In the Spring of 2020, as the scale of the pandemic became apparent, meeting the demand for continual news updates became a high priority. New technology, some commodity, some hybrid, was deployed to respond to this need. Is this simply a lowering of standards in a panic reaction to an emergency or is such innovation something that is here to stay and that will be a fundamental challenge to the “traditional” news organisation? Some would argue that such change should have been driven at this pace anyway, whether or not there had been a national emergency. To discuss this are Glen Mulcahy and Guy Pelham who are in conversation with RTS Thames Valley’s Simon Morice.  

Once upon a time we had to wait by the phone for a call. Now, we carry our phones with us all the time, not only to receive calls but to receive text and consume video content of our choice. Not only that, but the phone has become a device for capturing, editing and transmitting video content. It has also become, along with tablets and laptops, a device able to interact remotely generating high quality live content, wherever connectivity can be achieved. This is but one immediate example of the way such innovative technology continues to have an impact on the way we tell the story that is News. 

Such disruptive technology has further challenged the very fabric of the traditional news organisation with new producers emerging from left field. This raises further questions about which media outlet you can trust? Traditionally producing content for broadcast television has been the domain of a self-selecting elite. But now it’s all change with new kids on the block. New innovative creators are bypassing the traditional gatekeepers and building sustainable businesses on the content which they serve directly to their audiences. But how is this happening and who are these gate-crashers at the party? 

We will explore this story of disruptive innovation, often driven by constantly changing and emerging technologies. This change is substantially challenging the business models of the traditional new media industry and creating new opportunities for emerging players who are creating an alternative which is counter-culture to the traditional broadcasters. 

Glen Mulcahy - Glen has inspired and championed the growth of mobile journalism and more recently 360 across the globe. A former head of innovation with RTÉ, Ireland's national public broadcaster, he also founded Mojocon – the first international mobile journalism conference which was held on an annual basis from 2015-2017. He is the founder of Titanium-Media, a media training and consultancy company. 

Guy Pelham - Guy has worked as a senior editor for BBC News for more than 20 years. He pioneered many of the technologies now used by journalists, including bonding devices for live streaming, VSAT satellite dishes, smartphone journalism and drones. He now advices media organisations and equipment companies on the best technology choice. He is the founder of Guy Pelham Media which provides training and consultancy for those working in today’s news media business.