Peterson Riding Wave Of Mobile Reporting
By Carey P. Fowler
Lemke Ledger Staff
An Arkansas alumnus has found himself in the middle of print journalism's technological advancement, helping to spread the idea of mobile journalism, known as MoJo.
Chris Peterson graduated from the UA in 2005 and works for the Sun-Times News Group’s suburban newspapers, which started using MoJo in February. The development allows the roughly 40 reporters for the news group to break news as soon as it happens with mobile equipment like laptops, cameras and phones. 
Chris Peterson, a 2005 grad, is using mobile journalism, or MoJo, in his
job with the Sun-Times' suburban newspaper
group. — Photo provided
Sun-Times began toying with the idea of mobile journalism about six months ago and just needed a financial commitment.
“It eventually became clear that if we wanted to compete, we didn't have a choice,” said Peterson.
With reporters employing MoJo, instead of driving back to the office,they can write a story while out on assignment and e-mail it in.
Peterson first heard of the idea of about three or four years ago when he read an article about people reporting from their cars and coffee shops.
“I thought it was crazy, but it makes a little more sense to me now,” Peterson said.
Being mobile keeps the reporters closer to their sources, Peterson said. For instance, instead of manning the phones at the office, a reporter can stop by city hall, talk with sources and document information in real time.
“We have the Chicago Tribune breathing down our necks, and if they're filing stories at light speed, by God, we better do it faster,” Peterson said.
MoJo also allows reporters to take pictures if needed.
“Most journalists will be fine. It's not hard to learn to take a photo or file a story from a laptop. But then again, you never know how the technology will change,” Peterson said.
With every new development there are inevitable pitfalls.
“You can't print things when you're not in the office. And then there's file storage," Peterson said. "Most documents I need I have saved to my computer, but there are times when I have packets or print files I can't carry around with me."
After graduating from the UA, Peterson worked for the traveler for four years, the last as an editor. He earned his master’s degree from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.