Convergence in journalism — online video June 15, 2007
Posted by Jonathan Hewett in : Journalism, Newspapers, Online, convergence, journalism education, video , trackbackA few thoughts on video, which more newspaper websites are carrying, from discussions at the AJE meeting (where the focus was primarily on regional/local papers online, not nationals). These are some pointers that I’ve taken from the seminar, as someone with a background in print journalism, with an eye on the practicalities of journalism education.
- It’s not TV or radio, so think web and the specific context there — eg complementing online text and perhaps hyperlinks. If the story is going on paper, too, what extra does the online video offer?
- For similar reasons, there are good reasons to keep the technology simple. The video isn’t destined for a 72″ plasma HD screen or whatever, so a half-decent camcorder (or even a regular digicam in movie mode).
- Similarly for editing software: something to be said for using free software such as iMovie, Audacity (for audio), Windows Movie Maker. I can vouch for the first two, in terms of ease of use for the essentials.
- Think of such software as the equivalent of Word for text etc.
- Remember that good quality audio is crucial — location (background noise), decent microphone etc (a downside to regular digicams).
- A slideshow might work well — still pics and audio might outdo video for some stories.
- Emphasise journalism rather than top-end production values.
- Concentrate on visual storytelling — think this way from the start.
- But don’t throw out print priorities of grabbing readers’ attention, relevance, focus etc.
Much of this came from the session led by Andy Dickinson (UCLAN). A podcast featuring him and Andy Price (University of Teesside) is now on Paul Bradshaw’s blog.
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