An editorial by the Washington Post’s ombudsman shows that many news outlets and journalists are struggling to adjust their craft in this new world of social media. Many people in newsrooms around the country are wondering how to use tools like Twitter and Facebook to get out news. Some journalists find themselves Tweeting or blogging about everything from their hair to personal opinions. Others, in their confusion, simply choose to ignore the social media world.
I respectfully suggest that it doesn’t have to be so complicated. Journalists can use social media to disseminate information faster. They can use blogs and other tools to add information not included in the evening newscast or morning paper. And they can also offer perspective and intimate knowledge about a story.
My bottom line is that journalists don’t need to violate their code of ethics or delve into the trivial in order to participate in the social media world.
