Times change, journalism's role doesn't, journalists say

By / 08-13-2013 /

In a presentation on “Boundary Work and the Rise of the Interview in The Netherlands and the UK”, Professor Marcel Broersma, director of the Centre for Journalism and Media Studies at the University of Groningen, stated that since its origin, journalism has undergone two profound historical changes: the rise of the mass press and commercial operation of the media in the late 19th century and early 20th century, and the widespread use of the internet and the emergence of internet-based media in contemporary times. Broersma clarified that where the former urged journalists to redefine their craft, the latter is altogether changing prior conceptions of journalism. However, Broersma pointed out that in spite of the significant influence these two changes have influenced on journalism, journalists themselves have kept a relatively stable vision of their own profession.