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.

EMAIL

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.