COURTESY OF MIAMI DADE COLLEGE’S MIAMI FILM FESTIVAL
Oana Martisca, director and producer of “News Without a Newsroom,” talks about the documentary at the Miami Film Festival.
Before I became a journalist, I remember playing the video game “Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite.” In that game, when journalist Frank West is afraid an enemy might kill him, the superhero Iron Man says to him, “Well, they say journalism’s a dying profession.”
The game was released in 2017, and I’ve thought about Iron Man’s line for years since then.
Is journalism really dying?
That line becomes even more prominent in our current climate, especially with the release of “News Without a Newsroom.”
Directed, written and produced by Oana Martisca, “News Without a Newsroom” is a documentary that presents the changing landscape of journalism. It shares the changes in how information is shared, and how the audience receives that information. The film had its world premiere on April 11 at the Bill Cosford Cinema as part of the 42nd Annual Miami Film Festival.
Some of my greatest memories as a college journalist were made in my newsroom. I gained valuable insights from my advisers and peers. I formed meaningful connections with intelligent and dedicated people over several years, and that is only possible because of our physical newsroom. When I watched “News Without a Newsroom” for the Miami Film Festival, it was fascinating to see how newsrooms used to be, and heartbreaking to see what they’re becoming.
The beginning of “News Without a Newsroom” shows the demolition of the Miami Herald’s old newsroom. Especially because we’re also based in South Florida, it made me think, what if that were to happen to our newsroom at Mako Media Network? Our newsroom is directly situated on campus inside the student population. Journalists need a similar space, to build camaraderie among each other, to be able to get to sources more quickly. “News Without a Newsroom” demonstrates the impact of having a space.
I liked that “News Without a Newsroom” featured conversations with seasoned journalists like Martin Baron, Sarabeth Berman, Martin Fletcher and Leonard Pitts. They all give their perspective on journalism and describe how it’s a constant flow of information, how it needs to be quick and accurate, all day, every day. It’s hard, especially in a world where artificial intelligence and social media are growing rapidly. “News Without a Newsroom” asks, why do journalists matter? What is the point of our work, when anyone can do it much faster in today’s digital age, using their own phones or generating pictures and stories with AI?
My takeaway is that journalists can go more in depth with a story.
“News Without a Newsroom” explores the consequences of investigative journalism and whether the risk of digging too far for a story is worth it. It shares the importance of upholding journalistic integrity, which becomes easier with the support of a full newsroom.
All in all, “News Without a Newsroom” is an important film for anyone looking to get into journalism. It goes over the drawbacks, how the space has transformed in recent years, and the role journalists can have on society.
Film was reviewed at the 42nd Miami Film Festival, presented by Miami Dade College.
Been looking for weeks for where how to watch the movie . “News Without a Newsroom” Have money will watch.