In An Ever-changing Marketplace
After five decades covering security technology, adapting to digital transformation requires shifting from static print reporting to interactive, multi-format digital engagement.
- By Ralph C. Jensen
- Jul 28, 2026
There are moments when I catch myself looking back at the journalism landscape I entered more than five decades ago, and I cannot help but feel a bit nostalgic. The pace was different. The tools were simpler. The path from story idea to printed page was more linear — and, in some ways, more predictable. But nostalgia, while comforting, is not particularly useful in an industry that thrives on relevance. And if the past 31 years covering the security market have taught me anything, it is that evolution is not optional — it is essential.
The good news is that change in our industry has not just been constant — it has been overwhelmingly positive.
In the “old days,” our mission was straightforward: report the news, highlight products and provide insight for a professional audience. That mission has not changed, but how we deliver on it certainly has. Today, we are exploring new ways to inform, engage and connect with a readership that expects more immediacy, more depth and more flexibility in how content is consumed.
A few years ago, we took a significant step forward by launching four distinct awards programs. These initiatives were designed to give manufacturers a platform to showcase innovative, targeted solutions that are shaping the future of security. The response has been strong, and the programs have become a valuable way to spotlight excellence across a wide range of categories.
But we did not stop there.
Recognizing the growing appetite for timely, expert-driven insights, we introduced monthly webcasts featuring voices from across the industry. These are not just presentations — they are conversations led by professionals who understand the challenges and opportunities facing security practitioners today. The goal is simple: deliver practical, actionable knowledge that benefits the industry as a whole.
More recently, we have embraced digital publishing in a new way with the introduction of online-only handbooks. These concise, focused booklets highlight standout products and the stories behind them. They are designed for efficiency — quick to read, easy to access and packed with meaningful content that respects our audience’s time.
And now, we are pushing even further with the development of DemoCasts. This format allows clients to present pre-recorded, 10-minute demonstrations that bring products and solutions to life in a way traditional print never could. It is a dynamic approach that reflects how people increasingly prefer to learn — visually and on demand. I hope you will join us.
Journalism within the security industry has always been fascinating work. Today, it is also more innovative, more interactive and more responsive than ever before. While the tools and formats may continue to change, the core purpose remains the same: to inform, to highlight and to serve a community that depends on staying ahead of what is next.
This article originally appeared in the July/August 2026 issue of Security Today.
About the Author
Ralph C. Jensen is the Publisher/Editor in chief of Security Today magazine.