Growing up in Port Orchard, Washington, James Tabafunda always wanted to attend the University of Washington. He achieved that dream and more when he received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1987. His studies at the UW focused on health sciences and communications. He was also president of the Filipino Student Association (now the Filipino American Student Association) from 1984-1985.
Tabafunda is currently working as a contributing writer for Northwest Asian Weekly, an Asian American newspaper out of Seattle’s International District.
When Tabafunda began his journalism career in 2005, WiFi had just become commonplace and YouTube was born. In the twenty years since, technology and Internet use has evolved, so we discussed ways in which this has impacted him as a journalist. He came up with three categories:
1. Digital Photography
In 2005, Tabafunda first used a film camera to take photos for his articles. Tabafunda explained, “I had to take out the film, have the film developed and changed into digitals. Sometimes, the place was closed so I’d have to wait and it just made my job slower.” The inconvenience is what eventually prompted him to make the switch to digital. Now, he takes photos on a DSLR camera and can upload them to his computer in an instant.
Not only is current photography equipment more efficient for journalists, but mobile phones also make covering stories more accessible. Almost anyone can document an event with the camera on their phone, bringing different perspectives into reporting.
2. Video Conferencing
After COVID-19 forced everyone to stay at home, video conferencing became the norm. Even after restrictions were lifted, many journalists continued to conduct interviews over video calls. It allows them to reach people from all over the world. Additionally, the time that was previously spent traveling could be used for completing other tasks.
However, Tabafunda prefers in-person interviews. “Whenever I write my stories, I need to be able to see a person, see the reactions, talk to them before I even interview them,” Tabafunda said. “I need to have an understanding of them as a human being so that can kind of give my story even more interest.”
3. Generative Artificial Intelligence
Since ChatGPT launched in November of 2022, the use of generative artificial intelligence– or AI– skyrocketed. Even journalists are using AI as a tool. “I would record the audio for my interviews, then go home and retype everything that I heard, word for word… That could take me easily six hours,” Tabafunda said, “But [AI will] do it in like ten seconds.” He explained other ways AI helps both reporters and consumers; it can be used to proofread, fact-check and translate articles. However, he also recognizes the importance of reviewing the work and having transparency. Tabafunda said, “It requires human management and it requires human analysis”.
With the rise of its use, some have concerns about AI taking jobs from humans. In July of 2023, Writers Guild of America (WGA) went on strike in part to ensure regulation of the use of AI. Journalism being in a similar realm to screenwriting, I asked Tabafunda if he felt AI was eventually going to replace human reporters. He does not see AI as a threat, but also understands the possibility. “I don't want to see a day in the future where media companies will say it's cheaper, faster, easier to just have computers write the news,” Tabafunda said, “...As long as we lobby for our value as human beings and the abilities and talents that we have over AI, it will just be a tool.”
Another change for newspapers has been the demand for digital content. In January of 2023, Northwest Asian Weekly stopped producing print editions, transitioning to online only. They weren’t the only publication to do so in recent years. COVID-19 prevented newspapers from producing and distributing physical editions. Because of widespread access to the Internet and consumer preferences, some never went back to print.
Especially with the rise of social media, print journalism has evolved. Many publications have accounts on multiple platforms; they make different content catering to the medium and audience of each. Traditional print newspapers are now also creating videos and infographics to keep up with consumers. Even journalists themselves are expected to have a fairly active online presence.
“Consumers get their news and information in so many ways now, that if you stay with just one print newspaper, you're now neglecting all the other ways,” Tabafunda said, “so you have to be able to adapt to the changes.” If newspapers don’t change with technology, they face the threat of going out of business.
As technology is ever-evolving, we also spoke about possible mediums of the future:
1. Virtual Reality
Tabafunda thinks that in the far future virtual reality may become a preferred medium for news. Virtual reality or VR is an immersive, simulated experience. Meta, Sony and Apple are just a few companies that sell VR headsets. Tabafunda said, “Some [people] won't read the newspaper, they won't watch TV, they won't use their smartphone, but they'll buy VR glasses and then get their news and information that way.”
2. Advancements in Virtual Assistants
Another possibility Tabafunda mentioned is updates to virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa. In the future, all you may have to do is ask a question or give a command. “You could just sit there, relax, and here's Siri or Alexa, telling you the news,” Tabafunda explained.
These potential advancements would change the way journalists write and present news. And though it will be years or even decades before this happens, it was interesting to talk about the possibilities.
Mr. Tabafunda’s career in journalism has spanned many years and changes in technology. When I asked Tabafunda the last question he always asks when conducting interviews himself– the main thing you want readers to get out of the article– he got excited. “Advanced technology is an interesting area for the print journalism industry because it can be used in so many powerful ways,” Tabafunda said, “I'm hoping it will benefit Asian American communities– all communities– who want to get the latest and most accurate news and information.”
We’re lucky to have more than just a typewriter and film camera to produce newspapers. It’s because of advancing technology that we can now report news across the world in seconds. However, it’s important to remember that technology is just a tool. “In the US Constitution there's something called ‘freedom of the press’,” Tabafunda said, “[journalism] is one of those professions that the Founding Fathers felt was so important to this democracy in the United States.” Journalists like Tabafunda are essential to our society, especially now. They inform citizens and strive for the truth. They are here to stay.
Check out Tabafunda’s work at nwasianweekly.com
