Advantages and Disadvantages of Backpack Journalism

Journalism has entered a new era... the era of the "backpack journalist." A backpack journalist is typically a one man team; cameraman, photographer, news anchor, author; you name it, they do it. "The people who can shoot video, write stories, do radio on the side, basically do it all -- these are the journalists of the future," said John Schidlovsky, director of the Washington-based Pew Fellowship in International Journalism" (http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1848424).

Much of this is accomplished through "small-scale digital devices" (CC pg 180). Advantages to these small-scale digital devices is that they are practical, functional, efficient, and very handy. Unfortunately, all of this typically comes with a pretty hefty price tag. An additional disadvantage is the quality of the video. When it comes to technology, the trend seems to be smaller is better. Although it may look more stylish and easier to tote around, it usually comes at a price, the price of picture quality. "[Some] media organizations have shied away from backpacker technology because the quality of the images remains grainy" (http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eand /news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1848424).

Another advantage to backpack journalism will take us back to the point that they are a one-man team. This takes out the cost of having other members of a "crew" on site which counterbalances the hefty price tag of the digital equipment.

As for ethical issues, many people want privacy. When a backpack journalist is able to do all of this "on-the-spot" there is a very high chance that certain things people want to be kept secret will not be. Although it may make good news, it surely is unethical.