The news business relies heavily on news tips and up-to-the-minute information.

But we're seeing an evolution in the process.For example, news media organizations in Pennsylvania are faced with a new challenge as police and other emergency responders switch to encrypted digital technology.Encryption blocks access to information, preventing the media and public from hearing what's taking place.It also allows responders to operate with more privacy.Just this week, the Schuylkill County Commissioners announced their intent to spend about $5 million to equip every fire company in the county with new digital radios.The 1,140 units will be bought through Motorola under a seven-year, lease-purchase program.The first payment won't be due until 2017, but expect the implementation to happen much sooner than that.In the eastern section of the county, Tamaqua police already switched to encrypted technology. It happened in November.As for Pennsylvania State Police, they led the way two years ago.Since then, their dispatches and two-way radio transmissions have been unmonitorable by those using typical "police scanners" found in many homes and even some businesses.The changes are a deterrent for news media, in particular.We can't report on emergencies or other developments if we don't know about them.Luckily, there are other ways to find out.For example, the Internet's social networking platforms already have proven valuable in tipping off the media of developing news events.Facebook and Twitter, for example, provide a steady news feed generated by the public.In many cases, it's instantaneous, an advantage made possible by legions of cellphone owners who jump on to social media sites to alert others when they see news happening.So, if electronic scanners fade in importance, or possibly go silent due to encoded technology, expect to see even more Internet platforms develop to take their place.People always will want to know what's going on in their neighborhood.In fact, there are few things more important to society than the eyes of a caring public.We live in the information age with tremendous technological advantages.Expect social media already wildly popular to become a major trigger for news outlets.News gatherers and news writers will continue to report the information you need to know.Reporters will work within established frameworks of professional journalism, but, as always, will embrace emerging technology to get the job done.By DONALD R. SERFASSdserfass@tnonline.com