The other day, as I was walking through the famous television series The Wire, there came a scene that reminded me of despair. There, the management of the newspaper The Baltimore Sun brought together the workers and alerted them to the changes that are coming, i.e. redundancies and movements for less brilliant jobs. Even though I knew the sequence, I found it as painful as the previous time.
“Nothing will change,” it comes to mind. Filled with curiosity, I looked for the date of my departure and I was invaded by disbelief. 20 January 2008. Seventeen years ago the advent of journalism was announced and yet many redactions have not been able to adapt to the new reality, which is much faster than we would like. How is it possible that after so long the trade will remain anchored in the past?
Seventeen years ago the advent of journalism was announced and yet many redactions have not been able to adapt to the new reality.
“More with less,” the director repeats, assuming the role of a miserable one. The present situation has forced us to do so. We live in the media with fewer and fewer workers and more adults. Social networks, videos, proofreading, models, news, etc. We journalists have become orchestral men who are required to have all kinds of knowledge, professional chameleons who are slaves to the needs of today.
In her speech, the couple referred to the rise of the Internet and the difficulties to make the advertising profitable in the written press. As a result, redundancies and the closure of several delegations throughout the world are announced. Some, even though they are still young, we have heard it in our media.
I, who have only been here for seven years, am sadly analysing the tesitura of this work, in which the development of those who bring fresh ideas is hindered. It is possible that one day the new people, fed up with the contempt they suffer, will exhaust their patience and use their talents in a sector of recognition. Who knows if journalism is dying from the consumption habits of society. In my opinion, the key may be the inability of those who defend the trade “of always” to evolve.
By the way, you see The Wire. It's a masterpiece.
Jon Otermin Benito