Predictions 2008

Yes, it’s that time of year again. Lots of people are risking future derision by telling us what to expect in 2008.

Consider some of the dumber predictions from years past. Back in the 1940s, the head of 20th Century Fox didn’t see any kind of future for the new kid on the block: television. “It won’t be able to hold on to any market it captures after the first six months,” Darryl F. Zanuck said. “People will soon get tired of staring at a plywood box every night.” The founder of Digital Equipment Corp—now known as Hewlett Packard or HP–was just as tone deaf about computers. Thirty years ago, Kenneth Olson said “There is no reason for any individual to have a computer in their home.” A real visionary, that guy.

So it’s with some trepidation that I make any predictions at all. But I do think 2008 will be the year that solo TV journalists make a mark at the national level. ABC News took the first big leap, creating one-person international bureaus back in October. Look for other major news organizations to follow suit. And watch for more local TV stations to add “backpack” journalists, as Gannett has done.

What else should you look for in 2008?

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