As the world of journalism develops and evolves, it is important that the education of future journalists reflects this change. The College of Journalism and Communications at the University of Florida is doing just that with the addition of the Innovation News Center, commissioned in the fall of 2013.
I have been involved in journalism since I was in the eighth grade, and I have seen my passion transform before my eyes. I first started on the newspaper staff, and later in high school I transitioned into the newsmagazine world. Both publications started out as print publications, but by my senior year, the newspaper went solely online, which upset many of us original staff members. Now that I am in college, it is all about multimedia. Journalism has always been an evolving profession, from print to radio to television, but the incorporation of the web has changed the game to a more high demand, competitive industry.
The traditional journalist usually chose one media platform: print, photography, podcast, or broadcast, but with the incorporation of the Internet and multimedia, it is practically necessary for a journalist to have all these skills. The Innovation News Center, located in Weimer Hall, gives students a full immersion experience that provides opportunities to practice the integration of all four platforms as well as the inclusion of social media.
The Innovation News Center replaced three old newsrooms and now houses the University’s sports, weather and news operations. Students work along with professors and other students to produce content that is then broadcasted to citizens in 18 surrounding counties. The college is particularly excited in the ability for this newsroom and its young workers to be experimental in how their information is presented to the public.
The ways news is presented and consumed are changing, and therefore future journalists need to be prepared. The University of Florida is doing its very best to produce top-notch journalists that will enter the workforce beyond ready for whatever they encounter. If you are an aspiring journalist, like myself, this program and facility is simply amazing to say the least.
For more information and videos regarding the new facility, visit the link: http://www.jou.ufl.edu/news/2013/09/20/college-celebrates-innovation-news-center-commissioning/.
By Alyssa Brant
*Photo credited to the University of Florida, College on Journalism and Communications website
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