What should be the ideal profile of a newsroom professional in the future? Gannett, one of the largest media companies in the US with a portfolio that includes USA Today, can be a reference point.
The profile would be an amalgam of a product vendor and someone with close ties to a community of readers. More so in a digital world, where journalism is driven by metrics recorded from the level of commitment to web traffic benchmarks.
Jim Romenesco, a journalist, has just released in his blog an internal Gannett document in which the group describes up to 16 profiles that need to be incorporated into the Pensacola News Journal.
The most valued profile would be of one who is able to establish a direct relation with the public. The Community Content Editor will analyse audience needs and procure content for all platforms, such as stories, photos, videos, news briefs and blogs. He will seek partners, services and contributors to deepen the products’ reach and impact, and oversee the smooth editing and production of content for both print and digital products.
Two new pompous sounding job titles could also be created — Content Coach and the Engagement Editor. The former will coach and direct the work of reporters, as well as encourage independent planning.
The engagement editor on the other hand will plan and execute opportunities to maximise a story’s impact within the community.
There is also a new job description for a newsroom, that of Producer. The individual will deliver content to digital and print platforms and work towards meeting deadlines. He will liaise with the planning editor, content coach, reporters and photographers for the optimum display of content, using a high level of judgement and creativity.
