Online Journalism News

ONA 2005: Leave your desks, says 'backpack' hack

Looking for work? The New York Times' 'backpack journalist' Naka Nathaniel told the conference there is a huge demand for multi-skilled reporters to work on location.

Mr Nathaniel is the only 'backpack journalist' at the New York Times. He has been creating multimedia reports while travelling with columnist Nick Kristof - including reporting from every country in the so-called 'axis of evil'.

"We can't hire enough people right now. The people we need to do these jobs are just not there," he told the conference.

"It's a huge problem for journalism."

He said that too many journalists are trapped behind desks when they should be out, reporting on location. Many stories remain unreported because journalists simply are not there to report them.

With a laptop and video camera, he can film a report, edit and publish online with a rapid turnaround. News sites are increasingly looking to introduce multimedia content in response to reader demand and increasing broadband uptake.

"It's a difficult job, but there will be jobs out there for you and there will be stories."

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