Reality TV in the newsroom?

Journalism as we know it is changing.  From citizen journalism to new uses of techonology, but when is it too much?  WGLA in Lancaster, PA invited citizens into their morning meetings via the internet.  During their 9:30 to 10:15 meeting to figure out what exactly reporters will be covering that day people could add in their story ideas or discuss it with the news director in a chat room.

http://localtvnews.wordpress.com/2009/02/19/the-morning-meeting-televised-best-reality-show-ever/

While this is a clever idea, I bet there are a lot of people who oppose this.  From attending conventions and listening to tons of conversations, some of the older generation of journalist believe it's only "journalist" that should dictate what goes into the paper or broadcast.  With the definition of "journalist" changing every day why can't citizens be part of the conversation?  With the overlap of technology , citizens have a great deal of control of what goes on in the newsroom. From tradition, some may believe general people are not capable of putting up information that is necessary rather than entertainment.  I find this to be the contrary, people want to know about their politicians, their schools and other areas that impact their lives.  Yes entertainment will always be there, but hey,  sometimes people need to get away from the hard news.  

This trend of inviting people into the boardroom and seeing how the process works might become a new trend.  This "reality tv" set up could increase viewership and people becoming more excited about the media.  People would feel inclined to believe that journalist aren't these people who think they are all holier than thou, but rather a neighbor or friend. 

Tuesday afternoon I took my edit test and I am glad to report I passed! While I was going through my test I had many thoughts that came to mind.  I have to take it upon myself to learn.  There is only so much our professors can spoon feed us, we have to be motivated and interested enough to feed ourselves.  Meaning, going to the station and playing with the equipment before its actually time for us to use it.  We have so much at our fingertips , we need to learn how to use it!  For example, on Avid, there are ways to add in "nat pops" without rearranging the entire sequence. This technology can enhance our stories to the max and make them more interesting and compelling.  

It's very important to make friends with everyone.  This does not mean best friends, but well enough to wave or just say hi.  Everyone at the station is very important.  That being said, it's crucial to treat everyone with the upmost respect.  Always ask questions.  I learned this when I worked at the desk, one has to put their ego aside and not worry about , " oh what are they going to think?"  Usually people are nice enough to help, and even if someone is snappy don't let it get to you because guess what, that's the real world.