Journalist Howard Owens offers 12 things journalists can do to save journalism. By that, he really means things we should all be doing in this new media environment. So here they are, in his words:
1. Become a blogger. By this, I don't necessarily mean "start a blog," but that is never a bad idea. More importantly, become an avid blog reader. Blogs should be a daily routine for every dedicated journalist.
2. Become a producer. Pick up a digital recorder, a point-and-shoot camera or a video camera and start producing content beyond text.
3. Participate. As you read blogs, leave comments. If your newspaper.com has comments on stories, read the comments and add your own.
4. Build a web site.
5. Become web literate. You should know what Flash is, and how it differs from AJAX. You should know the meaning of things like HTML, RSS, XML, IP, HTTP and FTP.
6. Use RSS.
7. Shop online.
8. Buy mobile devices. Get a video iPod. Get a smart phone. Buy a laptop and tap into some free wi-fi while you're out and about.
9. Become an avid consumer of digital content. Watch videos on YouTube. Download video and audio podcasts. Turn on your TV less and your computer more.
10. Be a learner. Technology and culture is changing fast. You can't keep up unless you're dedicated to learning.
11. Talk about what you're learning with your co-workers. Be a change agent. Get other journalists excited about the new digital tools.
12. Read Journalism 2.0 (PDF) by Mark Briggs. It's the best primer available.
