20 June 2008

The Interview: Jacki Schechner

I was going to post this before I went on hiatus but the bambino came a little earlier than expected. Still, I'm pleased to post the third installment of my interview series that features discussions with people who have influence in more than one online community and like to discuss policy.

Jacki Schechner is probably best known as an on-air Internet reporter or "blogger chick" for CNN. She spent a good deal of time examining how the media, both online and off, covered political campaigns. She writes her own blog and has an occasional guest post and podcast at Americablog. She recently interviewed Senator Kerry and Speaker Gingrich for the Virtual Energy Forum. She also had some interesting thoughts on the whole AP "fair use" fiasco.

Jacki just started working as communications director for Healthcare for America Now, a new grassroots campaign with an obvious mission, based on the name.

I asked Jacki some questions that focused on the nexus of journalism, online communication, and politics. Enjoy.
Q: How did you develop an interest in journalism?

Growing up, we had a family friend who was a news videographer, and he used to tell these incredible stories about witnessing and documenting history. The more I learned about what he did, the more fascinated I became in the world of journalism. I chose the University of Pennsylvania for college, but since their communications curriculum was more theory than practical application, I studied history and used my time away from school to pursue TV. I spent time in England with an ITV broadcaster who let me tag along to work and shadow his staff. I interned at two television stations - one in Miami and one in Philadelphia - and I contributed what I could to the teeny student-run TV station under the cafeteria at Penn. But none of this was sufficient to get me a gig after graduation so I found a Masters program in my hometown and took the plunge. I've been strangely addicted to the profession ever since.

Q: You're one of the first people who has really made a substantial impact in both mainstream and online journalism. Do you feel these two channels are still mutually exclusive, or do see more integration?

I don't think either form of journalism can survive in a vacuum anymore. Most news/political blogs initially gained traction by linking to, commenting on, and/or supplementing mainstream media work. Interest and financial investment have allowed many of these new independent ventures to grow significantly to the point that they can thrive independent of the traditional outlets. But both sides would be foolish to attempt to ignore the power of integration. For example, TV time and print column space are both limited. Every story has to be edited down in some fashion. The Internet, in contrast, is limitless and offers the chance for mainstream media to offer supplemental content to the work you see on television or in print. On the flip side, online ventures can learn from the world of traditional journalism. When the basics are done right - how to research a story, how to tell a story, how to source a story - they're invaluable.

Q: Many traditional journalists express concern about the new competition they face from blogs and social media sites, essentially saying "bloggers aren't journalists," while many bloggers constantly attack the credibility of traditional journalism. How can consumers of information know who to trust for accurate information and smart commentary?

You absolutely have to be paying attention. No one is going to do that homework for you.

Traditional journalists should be afraid of the competition. The line is blurrier now than it's ever been, and many bloggers are getting very good at working hard to get the scoop and break the story. Mainstream media outlets have the benefit of more resources and better name recognition which can get them quicker access to information. But the key word is can. There's still hard work to be done, and that's where many feel mainstream reporters and producers are dropping the ball.

If you're looking online for information from independent sources - meaning sites not affiliated with traditional news outlets - the best thing to do is start with larger bloggers who have built their reputation and traffic over time. Because there is a great call for transparency in the world of online media, it's not tough to suss out where someone's coming from. Perspective is important, but most bloggers are upfront about their political preferences, so again, if you're paying attention, you'll have an easy time learning the ropes. A healthy dose of skepticism never hurts either. But that goes for both mainstream and new media. No one's got the full picture anymore. You have to be active and piece that together yourself.

Q: More people are learning about "breaking news" such as wildfires in San Diego, Earthquakes in China, or even school shootings from social media channels such as Twitter or even cell phone texting and video. As a professional journalist, how do you compete with the "citizen journalists" who happen to be where news breaks?

You don't compete. You integrate. It's the only way. Offering up an avenue to accept citizen journalism - many networks have them now - is a good start. You still have to hone the process of vetting content before you put it on the air, but making it easy for someone to upload video or email a picture is an important part of the process. Since you are often the liaison between the amateur and the audience, you have to get the story and do it justice. Every little bit of color or emotion helps bring the footage to life. And finally, never forget attribution. Too many mainstream journalists think it's ok to snag content off the Internet without giving credit where due. That's a huge no-no in my book.

Q: Mainstream networks such as CNN and ABC are partnering occasionally with online entities like YouTube and Facebook to cover the presidential election. How would you assess the job they've done so far?

Fair. I think CNN did a pretty good job with the Democratic Youtube debate. I was in-house for that one and found myself captivated by both the questions and the answers. There was an element of newness that sparked interest, and anything that gets people excited about politics again is a good thing in my book. ABC's partnership with Facebook was abysmal. The network reported information culled from the social networking site without context. For example, Ron Paul's Internet-savvy supporters played a huge role in stacking online results in their candidate's favor - as they have often done online throughout this primary season. However, the ABC reporter tasked to "covering" the Facebook poll results made no mention of this important caveat. Mainstream news organizations still have a lot to learn about covering the online world as a real beat. I assure you it's much harder than it looks.
Q: 2008 will be remembered by many as the first "YouTube Election." How do you think social media will change the way we cover campaigns in 2012?


Wow. I don't know, but I'm excited to find out. I'm a little bit of an Internet geek like that.

40 comments:

Chess Franklin said...

Jacki Schechner is sure a reporter that anyone would want to have an interview with.

AJ said...

I find Jacki really charismatic. It seems like anyone would want to listen to the words that will come out from Jacki's mouth.

tampa dui trial lawyer said...

Any interviewee would feel like a VIP with the way Jacki connects and talks. A personality that would sure lure any viewer's eyes.

stand up two wheel scooters said...

I hope Jacki will have an interview with the republican presidential candidates. I wonder how it's going to turn around.

wood flooring tampa bay said...

I think Jacki seems to be manipulated by her bosses or corporate owners that the masses do not know of. She's not the way she used to be.

tampa foreclosure attorney said...

Ms. Schechener is actually doing pretty good these past interviews she did for the GOP republican candidates. Impressive of her to step up.

active release technique said...

I have been missing lots of news lately. I get myself informed via the Internet these days. Mainstream media seems not in good shape for a long time.

hardwood flooring tampa bay said...

Jacki should have more live interviews with Dr. Ron Paul. For sure she will have more grass root fanatics.

Solenn said...

There should be more reporter like Jacki. Worth listening and just a treat to see on TV.

Solenn Richards
tampa felony lawyer

Mel Vic said...

I totally agree that Jacki is a great news reporter but I can't help doubt the TV station she's working with. They're just biased with some politicians.

Mel Vic
tampa foreclosure attorney

Victoria said...

Besides being an eloquent reporter, I'm really how Jacki maintains her good shape. Her co-reporters must be envious with her curves.

Victoria Johannes
Find out how to lose weight with flaxseed!

Novie said...

I hope Jacki won't follow the likes of O'reilly. One who is obviously biased and annoying.

Novie Jay
Check out the coolest mobility scooters for handicapped today!

Allen J. said...

Jacki seems can't help to get biased especially when reporting political issues. Maybe the reason is because she's working in a network owned by big time players.

Allen Arrosas
Hardwood Flooring Tampa Bay

Vanessa said...

I hope Jacki will soon realize the importance of integrity of a TV reporter. It seems the company she's working for is holding her in the neck.

Vanessa Chikke
Consume foods that build metabolism to stay fit!

Kingitused said...

Thanks a lot for the information. I think this is a great internet site to store due to the significance within your material. I will definitely visit this website once more.

Teksad said...

Jacki Schechner is really an interesting person. A lot of things to say..

Karz said...

Any news anchor or reporter tends to be a sellout just to keep their job and earn high salary. Well, that is obviously not honorable if that is the real case.

Karz Stew
Florida Home Foreclosures Attorney

Suzzy M. said...

I can't help but wonder if a reporter like Jacki can completely report about something without making up stories. Not that I'm accusing or anything, it's just reporters are almost the same.

Suzzy Mae
Protect your rights with Tampa Bay DUI Attorney!

Lianna said...

I have high respect for Jacki being a woman like I am. Nevertheless, I would be a critic if she allows herself a toy of her employer. I just don't like mainstream media that is.
Get the right help with Tampa Felony Lawyer now!

Gabby said...

Not that I'm sounding like a critic, but id Jacki wants to have a great career in the news media industry? Then she better start reporting what the current government is scheming.

Protect your spine with Sports Injuries Plantation Fl

Charles said...

Goodness, there's really much effective info here!
nursing school | Atlanta Private Schools | local florist

Ryan Charles said...

The situation of Jacki seems pitiful for she's living in lie in her profession. News reporters just can't avoid to make up a story just to increase the TV station's ratings.
Keep your home with Tampa Foreclosure Attorney!

Iah said...

Well, too bad for Jacki that she's going to remain being a puppet if she stays working for a mainstream media company. Not one news anchor or reporter is exempted of such.
Free away with body aches at NYC Back Pain Relief today!

samZ said...

Any guy would surely be lured with the charm of Jacki. However, a guy who is not into mainstream media would be a different story.
Improve your business status with low-cost marketing ideas Tampa Bay available today!

Jathniel said...

I wonder how is Jacki dealing with her daily life in her work with the network? Will her salary be enough for her to report some made up stories?
Ensure your rights with Tampa Bay DWI Lawyer today!

Ressie B. said...

Jacki should definitely learn from what Dana Bash did to Ron Paul in an interview. As a consequence, Dana got swarmed with Dr. Paul's supporters. Her reaction was totally a priceless.
Save your bank account with Tampa bankruptcy lawyer now!

DocPaul said...

It's quite a loss that someone like Jacki is working for a biased TV network. For how long is she going to go on work pretending to report the truth?
Get your free SEO ebook now!

jon mae said...

I can't help but judge Jacki like the other news reporters. They can be bias at times. It's how the mainstream media works.
Learn about Oak Flooring Tampa Bay the right way!

Steph Rae said...

I'm sorry to say that Jacki's image has been tainted long ago when she decided to work for a mainstream media company. No doubt she's a great reporter but truth still matters big time.
Get your back pains treated at Midtown Manhattan Chiropractor today!

Gemmy said...

Is Jacki sleeping well these days? She seems to be looking troubled every time she's having a report on the GOP republican nomination.
Ease your suffering with
low back pain Port St. Lucie right away!

Anonymous said...

I hope Jacki will come to realize that she's working in a media corporation that contributes to the increase of unemployment throughput the nation. Such isn't that hard to figure out why, right?Protect your rights with
Tampa Bay DUI Attorney!

molly said...

Jacki would gain a lot of followers if she keeps herself away from being obviously biased. She should come up with something of showing her principle to the viewers. Protect your savings with
Tampa bankruptcy attorney today!

Bash Dana said...

I hope Jacki will not follow the tainted footsteps of Dana Bash. Nothing good will ever come out from obviously biased news reports. Consult with a
Chiro in Midtown Manhattan for the latest back pain treatment!

MrMnGr said...

Better start changing sides, Jacki. Mainstream isn't always the safest route to go and that go the same with news. Learn the latest tips for reducing customer turnover today!

Anonymous said...

Jacki seems to really getting used of reporting fixed news as the days passes by. Indeed she is becoming one of those who are for big establishments. Ease your suffering with low back pain Port St. Lucie right away!

Anonymous said...

It's perhaps sad for every talented news anchor to be working in a mainstream media. Their contributions are likely to only result as irrelevant for those who are seeking for the truth. Know the most reliable Tampa Bay DWI Lawyer to defend you today!

xprtmrktr said...

All the anchors of mainstream media will soon realize that what they are doing contributes to the chaos that the world is facing today. Jacki should know about such by now. Get your free marketing consultation before it's gone!

Anonymous said...

Jacki could have a better image in the news media should she work for a a news network company like RT. Her network is just ridiculously mainstream. Learn the latest business strategies to lower your marketing costs from the experts.

Anonymous said...

There's no doubt that Jacki is one appealing reporter on TV. It's just disappointing that she is working for a mainstream media. Ease your suffering with low back pain Port St. Lucie right away!

Anonymous said...

Is there any news media corporation that isn't biased? Jacki surely needs to find one soon. Obtain a highly credible felony defense lawyer Tampa now!