WEST DES MOINES – Have you ever heard of realtime reporting? Realtime reporting is utilizing technology to provide an instantaneous record of the spoken word. A realtime reporter writes on a computerized shorthand machine using brief forms, while software on a laptop translates the spoken word into English instantly. It is a specialized skill that requires intense training and is in demand in a variety of career areas. There is a critical shortage of court reporters in Iowa and nationwide as current court reporters retire.
Realtime reporters are in demand in the courtroom to provide a verbatim record of a court trial. By using a computerized system, the court reporter writes in realtime and the translation is immediate. The trial judge is able to access the record in realtime using a laptop. Reading back in a trial is relatively easy for a court reporter through the use of the search feature in the software. This is far superior to any electronic recording system because it provides an accurate and complete record without any “inaudible” comments.
Realtime reporters are also employed by TV stations to provide captioning of TV shows. This is often done remotely; reporters can be almost anywhere and have an audio feed of a show. Reporters write the show in realtime. Through the use of specialized software, the English translation then goes onto TV screens as “closed captioning.” As with courtroom reporters, there is a shortage in this field. TV stations are required by the Americans with Disabilities Act to provide captioning of live TV shows.
Lawyers depend on realtime reporters to record depositions of people involved in court cases. A deposition must be done by a realtime reporter who provides a certified transcript of the verbatim proceedings. With the increase in the number of lawsuits, realtime reporters are in demand.
Another career area for realtime reporting is assisting the hearing impaired. Reporters can provide hearing-impaired students with a transcript of classroom lectures. They can go to class with the student or work remotely by accessing the classroom lecture over the internet and providing a realtime feed back to the student. Reporters also provide realtime at conventions and conferences, airports and hotels, so audience members can read what is being said.
Realtime reporting offers a variety of job opportunities that are in high demand, interesting work and high salaries. The program to become a certified court reporter is offered at Des Moines Area Community College - Newton campus and is the only program offered in Iowa. Information sessions are held periodically to inform people of all ages about this career.
Contact the DMACC - Newton Campus at 641-791-3622 to register for an information session that is offered from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, at the West Des Moines Library. Go to www.dmacc.edu/programs/courtreporting/Pages/welcome.aspx for more information.