Reta Ismail: From Beta Cams to Backpacks. How 'digital' transformed Local News

Speaking of Media ....with Keith Marnoch

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The digital revolution hasn't just changed how we consume news—it's fundamentally transformed how journalists produce it. CTV London reporter Reta Ismail takes us behind the scenes of modern local journalism, revealing a landscape where speed and versatility have become essential professional skills.
Remember when TV reporters travelled with camera operators and returned to studios to edit their stories? That world is rapidly disappearing. Today's video journalists carry their entire production studio in a backpack, conducting interviews, shooting footage, and editing complete packages from their vehicles. This evolution offers greater flexibility and editorial control but comes amid significant workforce reductions that have eliminated weekend newscasts and diminished specialized coverage like local sports.
The relationship between social media and traditional news has become increasingly complex. While platforms provide crucial distribution channels, they've also created an environment where journalists compete not just with each other but with anyone carrying a smartphone. "We're fighting against anybody on the street who has an iPhone," Reta explains, describing how breaking news often appears on social media before professional journalists can arrive on scene.
Perhaps most concerning is the changing dynamic between news sources and reporters. Organizations and politicians increasingly bypass traditional media interviews by issuing prepared statements or using their own channels to communicate directly with the public. This shift diminishes accountability while allowing complete message control.
Despite these challenges, Reta remains optimistic about journalism's future as she teaches the next generation at Fanshawe College. The industry isn't dying—it's evolving. The human connection between journalists and their communities can never be replaced by technology, no matter how sophisticated. As Reta passionately argues, "The connections I make with the community, the way I tell the stories, you can't replace that with a robot."
Join us for this illuminating conversation about the present and future of local journalism in a rapidly changing media landscape.

Chapters

1. Evolution of Local News Access (00:00:00)

2. Changes in TV News Production (00:02:12)

3. From Desktops to Laptops: Mobile Journalism (00:09:35)

4. Immediacy vs Quality in News Reporting (00:16:25)

5. Workforce Reductions and News Coverage Gaps (00:22:07)

6. Social Media's Impact on Local Journalism (00:30:15)

7. Political Coverage and Media Accountability (00:36:20)

8. Teaching Journalism in a Changing Landscape (00:39:51)