From left, Viviana Hurtado, Francisco Cortes Sr., Veronica Villafane and Maria Burns Ortiz talk about transitioning to blogging.
Melissa Caskey, Latino Digital Reporter |
Journalists who decide to create and write a blog must always maintain their professional integrity, said a panel at the National Association of Hispanic Journalists Convention.
The Friday panel, “Now a Blogger, Always a Reporter,” examined what it means for reporters to shift their focus to online blogs and writing for the Web.
Veronica Villafane, editor and publisher of Media Moves, advised the audience to use Google Alerts in order to find out where their names are being used or postings are being run. The crucial aspect of blogging is maintaining credibility and a positive reputation.
“I always make sure that I double-check my facts, that I verify my sources,” she said. “You are not only responsible for what you put, you are liable.”
Fox News Latino senior manager Francisco Cortes Sr. gave attendees a behind-the-scenes perspective on the Web publishing process. With the launch of the network and site, technology has played an integral role in advancing the fairly young endeavor, he said.
Maria Burns Ortiz, a social media columnist for ESPN.com, said she expects social media to continue surging.
“It’s just going to keep growing, and the fact that my position at ESPN exists is a testament to that,” she said.
Viviana Hurtado, founder of the Wise Latina Club blog and a former reporter for ABC News, moderated the three-person panel.
Thanks, Viviana, for this great insight. I think it’s interesting for bloggers who are NOT trained journalists to think how they fit into this mix. While many want to comply with certain rules, there are other rules that are good to defy. For example, being clear about, and sharing, one’s opinion. This blogging world is opening possibilities for all of us. I’m sure you had a great discussion!