In an era of instantaneous communications, newspapers and other forms of media must continually strive to make meaningful connections with their readers, Stewart said. Technology, while intended to make our lives easier, has had unintended consequences, including increasing fragmentation of society and less personalized communication among individuals, he said.
Stewart admitted that newspapers are becoming "increasingly irrelevant" in our society and offered a specific reason: They require the undivided attention of the reader.
He stressed the only way newspapers can remain relevant is by having talented people create meaningful connections with their readers. "People want to find information that reflects their lives in meaningful ways, and they utilize technology to do this," Stewart said.
But despite the many changes in the media industry, Stewart said one aspect remains the same: the foundation of good print journalism.
"The future of the field is rooted in the traditions of the past -- fairness, accuracy and the pursuit of truth," said Stewart, former editor and vice president of the Tallahassee (Fla.) Democrat.
Stewart's appearance marked the second consecutive year that the BG News Alumni Society sponsored an event during Communication Studies Week.
