Has Journalism Education Kept Up With Digital Transformation?

Abstract

Journalism is a highly technology-dependent profession, and students, educators, and professionals must develop specific digital skills. This study uses the theory of disruptive innovation to examine how journalism educators adapt their programs in response to changing media environments. A survey of accredited journalism and mass communication programs identified three key challenges: the need for long-term investment, the ability to predict future change and demand, and difficulty in hiring faculty expertise. When asked which technologies will affect journalism curricula in the next 3 to 5 years, artificial intelligence (AI) topped the list, followed by drone journalism, virtual reality, and augmented reality.