Robots can help reporters face wider horizons

As news organizations scramble for ways to cut costs, robot video conferencing is one tool that could dramatically expand reporters' access to events and previously unaccommodating government agencies. There's nothing new about using video conferencing -- the business is booming and is expected to reach 2.9 billion in revenue by 2020. But robots, used in video conferencing mode as a journalism tool, could dramatically alter the industry at large. Imagine a bureau of robots in Afghanistan, or in a highly secured building like the Pentagon, stationed at the White House -- or, locally, the State House. Reporters could, functionally, be present for hearings, briefings and interviews -- and multi-tasking -- when they are not able to be physically present.