Newsroom computerization: hardware-software solutions to speed up copy processing

Abstract

Some of the newsroom computerization requirements are the opposite of the usual office automation. For example, copy download requires - unlike the usual office - lower download speed since it is lighter than the graphic-laden upload. To solve complications raised by this composite problem, the matter is studied at the following levels: news input devices including the download modem; copy flow in a network of higher speed sensitivity than normal; software quality adding features; noise elimination strategies; and upload to commercial press. At the centre of the investigation is whether the Macintosh computer retains its traditional stronghold on the newsroom. In other words, is it the machine brand or the software that is dictating choice of newsrooms computerization options? The comparison of the Daily Nation and The Standard newspapers newsrooms cannot answer this question without over generalising. Yet, the fact that Nation recently overhauled the newsroom - getting rid of the Macs - suggests that the software and networking options are overturning long held beliefs.