Usage of Newsroom Computer Systems as Indicator of Media Organization and Production Trends: Speed, Control and Centralization

Sa？etak A convergent work method within the 24/7 deadline environment has created a need for digitalization and process automation. In order to realize that work method, an increasing number of media uses newsroom computer systems. Those systems are useful for the entire process of news production. Basic characteristics are enabling news gathering, article and scenario writing, communication, video viewing and editing, program length measurement, material archiving, broadcast control, dissemination of finished material and information program planning. The implementation of newsroom computer systems causes changes in the news production workflow, processes and in newsroom organization. Starting with the theory of technological determinism, this article is based on influences of the digitalization process on work routines, newsroom organization and the journalist management relationship on the Croatian public broadcaster Hrvatska radiotelevizija (HRT). Research used includes the ethnographic method of semi-structured interviews with handpicked personnel, as well as the company’s internal document analysis. It has been established that the television news production process has accelerated and become more efficient. Editor’s tasks have been directed towards information, and the possibility of journalist control has been introduced. Journalist’s tasks have become more complex, resulting in noted resistance to the system’s introduction by some journalists. Editors and older journalists work progressively less on educating younger journalists, while new routines have been created causing journalists to lose their assignment exclusivity and creation of metadata. Research has established that the introduction of newsroom computer systems represents a foundation for digitalization process implementation, as well as for the implementation of technological innovations in modern media establishments