Any future for Foreign Correspondents?

Last month, at a conference in the US, Global Voices Managing Editor Solana Larsen predicted that there would be no more foreign correspondents in five years time. She explains why on her blog and others, including BillT, have picked up on it too. I was at the conference and, surprisingly to some, sort of agreed with her. Before any of my esteemed colleagues turn on me, let me explain. Her point was that the skill and ability of local journalists, supported by new technology, means they will soon be able to provide a far better service than a western correspondent who has only limited knowledge and contacts parachuting in. I actually pointed out that the BBC already has more bureaux with correspondents based on location than any other broadcaster and that the World Service operates a network of some 400 local language service stringers. In some some senses we are already a model for what she is advocating - although with the potential to take that strategic advantage further. Of course that's only part of the story. One of the reasons for the western model of Foreign Correspondent is that they are meant to have the communication skills, as well as subject skills, to convey to an audience at home in a compelling way what's going on. And local journalists may not necessarily have the skills to engage an audience that hasn't seen or heard them before. But that feels like an increasingly patronising view. However, neither am I casting aspersions on the brave and compelling reporting of the BBC's World News team - many of whom are close friends or I appointed at some stage in the past!

I do believe, though, that something is shifting in the expectations, and mindset, of the news audience as well as in the technology available to communicate between countries and cultures. One of the marks Al Jazeera International made, when it joined the band of global news channels, was in the diversity of its reporting staff.  I also believe there's a question of authenticity. "Dish journalism" has been lambasted before, notably by Martin Bell who calls it puppetry, and I find myself increasingly agreeing. I think as technology and the internet make more and more alternatives available - in the way Solana Larsen talks about - we will need to demonstrate better that our reporting is close to the ground, well informed and authentic.

Comments

[Fleet Street Blues]

I think you argue against your own point here - it's the communication skills that are key. And it's the report, not the channel that matters.

In five years time, if people in Britain want to watch an Indian reporter cover Indian politics, they'll tune in to an Indian TV station (online). The only way they're going to continue to watch the BBC is if the BBC has added value - which is why the foreign correspondent's role will become more, rather than less, important.

[Richard Sambrook]

I havn't said the role will become less important - I agree it will become more important, but that the way we operate and conduct international reporting will have to change. First hand experience will become key.