G10 Unit 3b: Journalism and Social Media

Summary

The script explores how technology has revolutionized journalism, shifting from traditional methods like pen and paper to real-time digital updates on platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Journalists now must balance fast-paced reporting with verifying information, adapting to the demands of an on-demand audience. Tools like Instagram and Pinterest have democratized photo-sharing and audience engagement, allowing even non-professional photographers to contribute to news stories. Despite the overwhelming nature of constant change, the script highlights the excitement of experimenting with new media and the potential for success through innovation in digital journalism.

Takeaways

• 😀 Technology has transformed journalism, enabling faster news coverage, with journalists now using gadgets and social media platforms to share breaking news instantly.
• 😀 Journalism has evolved from traditional tools like pen and paper to digital devices that allow immediate reporting to keep up with a fast-paced, on-demand society.
• 😀 The audience has shifted from consuming scheduled news broadcasts, like the 6 o'clock news, to seeking information anytime, anywhere, on their own devices.
• 😀 Social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook allow journalists to disseminate information quickly but also create challenges in verifying that information accurately.
• 😀 Journalists face the challenge of balancing the roles of quiet, thoughtful writers and instant, broadcast-style reporters in the digital age.
• 😀 Instagram provides a unique way for journalists to share behind-the-scenes content and candid moments from the field that may not appear in formal news reports.
• 😀 The use of smartphones for photography, such as iPhones, levels the playing field, enabling journalists to capture compelling images with accessible tools.
• 😀 Instagram has expanded visual storytelling, making more people, even non-photographers, more visually aware and engaged with news content.
• 😀 News organizations like Newshour have embraced platforms like Pinterest to connect with audiences through visual content and engage in 'show-and-tell' journalism.
• 😀 Social media platforms like Facebook, Google Plus, Pinterest, Tumblr, and Instagram remain crucial for maintaining engagement with the audience and sharing unique content beyond traditional journalism.
• 😀 New media and social platforms are exciting for journalists, though the rapid changes and the sheer volume of content can be overwhelming at times.

Q & A

How has technology changed the way journalists cover news?

Technology has accelerated the speed of news coverage, as journalists now rely on gadgets and digital tools to deliver breaking news instantly. Unlike the traditional use of pen, paper, and cameras, modern journalism is about quick delivery to an audience that expects immediate updates.

What challenges do journalists face in today's on-demand society?

Journalists must deliver news as quickly as possible, or risk losing their audience. The shift from scheduled broadcasts to on-demand content means that journalists have to adapt to real-time reporting, ensuring they get news out immediately to meet audience expectations.

How does social media affect the way journalists verify information?

Social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook allow journalists to share information quickly, but they are often not reliable for verifying the accuracy of that information. The eagerness to share can sometimes lead to misinformation being spread before proper verification takes place.

What role does Instagram play in modern journalism?

Instagram allows journalists to share real-time visuals and personal glimpses into events, often providing content that doesn't make it to traditional news outlets. It also enables reporters to use a more personal and accessible approach to storytelling.

How do smartphones, particularly iPhones, affect journalistic photography?

Smartphones, especially iPhones, serve as an equalizer in photography, allowing journalists to capture compelling images without the need for expensive equipment. Many journalists enjoy using smartphones for spontaneous photography that can be shared on social media.

What does the AP's 'AP on the trail' Instagram feed showcase?

The 'AP on the trail' Instagram feed showcases behind-the-scenes moments and vignettes from events that aren't typically featured in the main news coverage. It offers raw, unfiltered images from journalists' experiences on the ground.

What is the appeal of Instagram for non-photographers in journalism?

Instagram's appeal lies in its ability to make photography accessible to everyone, not just professional photographers. Journalists who aren't trained photographers can still share engaging, visual stories, making the platform a tool for broadening visual literacy among the public.

Why did Newshour decide to use Pinterest for engagement?

Newshour used Pinterest to connect with a new audience and share visually compelling content that might attract viewers beyond traditional broadcast. Pinterest allows them to post photos related to their interests, making it a tool for building audience engagement.

What are the benefits of maintaining a social media presence for journalists?

A social media presence helps journalists connect with their audience on a more personal level, share content that may not make it into the main news, and drive traffic back to their primary websites. It's a way to engage with the audience and show the human side of journalism.

What challenges do journalists face in adapting to the rapid pace of social media and new media?

The fast-paced nature of new media can be overwhelming, as journalists have to constantly adapt to new platforms and technologies. This constant change requires flexibility and a willingness to experiment with new formats, even if there is a risk of failure.