Social media has revolutionized the world, integrating itself into everyone’s daily life. From children to elders, the reach of social media has no exceptions. It has become a global medium for communication and connection. Users turn to social media for news, updates, and entertainment.
As technology continues to advance, social media is expanding and gaining importance. In today’s society, if you’re not online, you don’t exist.
“The newspaper is the least important thing we do. Now, it’s all about digital platforms and using social media to reach the audience,” said Nicholas Nehamas, a Pulitzer prize winning journalist at The Miami Herald, on how social media is changing journalism.
As digital engagement continues to grow, new challenges and opportunities arise. This year at the MDCPS Student Social Media Forum, five panelists joined in the conversation and answered questions from students on social media’s impact in their lives and careers.
“Social media has changed the game. We use it to share breaking news and encourage viewers to watch our newscasts,” said Darryl Forges, a morning reporter for NBC 6 News.
Students at the forum were eager to ask questions about reporting and broadcasting, and receive career advice.
“I’ve never said no to an opportunity and I’ve never stopped learning,” said Steven Cejas, executive producer at WSVN news, on how to succeed in the industry.
The panelists also offered insight on how to combat the rising issue of fake news. This has become a major issue, especially when everyone is trying to be the first to report on a story.
Verification is the hardest part of Journalism according to @NickNehamas. It is also the most important to refute fake news. #MDCPSConnects pic.twitter.com/Ge2Cf3awES
— The Harbinger (@HarbingerMLEC) October 31, 2017
“Make sure you are always accurate as a journalist, one mistake diminishes your credibility in the future,” said Darryl Forges about the importance of fact checking and reporting truthful news.
Social media has been able to connect people from all parts of the world and connect them to the stories they read online.
“It’s okay to be emotional…to be human…You’re showing that you’re a journalist but that you have feelings”, said María Fernanda López on reporting human interest stories and feeling a part of the story.
Each panelists shared their journey to success in the competitive industry and everything they have learned. They offered advice about the most important things to remember and keep in mind. The industry is always changing and journalists have to be ready to adapt.
How do journalists combat slander from politicians? Tiburon EIC Taylor Brown asked panel. @NickNehamas : “With our work.” #MDCPSConnects pic.twitter.com/JVoaydbFdO
— Tiburon Yearbook (@Tiburon_YBK) October 31, 2017
Thank you to our panel of journalists & media professionals who participated in today's Student Social Media Journalism Forum #MDCPSConnects pic.twitter.com/XaFhC9dot5
— Miami-Dade Schools (@MDCPS) October 31, 2017
“You’ll never stop learning,” said Lilliam Martínez-Bustos on the importance of being flexible and versatile in the field.
The panelists encouraged students to speak up and report on what they find important and meaningful in their lives. Journalism keeps the world truthful and it shines a light on the darkness.
“You always have to learn—a new thing, a new skill—that’s how you [become] passionate,” says Prof Martínez #MDCPSConnects pic.twitter.com/VQFLveKgC3
— Alex (@ReboredoAlex) October 31, 2017
“Free journalism and unfettered press is part of the fabric of our flag,” said Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho during the forum.
Journalism is the watchdog of democracy. Without it, power goes unchecked. #MDCPSConnects pic.twitter.com/Jsvg1cTCQD
— Alberto M. Carvalho (@LAUSDSup) October 31, 2017
The panelists included Steven Cejas, the Executive Producer for WSVN.com, the FOX/CNN affiliate in Miami-Fort Lauderdale; Darryl Forges, a morning reporter for NBC 6 News; María Fernanda López, a reporter and anchor for Univision Noticias 23; Lilliam Martínez-Bustos, Assistant Professor and Faculty Internship & Career Coordinator in the Department of Journalism at FIU; and Nicholas Nehamas, an investigative reporter at the Miami Herald and Pulitzer Prize recipient.
