Digital dictation can streamline newspaper reports from the field

Before the days of laptop computers and wireless internet, newspaper reporters out on assignment routinely called into the newsroom and dictated their story over the phone.

The process is inefficient and ripe with opportunities for error, yet some older reports can't let go of the old method. And these are the same reporters still carrying clunky tape recorders, wasting precious time before deadline to fast forward and rewind until finding the right spot in their interview.

It's these news veterans that could benefit most from a digital dictation platform. Documenting notes and even dictating an entire story is quick and easy with a digital voice recorder.

Digitally recorded files can then be converted to text through transcription software, and sent to the editor through either email or a transfer solution.

This way the process is much more streamlined. It may also boost a department's productivity, by freeing up the editorial assistant or fellow reporter, usually responsible for transcribing a phoned-in story, to handle other tasks.

Reporters looking to implement such tools in their news gathering process can find all they need at AmericanDictation.com. The site also offers expertise and advice on deploying digital dictation and transcription software