Thursday, February 14, 2008

February 2008 Issue Now Available

After a brief holiday layoff, The Convergence Newsletter returns for 2008 with the first in an ongoing series of theme-oriented editions. In the interest of bringing greater cohesion to the newsletter, we will be organizing upcoming issues around their own (more or less) unifying motif.

This month's topic is broadcasting. How are broadcasters fitting into the world of convergence? How about those whose job it is to teach broadcast journalism?

As always, we hope you'll take advantage of the commenting feature on this blog to give us and our contributors your reactions to this month's articles.

Click here to read February's issue of The Convergence Newsletter.

Recent and archived issues of The Convergence Newsletter

February 2008: The Problem with Broadcast News on the Web

While it's true that many TV networks are making the most of the Web to offer interactive, multimedia content for their audiences, not all are.

For our February issue, Sid Bedingfied draws upon his experiences as former head of CNN's U.S. network and current visiting professor at the University of South Carolina in examining how some TV entities -- notably, local affiliates -- are falling woefully behind in the push toward rich online content.

Read the full article here.

You can comment on this article by using the comments link below.

Recent and archived issues of The Convergence Newsletter

February 2008: NPR: Not your Parents' Radio

We would be wise not to exclude the radio industry from a discussion on how broadcasters are (or aren't) adapting to the new media landscape.

Count National Public Radio among those who aren't just adapting, but leading the way. This month, we talk with Maria Thomas, NPR's senior vice president of digital media, about what's happening in their world.

Read part one of our interview with Thomas here
. Check back next month for part two.

You can comment on this interview by using the comments link below.

While NPR continues to embrace new technologies, some traditional radio stations are worrying customers will stop tuning in for over-the-air NPR content, and possibly stop donating to those listener-supported stations, as well. Randy Dotinga of The Christian Science Monitor explains.

Recent and archived issues of The Convergence Newsletter

February 2008: Book Review -- "Advancing the Story: Broadcast Journalism in a Multimedia World”

One question that has weighed on the minds of many journalism educators recently is: "How can we give our students the tools they need to get by in the world of converged media?"

Authors Deb Wenger and Deborah Potter propose some answers in their new text "Advancing the Story: Broadcast Journalism in a Multimedia World.”

In his review, Dr. George Daniels of the University of Alabama gives the book high marks. Though the book is written from the perspective of former broadcast journalists, Dr. Daniels notes that both broadcast and newspaper educators are sure to find the text helpful.

Read the full review here.

You can comment on this article by using the comments link below.

Recent and archived issues of The Convergence Newsletter

February 2008: Training

There is only one space still available at the Newsplex Summer Seminar 2008. Details here.

Recent and archived issues of The Convergence Newsletter

February 2008: Conferences and Call for Papers

Read the conference schedule from February's issue here.

Recent and archived issues of The Convergence Newsletter