The evolvement of journalism?

As a journalism student learning about social media throughout numerous classes it has proven itself useful and important.  As a reporter for KUJH-TV I have used Facebook frequently to find sources for stories.  I have been able to generate story ideas from people's Facebook status.  Social networking sites have proven beneficial and helpful for me personally.  Do I think it should completely take over as a form of journalism? Not necessarily.  Coming from a small, rural town in Kansas I know that if I went back and started talking about Twitter numerous friends and family would ask the question, "What is Twitter?"  While it has a lot to offer its users there are still so many people who have never heard of Twitter or who have heard of it but don't understand its concept or usage.  For traditional small, rural towns like the one I grew up in physical newspapers are very important and the main source of information for people.  This is why I very much disagree with Walt Mossberg when he said, "Think about it. Of the hundreds, thousands, of newspapers around the country, there are really only a few that matter. Good journalism and journalists, on the other hand, are worth saving."  For small towns physical newspapers describe the town's culture and operations.  In my hometown, I know an abundance of people who rely heavily on the newspaper to keep them informed and to keep the town's government in check and responsible for its actions. 

When it comes to using Twitter and Facebook to promote myself as a journalist, I like the idea but I also question how much it really gives a journalist credibility without seeming egotistical.  I like how these social networks can humanize a journalist for their followers but it doesn't seem as valuable as face-to-face communication.  For me personally I find it much more difficult to trust people online compared to communication through face-to-face interactions and I think there are a lot of people out there that would agree.  However, a bonus of these social networking sites is how they allow people across the globe to follow journalists and their works when face-to-face communication is unachievable.  The question that Brian Solis asks in his article, "Can the Statusphere Save Journalism?" I think it is a reasonable question but personally I think the Statusphere alone will not save journalism.  I don't believe journalism needs that much saving because journalists have always adapted and evolved with the ages and I believe all journalists will continue that trend.