Outsourcing Journalism: The Shape of News to Come?

Many American manufacturing jobs disappeared as they went overseas to cheaper markets without unions. Much of the animation for The Simpsons is done abroad. Then telemarketing jobs went to India, Central America, Mexico...as did other middle management jobs for all sorts of companies.

Now look for outsourcing to come to a newsroom near you as American journalism is exported. Is this the shape of things to come? Consider what a Pasadena paper is trying to do as it looks to outsource “local” coverage for city hall to a reporter based in India. NPR provides an interesting examination of what could happen with news jobs in this country. Imagine the implication for American Democracy, public opinion, schools of journalism, etc.

Watch Our Student Documentary "Confidence" Online

One of the Mass Comm/Soc 109 student documentaries produced by the TECK Productions group is now available online.
Confidence: The Man Behind the Bench.
This documentary produced by Westminster College students introduces the viewer to the story of Judge George "Tookie" James (Westminster Alum & Beaver County's First African American Judge). The project was produced with consumer available camcorders and editing software.

My Future Role- What I Do Now After The Cluster

"Of all affairs, communication is the most wonderful..." John Dewey


Dr. Tomlinson asked students to consider where we go from here as we close out the Soc 109/Mass Comm cluster. We took a few moments to write out what role we see ourselves playing as we move beyond the class. Here's what I wrote out in those final moments in the classroom:

I chose to live by example when it comes to treating people as I want to be treated. I will respect the dignity of the individual and appreciate the experiences and perspectives offered. By living the example I become a better teacher, parent and citizen thanks to the ongoing discovery born out of the interactions I have with others. This discovery also brings a diversity and richeness that fosters a range of relationships and communities. This discovery allows me to reinvent, update and broaden who I am as well as the pictures in my head. I recognize this is an ongoing human process requiring us to come together as we make the construction of meaning which is constant and fluid.

Student Documentary Showcase- Part 2

Addressing Stereotypes, Media & Marginalized Audiences
Presented by The Mass Comm/Soc 109 Cluster Students
You're Invited! Tuesday, May 8
12:45-2:00 p.m. in the Mueller Theater
McKelvey Campus Center/Westminster College
Free & Open to the Public
“We are all captives of the picture in our head -- our belief that the world we have experienced is the world that really exists.”- Walter Lippman