Digital Media Literacy Class

Week 11 Blog Post

The change from traditional journalism to digital news sources has significantly impacted the way we consume information. Legacy journalism, such as newspapers, magazines, and network news, is often associated with thorough and meticulous research, fact checking, and editing. It offers a sense of trust and thoroughness, providing readers with context that helps them better comprehend a situation or issue. I appreciate legacy journalism because it challenges me to take the time to read a full story, rather than just reading a headline and skimming the surface, which often happens with shorter news pieces.

On the other hand, digital news sources offer immediacy and convenience. News is available to me at any time, and I can get updates instantly. Digital sources, such as online newspapers, social media, and news applications, allow me to stay connected to the world no matter where I am or when something happens. This has significantly impacted my consumption of news, and I find myself checking my phone multiple times a day for updates on local, national, and global events, something that was previously unimaginable just a few decades ago. The constant flow of information makes it easy to feel overwhelmed, but it also ensures I am always aware of important developments.

Both traditional and digital journalism have negatives. Legacy journalism is often slower, meaning breaking news may be delivered after the fact or without the interactivity available in digital news. It is also often less inclusive, so certain perspectives may be excluded. Digital journalism is faster, but the focus on speed can compromise the accuracy and reliability of the news.

For me, this is relevant every day. While digital news sources are convenient and timely, I often use traditional news outlets through technology to ensure the information I receive is still accurate, reliable, and relevant.