Indiana University School of Journalism

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AP Indiana bureau chief Keith Robinson talked to students and faculty about his survey of newspaper leaders and their thoughts about hiring during a Lunch with a Pro session Wednesday.

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Associated Press Indiana bureau chief Keith Robinson often speaks to large groups at the annual AP/High School Press Association job fair, but for the 2009 event, he wanted to offer attendees concrete information about newspaper job and internship prospects, something besides "gloom and doom."

So for four weeks before the Jan. 31 job fair, he surveyed newspaper publishers and editors about the state of the business and how it affects their hiring prospects.

Robinson brought his results to campus Wednesday to share with journalism students during a Lunch with a Pro session in the Ernie Pyle Hall library.

Robinson said he sent surveys to newspaper publishers and editors throughout Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan and Kentucky to find out where these editors think the journalism industry is headed.

Robinson received 86 responses to his survey, in which he asked five questions:

• What types of skills do students need to demonstrate to earn job positions?
• What positions are editors and publishers seeking to fill within the next year?
• What reasons are there for students to continue pursuing journalism despite the industry’s downfall?
• Do you recommend students to pursue freelancing as a way to gain experience?
• What is your most important piece of advice for aspiring journalists?

Robison said 45 of the 86 respondents cited versatility as a skill they look for in applicants. In addition to reporting, students should demonstrate knowledge in multimedia or the Internet.

Robinson noted “newspaper” doesn’t just mean newspaper reporter, as now the term encompasses working for a newspaper in whatever capacity is needed, whether that is through reporting, photography, multimedia or the Internet.

Photo by Evan Martin

Robinson said respondents claimed "versatility" to be in demand for new hires, specifically the ability to work in various media.

Another 40 responded that good writing skills are essential in applicants. But along with good writing and versatility, Robinson said 16 of the respondents said they value curiosity and enthusiasm.

“If you have the passion to work, an editor will look at that,” Robinson said. “It’s a strength students need to show.”

Thirty-four respondents said reporting jobs will be available for students in the coming year, while 27 said no jobs will be available in the coming year. Robinson said he expects this number may be higher, as some of the responses he received seemed uncertain. Robinson added that out of the 27 “no” responses, six said that not only would hiring not be an option, but current newspaper staff would be reduced, too.

Twenty-nine said journalism skills will be in demand regardless of the format. So while newspapers might not be hiring, other outlets, such as Web sites, may seek journalists. Robinson said the credibility of trained journalists, and their knowledge of ethics, attracts employers.

Twenty-seven said students should remember the important work being done in journalism.

“Even though the job market is down, the work we are pursuing is important,” Robinson said.

As for freelancing, Robinson said the majority — 71 — recommend freelancing if a job is not readily available. Freelancing allows new journalists to gain more experience, amass clips and get a foot in the door in case a job does open. Robinson said newspapers have been using more freelancers as they reduce staffs.

Robinson advises students to learn the basics, embrace new media and be open to change.

“Prepare for a career in journalism, not just newspapers,” he said. To do that, learn broadcast and sports writing, he said. Broadcast skills teach you how to sum up a story in a casual yet concise manner. Students should learn to boil down the essentials, and as a result, they will develop better writing skills.

Sports writers see drama unfolding as they watch games and can tell a story that comes alive through essential details, he said. Robinson recounted a story of a sports writer who was sent to cover an execution and, during an interview, asked what kind of steak and salad the prisoner ate for his last meal. Sports writers are able to zero in on the details needed to tell a story, Robinson said.

Photo by Evan Martin

Robinson suggested journalism students learn broadcast skills to sharpen their ability to tell a story concisely and learn sportswriting to appreciate the art of detail.

He predicts that five years from now, few newspapers will be printing daily editions. With fewer newspapers circulating, Web sites are developing to provide quick worldwide news to a larger audience. Robinson said as the Web becomes more of a focus, the notion of paid subscribers will gain ground. But the jury still is out on that verdict, he added.

Sophomore journalism student Ben Phelps said he has heard Robinson speak before and came to Wednesday’s lunch to learn more about the survey’s results. Phelps said he found the discussion interesting, but was not surprised by the survey’s results because the responses correlated with the current economy and journalism industry.

Junior Mike Beam is graduating next year. He attended the session because he wants to know what the job market will be like. He said Robinson did a good job explaining the survey to provide a variety of opinions on the future of journalism.

“Journalists will always be around,” Beam said. “People need news and people with skills in ethics to do that.”

Professional-in-Residence Joe Coleman invited Robinson for the talk. Robinson also talked to Coleman’s J341 Newspaper Reporting class.