Thoughts on convergence

My first taste of convergence had something to do with an xda-II phone.

A couple of years back, our TV network provided all reporters with an xda. Aside from wanting us to become accessible, they also wanted us to shoot video when cameras aren't allowed. And record short sound bytes. Surf the net while mobile. And write and email scripts on the spot.

I was terrified with the new gadget, and overwhelmed with the additional work expected from us. And I wasn't alone. Some of my colleagues didn't even open and use their new phones for months, and stuck it out with their old and reliable models!

But work was faster and easier afterwards. Not to mention that it looked way cooler than dictating scripts via phone, or worse, doing live reports with scratch paper on hand.

Have to admit though, tv journalists aren't as fast when it comes to adapting to convergence. Or at least those in our newsroom. Aside from using phones in our reports, we also have content sharing with our print and radio partners. And we have an online version of the news, www.abs-cbn.com. But that's about it.

Unlike counterparts in other countries, we are not obliged to service all platforms. We work primarily for our own mediums. Though we are encouraged to write for our online news as well, its not something that's gained much popularity over the years. There's actually a different staff that writes for our news online.

The readings did mention the reluctance of some journalists when it comes to convergence. Its probably the lack of training, or maybe not enough technology. It can even simply be fear of change.

BUT WE HAVE TO CHANGE. Its not only technology that's changing, but even the very same people watching us. News consumers are now faced with so much choices on where to get their information that we have to keep up. We have to make sure our news is available in different platforms, so it can reach as much number of people as possible.

Or else we get left behind. We might as well consider a career shift then.