Spring 1995
Journalism professionals aren't quite sure what advice to offer budding online journalists because the field is so new and unexplored.
In the panel "New Career Opportunities in the New News World Order" Saturday afternoon, panelists emphasized that online journalists still need to use the skills of traditional reporting, no matter what form their work appears in.
"The online world is very good at distributing information, but that's very different from news reporting," said SPJ national president and the panel's moderator, Reginald Stuart.
Stuart said journalists still need to provide context and objectivity in stories which are read online.
Associate editor of the Pacific News Service and board chair of Projects in Education, Bob Beyers said people interested in becoming online journalists need to go online and look for jobs.
Reporters should look at what has been published in the field, pick out an area they're interested in, and contact someone working in that field, preferably by e-mail Beyers said.
He suggested starting with a smaller organization and said while the pay might be low, it will be worth it for the experience.
"Smaller organizations test your skills more, whether it's a newspaper, or broadcasting or online," Beyers said.
A woman in the audience asked how to get involved in the world of online journalism without starving. Former Oakland Tribune reporter and freelance communications business owner, Mary Ellen Butler said she might think of looking for a more traditional job in the field of communications while also looking for a job in digital communications.
"The more experience you accrue in your field, the better your chances are at getting a job," Butler said. "It's always easier to get a job when you have a job."