The role and value of online journalism
What is new media?
According to Lowa State University’s Studio for new media, the term “new media” has been around since the 1970s and its definition is constantly changing with each new wave of technological advancements. New media refers to new and emerging technologies including tablets, smartphones and other mobile reading devices or tools capable of accessing the internet. It also refers to the digital media presented on these devices. For example: news apps, blogs, websites, social media postings, chats, feeds, online newspapers, magazines as well as podcasts.
The role of online journalism
According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics ‘Occupational Outlook Handbook, Journalism jobs within the realm of new media are more promising. New media journalism is becoming a field where reporters/editors multi-task and develop multiple talents. Their position is no longer limited to writing or speaking only. Now they must also take photographs, shoot videos, design the layout for a multimedia website or promote their message through social media. Journalists now rely on both verbal and visual skills. They have to continuously learn about and keep up with the new advancements in digital media. They have to learn the most effective means to layout stories as part of a tablet app versus website, flipbook or other e-publication. They must experiment with how to best present the message, striking a fine balance between the multimedia involved, so as to not distract the audience from that key message.
The value of online journalism
Globally, the digital audience is growing and is significant. The South African media research fraternity is undergoing massive changes at present. It is not easy but it is an opportunity for tremendous growth and improvement to create a stable, representative, and reliable system to help embrace the inevitable technological shifts.
There will be a greater role for data integration and modelling. So getting over aversion to fusion in all its forms is key as well as investing in the skills to do so. There is a great need of faster and more frequent data publication as digital access grows. That means automating systems and investing in databases, interfaces, and analytical tools that are able to deal with large volumes of data and dynamic data integration.
An industry debate on common metrics across platforms and devices is needed. This may mean losing some current (sacred) metrics in favour of reach, time, and gross point ratings. Also an agreed standard on the quality of the big data that is consumed is needed. An increase collaboration between industry currencies in needed. It may be challenging but it is vital
The reason why people love the internet more or better than your normal traditional media newspapers is because of various reasons.
It has the potential to reach a larger audience in a shorter period of time. It leads to far greater interaction between journalists and their readers as well as everyone who uses it for interacting purposes. It is faster, very cheap and quite easy to use. You don’t still have to go to the shop to buy a newspaper; you can just use a news app. New media also opens up more doors for journalist to freelance or even better, for them to commence their own online publication. Thus such professionals, in addition to communication skills, often must develop entrepreneurial abilities.
Although new media provides for a more interactive and visually stimulating experience, it does not mean the actual information or reporting should be neglected. With so many questionable stories and facts presented online, it is of vital importance that journalists maintain their integrity and fulfil their ethical goal of striving to present the truth and nothing but the truth.
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Source: www.journalismdegree.com
