The Future of Convergent Journalism
Principles of Convergent Journalism
Wilkinson, Grant, and Fisher (Ch 12)
In converged media markets today, people want employees to know the basics:
- report the facts
- tell a clear story
- repurpose a story for the Web
- effectively work across different media formats
Global Perspective
In 2007 federal regulations prohibited cross-ownership of newspapers and TV stations in the same market. As “grandfather clauses” cease and global opportunities start to expand, there will be an increase of jobs available for convergent journalists.
Though jobs overseas may seem like a chance of a lifetime for some people, there may be dangers that come with new job opportunities. Journalists should research the region thoroughly before traveling and writing in a different country. Many countries like China and Tibet lack basic freedoms and censors all material that is produced for the public. In history, journalists have been held captive and even killed for reporting material abroad that may be disruptive to a country’s government.
Watch the 1984 trailer of The Killing Fields, a real-life example of how an international reporter was put into life threatening danger on a job.
Got the Skills…How Do You Land a Job?
Begin planning right away. Write out your short and long-term goals. Start simple and build your portfolio. The best platform to display your work is by creating your own website. The goal of the content is to market yourself and show potential employers that you are credible. A website is a catalyst to show off your convergent skills and stay on top of new and upcoming technologies.
REMINDER: Being credible means taking any inappropriate videos and photos off of social media sites like Facebook and Twitter.
Growth Never Stops
Once you have landed a job as a journalists, your growth and learning process with never come to an end. Journalism is a business that is in constant change. Writers, bloggers, photographers, camera men …(etc.) have to stay on top of the latest trends, techniques, and technologies to serve the best information and give audiences what they ask for.
Converging with Other Emerging Media
Principles of Convergent Journalism
Wilkinson, Grant, and Fisher (Ch 11)
News organizations can tell deliver stories through other mediums than print, broadcast and online formats. Effective delivery agents are also RSS (really simple syndication), email, text messaging, billboards, and radio broadcasts.
RSS- “really simple syndication”
RSS is an internet tool to feed content to users who have selected to receive specific content. RSS delivers news t fast, without having people search through numerous web pages. Since people subscribe to certain RSS feeds, they have control to decide whether or not the content will be read. Some people may not take the time to even subscribe to a RSS feed.
Set up your own RSS simple syndication feed.
Emails are a quick way to deliver news. Text, video, photos, graphics, etc. can all be attached or uploaded to an email document. Readers still have the option whether or not to read the email content. News organizations must be cautious not send numerous emails to audience members. If readers are bombarded with messages, the emails may be turned into spam or trash.
Emails can be effectively used for news if kept short and concise. News organizations should create catchy headlines that grab readers and then give links to websites to provide more information on the story.
Most email services like Yahoo! provide news directly on their mail site and send updates throughout the day to users.
TEXT MESSAGES
Text messaging or also called (SMS- short message system) is also a quick and easy way to deliver news. Text messages are short, usually ranging 150 characters and are popular among younger generations. Text messages can be great to update news readers on weather warnings, traffic news, stock prices, and sport scores. News organizations, like MSNBC must be careful not to overuse the medium and know the the texts may be distracting to the average user.
BILLBOARDS
Billboards are normally placed at busy intersections and traffic flow locations where readers can catch a glimpse while going to and from work. Billboards can display catchy news headlines, videos, graphics, etc. One danger is that billboards can also be distracting to drivers and content usually must be squeezed to around 10 words total.
Read more about the pros and cons of electronic billboards.
RBDS- RADIO BROADCAST DATA SERVICE
Radio delivers short bursts of news, music, and advertisements all day long. Radio messages are short with no images and no graphics. Audience members usually listen while they are traveling to and from work or at home. Radio messages can be distracting. News organizations should be careful not to relay tragic news over the airwaves. Some people believe radio will soon be gone as technologies progress in the future.
About Ashley
Ashley is currently enrolled in the Master Journalism program in Chicago and receiving a certificate in Women’s and Gender Studies. In June 2008 she graduated from DePaul University with a B.A. in Journalism and Communications. Ashley finds fulfillment through traveling, creative writing, investigative cultural studies, and developing her yoga practice. Stop in Corepower Yoga in Lincoln Park for a class with Ashley!
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