The thing about journalism

For the past six months I've been at not-for-profit journalism organizations, looking for ways to incorporate new technology in one of the most sacrosanct of media organizations: public media. What I've found is a decided inclination and a lack of resources to enact it.

Most recently, I've been playing the social media game at the PBS NewsHour, the recently rebranded and usually staid news program that is the backbone of so many local PBS stations. The process of shifting from a broadcast-only station that 'has a website' to an online-first broadcast that 'has a television show' is revolutionary in the public media space. We're bringing an amazing product - with more than 30 years of credibility - to an audience that's probably never been exposed to anything outside of mainstream media. It's a challenge - and it's one I'm happy to take on. We still want to be the best - we just want more people to see and recognize that fact.

In an internet era driven by metrics, analytics and social media, considering quality first is an unusual way to think. But it's the better way to think.

Our content not only informs the online community about any number of issues - it teaches. And that's one of the basic virtues of traditional journalism that I think mainstream media has abandoned. And it's something that I hope will change over the coming years, if only slightly, through my influence.

If you're curious about what I'm doing - where I'm going - or where I've been, pick a social media profile (to the right), try my blog, or send a tweet. I'm usually available. And I'm almost always listening.