multimedia = multiskilled + multitasking
It sounds like a simple formula, but in reality, it’s probably anything but.
Much has been said and written about the waning interest -– especially of the younger generation –- in news or in reading newspapers. Multimedia journalism is a way of adapting to the changing habits of our audience. It is about providing a multisensory experience to an audience that wants or requires information quickly and more easily.
dumbing down vs. stepping up
Multimedia journalism caters to short attention spans. But this doesn’t mean dumbing down –- far from it. In my view, multimedia journalism is a way for us to meet the demands and expectations of our our audience. And they do demand more from us. After all, they are techno-savvy, more sophisticated, pickier about what they read or watch or listen to.
Therefore, venturing into this field of journalism requires us to step up to its challenges. It is expanding our skill sets to enable us to better engage the audience. Multimedia journalism helps us become better practitioners as well. And since we cannot expect a linear thinker to produce nonlinear reports, the more we can think like our audience and anticipate their needs, the better we can give them what they want or need to know.
multimedia journalism in the philippines
I was a bit surprised (to put it mildly) to learn from the UC Berkeley grad school of journalism that the sites of some of the major news organizations are not considered multimedia journ. For this reason, I don't think there's any Philippine media organization that has gone multimedia in the true sense of that word.
True, training is ongoing and equipment being upgraded. And that is a sign that we are heading in that direction. Maybe in a matter of months, we will see the practice of journalism evolving –- from shovelware and blogs, from merely making video and audio available in news portals, to real multimedia journalism.
It is not just about the medium and the technology. It is about changing our own views about news and about our audience, adapting to change, and being better equipped.
2 comments:
Hi Ching Bee,
I like the formula you posted as the title of your latest post. It seems pretty simple if we take that formula into account when we talk about the converging journalism. But I tend to agree with how you end your posting, it is not only about the skills, equipments, multi tasking, but the mindset change.
As a print (hopefully multitasking)journalist, there are so many aspects that need to be thought through for audience, who are getting more impatient by the years.
The standards have been revised, relooked, hopefully not compromised at the speed of which information is demanded.
I say we constantly need to remind ourselves about producing high quality pieces, no matter which medium we use.
Hi Susan,
I agree. Any change in technology introduces changes into the system as well. Media laws and standards have to catch up with these changes if they are to remain relevant. Ultimately, as you say, we have to do good work, regardless of the medium.
Thanks for visiting.
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