It has been widely reported that the number of active stenographic court reporters is declining rapidly. Court reporting schools are closing, graduation numbers are dropping and interest in the career is very low. This is all true.

Court reporting firms across the country have begun to schedule digital reporters, the most common alternative when a certified stenographer is not available. Digital reporters use digital audio recording devices to record court proceedings and depositions. Professional digital reporters take electronic notes that are synchronized to the recording, which allows for easy read-backs during the deposition. The synchronized notes also aid in the production of an accurate and timely transcript.