicated to bringing together journalists, developers, and designers working in media. It is just one example of how journalism events are transitioning to be more diverse in the activities they offer. This is a reflection of the industry itself. ONA and the ISOJ convention in Austin are examples of more traditional events that reflect the paradigms of the industry. Both kinds of events are great for finding colleagues and meeting new people.

Like

4 Practice Constantly

Adaptation requires practice. Start integrating new methods into your work gradually. If you're exploring data journalism, begin by adding simple data visualizations to your stories. For multimedia reporting, start with short video clips or podcasts. This incremental approach reduces the overwhelm and allows you to refine your skills progressively. Remember, every story is an opportunity to experiment and improve.

Add your perspective

Nico Russo

Founder SAOViVO | Media Management, Digital Media, Journalism & Technology
Report contribution
Make small bets on experiments in the newsroom for three reasons: Most of the staff (and you!) already have a lot on their plate to start big projects. Be candid with the objective of these small projects and define what would be a success to consider making them bigger. It's great to have small personal projects that make our hearts full and allow us to take a small break from day-to-day work.

Like

5 Reflect Regularly

Reflection is a powerful tool for growth. After experimenting with new reporting techniques, take time to assess what worked and what didn't. Consider how these methods enhanced your storytelling or engaged your audience more effectively. This reflective practice will help you make informed decisions about which new skills to pursue further and which might not align with your reporting style.

Add your perspective

Nico Russo

Founder SAOViVO | Media Management, Digital Media, Journalism & Technology
Report contribution
If we are doing a new project, we should know what the process inside the newsroom we want to make better is. BUT BE CAREFUL! Take a small step with what you want to solve: it's better to have small wins first and then go up from there than taking on a huge job and not being able to resolve it. To do this, you have to quantify what will make this job better. If you are not quantifying it at the beginning, do it the same way you are doing it now, at least for a month. Then, start changing something about that process that you think is going to make it better and compare. DATA will make you smarter, and it will be easier for you to defend the project with others.

Like

6 Adapt Mindfully

Finally, while it's important to keep up with the latest reporting methods, you also need to be mindful of your core values as a journalist. Not every trend will be right for your audience or the stories you wish to tell. Evaluate new techniques against the principles of ethical journalism and the needs of your community. Adapting mindfully ensures that you remain true to the heart of your work while still moving forward.

Add your perspective

Sally Lehrman
Report contribution
When I asked one of my favorite photographers what camera he recommended, his answer surprised me. He pointed to his head and heart, and said, "These are the most important equipment you'll ever need." My colleague was right and his answer extends to reporting. Any tools you use are secondary to the fundamentals of ethics, accuracy and inclusion. Work with honesty and humility. Consult multiple sources, check your facts, and unless you're writing an opinion piece, keep yourself out of the story.

Like

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

Here's how you can navigate the challenges of adapting to new reporting methods.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Embrace Tech

2 Stay Updated

3 Network Smartly

4 Practice Constantly

5 Reflect Regularly

6 Adapt Mindfully

7 Here’s what else to consider

Journalism

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Journalism

More relevant reading