R.I.P.

(image courtesy of: http://newsroom-magazine.com)

Walter Cronkite passed away this evening at the age of 92. As a former journalism student with a B.A. in journalism, Cronkite was a frequent topic in classes and seen as a true icon. He covered historic moments including Neil Armstrong walking on the moon, John F. Kennedy's assassination. He was the anchorman that inspired - and will continue to inspire - journalism students. The media industry would be vastly different without him, his legacy and impact.

RIP.

-M

Another one bites the dust...

(Image courtesy theinsider.com)

Word has it that the awesome urban-music magazine Vibe is shutting down "immediately". Another victim to the recession. Sad :(

On another note though, it's really interesting to watch traditional media outlets all but fade into oblivion. I definitely see a place for newspapers and magazines in the future, but there's no denying that the content and perhaps even marketing of them must be tweaked if they are to survive the onslaught of instant and easily available news updates online. Such transitions within the contemporary media world has led to shifts in journalism education. While only a few years ago, I sat in mandatory newswriting and reporting classes, I see now at mine (and P's!) alma mater available journalism classes on Podcasts, online writing formats and how business and journalism intertwine. Who would have thought that my education could feel outdated after only a year?

Also curious about this shift to online media and news sources? What is news anymore? Is the New York Times still relevant when people can get their breaking news off of Twitterfeeds and blogs? Thoughts? Opinions? We'd love to hear them.

-M & P