By: Ismail Hussein Olanrewaju

Matric Number: 230902058

Not long ago, journalism was mainly about newspapers, radio bulletins, and evening television news. Today, however, news reaches us through phone notifications, social media timelines, podcasts, and live streams. This shift did not happen by chance. Technology has completely changed how journalists work and how audiences receive information, making it one of the most important forces shaping modern journalism.

How Technology Has Changed News Gathering

For today’s journalist, technology is like a portable newsroom. With a smartphone and internet access, a reporter can record interviews, take photographs, write stories, and publish news within minutes. Social media platforms now act as early warning systems for breaking news, where journalists spot trends, eyewitness videos, and public reactions.

Instead of waiting to be at the scene physically, reporters can track events in real time and follow developments from different parts of the world. This has made journalism faster, broader, and more connected than ever before.

The Pressure of Speed in Digital Journalism

One major change technology has introduced is speed. News is now expected instantly. Audiences want updates as events happen, not hours later. Online news platforms and news apps make this possible, but they also place pressure on journalists to work quickly.

While speed improves access to information, it also raises concerns about accuracy. Journalists must now double-check facts, images, and sources in a digital space where misinformation spreads easily. This makes responsibility and professionalism even more important in modern journalism.

Telling Stories Beyond Words

Modern journalism is no longer about long blocks of text alone. Technology has opened the door to multimedia storytelling. News stories are now told using videos, images, podcasts, graphics, and data visualisation.

For example, instead of just reading about an event, audiences can watch live coverage, listen to expert discussions, or interact with visual explanations. This makes news more engaging and helps people understand complex issues better, especially younger audiences who prefer visual and digital content.

The Audience Is Now Part of the News

Technology has also changed the role of the audience. Readers and viewers can now comment, share, react, and even contribute to news stories. Through citizen journalism, ordinary people can record events as they happen and share them online.

Although this helps in covering events quickly, it also creates challenges. Not every online report is accurate, which is why professional journalists are still needed to verify information and maintain ethical standards.

Challenges in the Digital Age

Despite its benefits, technology has brought serious challenges to journalism. Fake news, manipulated images, deepfakes, and click-driven content threaten public trust. Journalists must learn to navigate algorithms, digital platforms, and online pressures without sacrificing truth and credibility.

Conclusion

Technology has reshaped modern journalism in powerful ways. It has made news faster, more interactive, and more accessible. However, technology alone does not guarantee good journalism. The values of accuracy, fairness, and responsibility must guide how these tools are used. For journalism students and professionals alike, the goal is not just to use technology, but to use it wisely in the service of the public.