Building the 21st century journalist: revamping journalism training to adjust to current changes in the media

This study explores the feasibility and potential consequences of introducing entrepreneurial journalism and business of journalism training in the journalism curriculum. The study argues that technological changes make it necessary to teach students business skills that will enable them to adapt in order to be successful in the profession. The study interviewed media experts and educators and explored their opinions regarding the adaptation of the journalism curriculum for contemporary demands on the field. The experts agreed that there is a need to introduce entrepreneurial journalism and business of journalism training in the curriculum. Six of eight experts agreed the course should be required and made a core subject. In defending the need for students to continue majoring in journalism and not business, the experts distinguished between the kind of business training required for journalism students and that taught in business schools. Additionally, the study found the experts defined entrepreneurial in various ways, but several recurring themes emerged. The themes include starting new media projects; taking initiative; making journalism profitable and sustainable; and innovation, among others. The definitions amplified the recognition that journalism as a profession is undergoing significant, irreversible changes, and there is no choice for journalism schools and professional journalists but to get on board.