The New York Times' headline is Hacks Into Hackers and that tells part, but not all, of the story. A question for journalism schools is whether studies should train students to program code and not just develop their capacities to report.
The Times report identifies the effort of some schools to link computer engineering with the craft of journalism, noting that there is something in it for both the reporter and the programmer. It notes the new Columbia University dual-degree Master's program to that effect.
What some argue is that an effective journalist today --- and one in future --- needs an understanding of the manipulation of computers to generate code that helps storytelling. While newsrooms themselves have limited such qualities, it isn't difficult to discern that it helps much more than not to operate with a wide understanding of hardware and software.
Moreover, the programmers might hold some of the keys to the understanding of the new digital business model, the Times report suggests.
The Times report identifies the effort of some schools to link computer engineering with the craft of journalism, noting that there is something in it for both the reporter and the programmer. It notes the new Columbia University dual-degree Master's program to that effect.
What some argue is that an effective journalist today --- and one in future --- needs an understanding of the manipulation of computers to generate code that helps storytelling. While newsrooms themselves have limited such qualities, it isn't difficult to discern that it helps much more than not to operate with a wide understanding of hardware and software.
Moreover, the programmers might hold some of the keys to the understanding of the new digital business model, the Times report suggests.
