Print journalism and the creative process: traditional versus digital

In 1963, David Cole wrote in The Practice of Journalism that "the present period is the most crucial in the ever-changing history of newspapers and magazines. The problems seem more complex than previously, the dangers graver, and the demands made on every section within the industry more exacting" (1963: 15). Cole's observation illustrates that the perception of the print journalism industry has changed very little on a fundamental level over the last forty years – these observations could very well describe the digital environment journalists now work in. Keeping this in mind, one can ask how has digital technology affected the way print journalists produce their work in comparison to writing for the ‘traditional’ press? Preliminary findings from an ethnographic study into the creative practices of the print journalist indicate that the use of digital technology has had both a positive and negative effect. This paper discusses how news practitioners believe that this technology – the computer and computer programs, the Internet, email, mobile phones, and digital cameras – has enhanced their production practices but also created new challenges. However, it is important to recognise that rather than simply focusing on technology there are many factors that dictate changes in work practices and the research has revealed that the elements of good journalism are still regarded as important when writing in an online environment.