As a journalism student, my coursework is saturated with concepts of a dying need for journalism, an ever-increasing realm of citizen journalism, and the accessibility to information via the Internet. So lately, I am forced to ask myself, Is anyone reading what I’m writing? and Will anyone be there to read my words in years to come? Perhaps most especially in regard to music journalism, social networking Web sites have alleviated much of the need for a music news source. Although word of mouth and traditional (in-person) social networking has always significantly impacted the spread of music news, today there is much less demand for an article reviewing your favorite band’s latest album, when ten of your closest friends are Tweeting about it and sharing links to download leaks via Facebook.
When I think back to my childhood pipe-dreams, the idea of ever landing a job somewhere prestigious for music news like Rolling Stone Magazine or MTV Networks seemed quite unattainable because of their popularity and success. But today, these dreams only seem unattainable to me because the need for such institutions is no longer nearly as relevant as it once was. With the expansion of the Internet, we now have access to the entire world of news at our fingertips. We are no longer bound to specific sources in order to be up-to-date on certain information. We can double- and triple-check facts in a matter of mere seconds. And with today’s rushed I’m-too-busy-to-read-attitude that many individuals have, a simple Google search often suffices more so than reading an entire news article. Time is money, and in this recession, money is what matters.
Also, I cannot help but wonder what has happened to the ever-so -important EXCLUSIVE story and/or interview. When I was younger I would search convenience stores and bookstores for specific issues of different magazines in order to get the inside scoop on whatever it was that only they were able to tell me. Finally finding the cover I had been digging for was always such a relief. I fear that this rarely exists at all anymore, and eventually it will be diminished completely. Although the occasional first-look photo-shoot or sit-down interview still exists, it in much less commonplace than it was in years before. And the demand to access it is practically non-existent because although one news outlet may be the first to release certain information, in no time other news sources have had access to this and began their own coverage as well. The news industry, especially in regard to music, has lost its competitive edge.
Since practically the entire world has the capabilities to create and maintain their own music news blog, I can’t help but wonder what makes my own relevant in the grand scheme of things. What do I need to keep doing to set myself apart, to survive in this fleeting business?
Post by Jillian Polak - Meet Me
A 21 year-old, full-time student at The College of New Jersey, majoring in Journalism/Professional Writing with a minor in Women's and Gender Studies. At TCNJ, she is a Co-Chair for CUBRat and is responsible for booking small-scale, intimate shows as part of a free concert series at the College.
