We Can All Be Super Heroes (Chpt. 5)

Finally, we have reached the point where we learn from Beckett how Networked Journalism can save the world. There are several strategies that he sees as necessary in order to change journalism. First and foremost, we need to invest in Editorial Diversity and Media Literacy, according to Beckett. The information the public receives from these journalists must be thorough, accurate, and objective. He believes that it's extremely important for journalists to reveal the hidden truth, and be "facilitators, instead of gatekeepers" (147). One key issue these days is the lack of diversity in the media. Currently, a majority of journalists have a high degree of education and come from somewhat similar social classes. Beckett blames this partly on the growth in journalism studies in Higher Education. To fix this, institutions need to work on accepting a more diverse student population that will provide them with a variety of skills, resources, and knowledge.
As mentioned earlier, networked journalists must provide the truth. Sites such as Wikipedia challenge this statement. Anyone, including the infamous Essjay, can go in and change something posted on the website, whether it's true or not. What Beckett argues is that although there is nothing stopping someone from providing false information, there is also nothing stopping people from changing it immediately. Since Wiki is visited so frequently, there is a slim chance that wrong information will stay posted for a long period of time.
Beckett defines Media Literacy as "the ability to access, understand, and create communications in a variety of contexts" (157). He believes the audience needs to invest time and effort in Networked Journalism, and they can do this by investing in media literacy. Because we are entering a world of citizen journalism, citizens themselves must be accurate, fair, and honest. Journalists (citizen or not) must also understand the new technologies and platforms associated with Networked Media. According to Beckett, because of this joint understanding, we can "close the distance between people on a global scale" (166). If we enable viewers to be a part of the media process, we are bringing them into connectivity, and this is what Beckett believes is the most important principle of Networked Journalism.

Questions:

1. According to Beckett, Editorial Diversity and Media Literacy are the two biggest factors that need to be improved in order to save journalism. Do you believe this statement is true? If so, why? If not, what do you think is more important?

2. Beckett says, "Networked Journalists need to be better journalists than ever, because they are working with people who think they know better- the public" (147). How do you feel about this comment? Why do you think this affects Networked Journalism more than print or broadcast journalism?

3. Since the world of Networked Journalism is fast approaching, how is the older generation going to get their news when some can't even turn on a computer?

4. To what extent will this period of uncertainty affect other modes of communication (ie. radio and television)? For example, will broadcast journalism remain stable for awhile but print journalism fail altogether? Who is most threatened in your opinion?