Many of us in the journalism industry have been hesitant to embrace new technologies because of the sometimes negative impact on our jobs.  Television stations have cut jobs or permanetly eliminated positions after company executives found ways to have computers perform tasks instead.  Many photographer positions have been cut over the years with the development of lighter, easier to use cameras that could be operated by reporters.  And now, with camera and video phones in everyone’s back pocket, there are more and more “public” journalists.

All of these changes have had me and many others concerned about the direction of the industry, but after seeing images from the protests in Iran, I think my opinion is changing somewhat.

If it weren’t for camera phones and the Internet, the world might not be witness to the violent events that have followed the presidential election in Iran.  Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are the vehicles for freedom of speech for the Iranian demonstrators.  The photos and videos are powerful.  If you haven’t checked them out yet, you should.

I also find it encouraging that computer engineers from across the globe are doing what they can to break down the electronic walls put up by the repressive Iranian government.   I hope the violence will stop, but if it doesn’t I hope the Iranian people will always have a way of telling their stories to the world.

Laura Ling and Euna Lee have been convicted of crimes in North Korea and sentenced to 12 years in a labor camp.  The United States reportedly will “engage in all possible channels” to win their release.  In the meantime, this article gives us a glimpse of what the young women will endure while they serve out their time.