Discussion It is clear from research findings that the vast majority –around 90 percent of newspapers, 80 percent of TV stations and close to 90 percent of undergraduate journalism programs – surveyed report movement in the direction of convergence. Furthermore, all three groups believe that convergence skills are important for new journalism hires. Around nine in 10 journalism educators, and seven in 10 of both newspaper and television managers say these cross-platform capabilities are valuable. However, while technological innovations will continue to play a role in how journalists function in the 21st century newsroom, the fundamentals of news writing and reporting remain of utmost importance to industry leaders and journalism faculty. Furthermore, all survey participants continue to value the historical traditions of journalism education, including development of strong news judgment, knowledge of media law and ethics, and a broad liberal arts background. The new media skill that is most valued among industry leaders is the ability to perform Internet research. As far as convergence journalism is concerned, the ability to write across mediums is considered important to 80 percent of TV news directors, 59.42 percent of newspaper editors and 79.55 percent of journalism faculty surveyed. Many of the convergence partnerships identified in the sample take advantage of natural affinities, such as the one between TV and radio. The Web, however, appears to be the overwhelming favorite for cross-platform cooperation, with the vast majority of both mediums in the sample, and especially newspapers, saying they had a Web partner. Although convergence relationships are in place, many still follow what can be called a “semi-converged” model, meaning that partners often simply repurpose material, such as sending newspaper stories to a Website, rather than actually adapting their skills to another medium. However, in some cases, a truly converged model exists. For instance, about 15 percent of television executives say their staff frequently contribute original content to the Web. This is even more common among newspaper reporters, with over a quarter of editors from papers in convergence partnerships saying their staff contribute original Web content on a frequent basis. TV reporters are likely to create original content for radio partnerships – more than four in 10 stations in the sample frequently ask reporters to write original scripts for radio. Another common hallmark of these relationships is partners serving as experts/sources. For instance, nearly a third of TV respondents say their staff frequently are quoted in newspaper-partners’ stories. An even higher 40 percent of newspaper respondents say reporters and editors often appear on-air on TV partners’ broadcasts. The responsibility of training journalists for convergence work rests with both the media industry and the academy. However, much of the responsibility, at this point, seems to rest with the academy. Despite the growing demand for convergence skills, cross-platform training is not taking place on the job. Only about 7.5 of TV staff are required to take part in convergence work and an even lower 3.12 percent of newspaper staff receive significant convergence training. Nearly half of TV respondents and more than half of newspaper respondents say their staff receive little or no instruction in convergence work. About half of all undergraduate journalism programs surveyed now offer a series of convergence news writing courses. It is time for all journalism programs to consider doing the same or to risk graduating students without the tools they will need to succeed in today’s workplace. Some training is also going on at the professional level. It could also be increased. Industry leaders surveyed suggest they have entered into convergence partnerships as a cross promotional tool, a way to improve news coverage, and a way to remain competitive in a digital age. However, a small percentage of media executives (20.51 percent of TV news directors and 12.51 percent of newspaper editors) cite convergence efforts as an important way to cut costs. Convergence will thrive as journalists recognize the added benefits of cross promotional opportunities, improving news coverage, and remaining competitive, yet it will flounder in the long run if cost cutting is the primary objective. It is also interesting to note that media mergers and integration do not appear to be driving convergence journalism. The survey data indicate that by far most convergence partnerships are with a local medium that is not owned by the station or newspaper's parent company. Instead, interest in cross-promotional opportunities, improving coverage, competing in a digital age and, in the case of newspapers, reaching a younger audience, are propelling convergence journalism partnerships. This research serves as an important benchmark as it was conducted prior to major media ownership rules changes approved by the FCC in June 2003. As mentioned above, a key finding of this study is the fact that the majority of convergence journalism partnerships have taken place between different companies. Will this change now that the way has been cleared for a single company to own several TV stations, radio stations, and the main newspaper in the same market? Further academic research could explore the impact of the FCC rule changes on convergence journalism efforts for years to come. Even with all the technological advancements that today’s journalists enjoy, it may seem implausible and even detrimental to expect working journalists to excel in all areas of print, broadcast, and online writing. Will we end up with jacks- of- all- trade or continue to have print, broadcast, and online specialists? Additional research is needed to determine the expectations of 21st century journalists. Perhaps, the best we can hope for at this juncture is to cultivate versatile news writers who are rooted in the best traditions of journalism and who have a sense of how to present news and information with convergence in mind.