Homelessness in Atlanta

From Typewriters to Touchscreens

Dr. Richard Welch is one of many journalists that has adapted to new media. Welch, a lecturer in Communication at Georgia State University, teaches his journalism students how to adjust to new technology, which is critical to know for their future careers.

Journalism consists of investigating and reporting, and new media is one way that journalists can communicate to their audience. New media consists of digital technologies that are interactive and give on-demand access. Today, because it is the most popular medium used to receive news, most news agencies rely on new media; however, Welch remembers a time when journalism was simply ink and paper.

His first journalism job was in 1973 at the Statesboro Herald, a small town newspaper in Statesboro, GA. His father worked for a newspaper as well, but he never guessed he would follow in his footsteps. After the first week Richard fell in love with his job. He favored seeing his results fast, describing it as instant gratification, similar to seeing an iron instantly removing wrinkles. However, it wasn't as simple as ironing.

Issues with Atlanta Public Schools

Nearly a year after proposing a reduction force plan, members of the Atlanta Board of Education and local parents gathered on Monday to discuss a revision of the plan and other issues of the school system.

The first Monday of each month at 6 p.m., Atlanta Public Schools hold a community board meeting that is open to students, staff, parents, and members of the community. It immediately follows the Committee of the Whole meeting, and includes the members of the Atlanta Board of Education. Public comment opportunities are available for the board to hear from interested members.

“A reduction force plan is necessary because there has been a decline in student enrollment, cancellation of programs, and anticipated budgetary shortfalls,” Superintendent Erroll Davis said in opening remarks.