The adaptive journalist. Consultants and innovation managers analyze the qualities of the communication professional

Abstract

Since 2014 the media is no longer merely struggling for survival. They are now founding innovative departments and organizing hackathons to develop new products. These changes indicate that journalism is evolving and enjoying an era of opportunity. It is undergoing a process of permanent transition which requires proactive and flexible professionals who dialogue with the audience, produce multimedia information using their smartphones, occasionally use drones, and even create informative documentaries with augmented reality. In this paper a dozen consultants and innovation managers working in Spain, the United States, and Latin America analyze the new demands of the sector. This qualitative perspective is combined with a study of job offers posted on the website Infojobs located in Spain. The conclusion of both approaches is that the most necessary professional is that of the adaptive journalist, who is able to create informative content, integrate into multidisciplinary teams, and take up functions that engage with audiences.