Adapting to Change, Lessons from Kent Cooper
At the time of Kent Cooper's funeral in February 1965, the news flow through the international Associated Press network - the organization he had spent 40 years building - came to a complete halt. The momentary pause was a tribute to the man who had changed the way millions of readers and listeners relied on information.
Nearly a century after Cooper became CEO of the Associated Press, there is much to learn from his career and the evolution of the organization he led. One of the most important lessons is understanding the importance of adjusting and adapting to a changing world.
One of Cooper's smart strategies was his ability to respond quickly to changes in the news industry. When faced with competition from United Press, Cooper was not afraid to loosen the restrictions that had made AP's coverage boring. This move not only kept readers interested, but also demonstrated the adaptability of journalism.
Kent Cooper (second from left) worked for AP for more than four decades. Photo: Toronto Metropolitan University.
“If a reporter fails to write a story about a millionaire woman marrying a poor factory worker because he understands that the story is not the kind of story the AP is pursuing, then it is the fault of the news reviewer, and the mistake must be made public,” Cooper wrote in 1922.
In addition to being a brilliant information manager, Cooper was also a pioneer in applying new technology to the news industry. He recognized the important role of radio early on and contributed to the development of news photography. His innovation in the use of Wirephoto, a rapid image transmission system, changed the way newspapers worked and ensured that news was transmitted quickly and accurately.
In today’s age, technology is increasingly shaping journalism. However, Cooper pointed out decades ago that technology is just a tool, not an end in itself. The important thing is to use technology to enhance the quality and accessibility of information, not to change the nature of journalism. As the online news model rapidly evolves, attention to quality and accuracy remains key.
Cooper’s vision extends beyond the expansion and adoption of technology to maintaining a commitment to accuracy and neutrality. In an era of political manipulation on all sides — from East to West — and misinformation becoming more prevalent, this commitment to citizen welfare and accuracy has created a positive tone in AP’s history.
For example, he maintained close ties with the Nazi-controlled German news agency Deutsches Nachrichtenbüro after 1934. Although Cooper did not denounce Nazi press restrictions, the AP did not actively participate in the dissemination of German propaganda.
Cooper also formed an alliance with Japan's Rengo news agency, despite knowing that the agency was heavily subsidized by Japan's imperial and militarist government. The balance between access and acceptance of limitations remains a major issue for journalists today.
Kent Cooper is not only a figure in journalism history, but also a model for the future of the profession.
Cover of the book about Kent Cooper: “Mr. Associated Press: Kent Cooper and the Twentieth-Century World of News”. Photo: Amazon
Journalists: The Decisive Factor
Regardless of any innovations in technology and business models, journalists remain the most important factor in the survival of the news industry. They are not only the ones who gather information, but also the ones who hold the power over the selection, editing and dissemination of information. Journalists are responsible for the accuracy and reliability of news, which is why their power will always be important, regardless of any technology.
Technology, while playing an important role in the production and distribution of news, can never replace the role of humans. Machines can automate the journalism process, but creativity, judgment, and sometimes even human intuition cannot be replaced by artificial intelligence. Technology is a tool to support, bring efficiency and speed, but it cannot replace the multi-dimensional perspective and creative thinking of journalists.
The newspaper industry’s business model is facing major challenges from changes in news reading habits and online consumption trends. However, with every challenge comes opportunity. Technology also opens up new doors for the creation of innovative business models, from leveraging online platforms to developing interactive and multimedia content.
The AP news agency remains at the forefront of technological innovation to adapt to journalism in the new era. Photo AP
Journalists are not just newsmakers, they are shapers of public opinion and society. In a world where information travels fast, their power and responsibility are increasingly important. Technology and business models may change, but honesty and accountability to readers cannot be ignored.
Kent Cooper leaves an important legacy for the world of journalism. His insight into change and innovation is not only an inspiration to today’s journalists, but also a valuable lesson in how the news industry can adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing environment. While technology and news models may change, a commitment to accuracy, impartiality and innovation will continue to be key elements of building a strong and trustworthy journalism industry.
Remembering Kent Cooper shows that in the future, journalists will continue to play a decisive role in the journalism industry. Their deep understanding of society, their ability to analyze information, and their ability to engage with readers will determine their power. Technology and business models may evolve, but the power of journalism remains in the hands of journalists - the shapers, not just the transmitters.
Minh Anh
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