From TikTok and Instagram clips to the ever-growing podcast and YouTube list, the competition to attract media users’ attention is at an all-time high, writes Tom Byrne.
Next month will officially mark one year in the job as a reporter for the Western People.
From the general election coverage to managing digital, the experience has been invaluable for my career.
The people you work alongside also help in any job, and I couldn’t ask for better colleagues in terms of help, guidance and encouragement.
Journalism is forever changing, especially with the digital-friendly world we live in today. News is now at the touch of a button - through social media, websites, apps and more.
While writing this article in a local coffee shop, a person sits across from me reading the traditional newspaper. Personally, seeing newspapers where you have contributed work gives me great satisfaction. It is something to look back on in the years to come.
It reminds me of producing work for matchday programmes - it will always be a souvenir to bring home from a game.
Western People reporter Tom Byrne, in his first week of the job chatting with the then Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly. Picture: Trish Forde
Although news is leaning towards a digital nature nowadays, I feel it is very important to keep the print tradition alive.
A print piece acts as a document of history, whether it is a breaking news story from a certain time or an op-ed that has great relevance in future years. I strongly encourage all to buy a paper.
Where journalism is going remains to be seen. 2022 marked my first full-time job in the industry. Even in those three years, I have seen the growth in the social media side of things.
From TikTok and Instagram clips to the ever-growing podcast and YouTube list, the competition to attract media users’ attention is at an all-time high.
Influencers are now gaining more ‘celebrity status’ than celebrities themselves.
Only last month, the ‘Sidemen’, a group of YouTube content creators, sold out a 90,000-capacity Wembley Stadium for a charity soccer match. Who would have thought that a few years ago?
All in all, the media landscape is affecting everyday life, especially amongst the younger generation, whether we like it or not.
It is a topic of conversation we just have to embrace, as it is only going to grow with the latest gadgets and technology coming our way.
I for one, look forward to continuing to keep the people of Mayo and the West up to date with the latest news around the county and province. From sports to courts, the Western People will have you covered.
