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The skills question in convergence

The skills question in convergence. John Russial School of Journalism and Communication University of Oregon. The skills ‘issue’. Really multiple issues  Skills in a conceptual sense  Skills in a technical sense The context of skills  Organizational  Professional

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The skills question in convergence

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  1. The skills question in convergence John Russial School of Journalism and Communication University of Oregon

  2. The skills ‘issue’ • Really multiple issues  Skills in a conceptual sense  Skills in a technical sense • The context of skills  Organizational  Professional  Human factors/cognitive capacity  Quality–the bottom line

  3. The underlying issueDoes it make sense to train journalists to become good storytellers across media platforms? Two key questions, and they’re not the same: 1. Is it feasible? 2. Is it wise? My preliminary conclusions: 1. Yes and no 2. Probably not

  4. Is cross-training feasible? Yes, if all other things were equal. No, because they’re not • Lack of expertise among faculty • Tenure issues and accreditation limits • The hidden cost of technology – time • Different platforms/different cultures • Student time pressures

  5. Is cross-training wise?Probably not • The market needs are exaggerated • Continued viability of legacy platforms • Unwillingness to spend training resources • Experience in business community • The potential threat to quality

  6. If not full cross-training, what? Enlightened specialization? What does it mean? Learn one area well; explore others Why is it better? Success of specialization in media history Quality of the work Employability

  7. What sort of training? Conceptual exposure and some practice When would it be done? From the beginning? Introductory coursework At the end? As a capstone?

  8. Some ideas for research What skills do media organizations say they want/need? What skills do the people they actually hire have? Are the skills different in different departments? Online Print or broadcast newsroom Are top managers and line managers consistent? Who actually hires? What approach to cross-training works well? Do different approaches work well in different contexts?

  9. Methodological issues • More rigorous studies Better samples in surveys Better response rates More interview subjects in qualitative work Studies based on data other than self-reports • Attitude Maintain critical focus Don’t adopt a cheerleader’s view of results

  10. Theoretical insights from afar • Management Zuboff, In theAge of the Smart Machine Hammer & Champy, The Wisdom of Teams Piore and Sabel, The Second Industrial Divide • Sociology --areas Labor process Skill and deskilling Professionalization/deprofessionalization

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