MMJ. Multimedia Journalist. These two words comes up often in the media world and sounds like a super official title, but what do those two powerful words really mean.
I am those two words for WETM in Elmira, N.Y., a small city and suburban area in the Southern Tier of New York. Multimedia journalism is exactly as it sounds, but requires a lot of thoughtful consideration. We use a variety of media types, such as social media, linear broadcast, audio, pictures, web articles and more, to share important stories in our area. For me, I primarily use a mix of social media, linear broadcast, and web stories to communicate what is going on in the Twin Tiers.
Each of these text types requires their own content, which links back to the mothership, a.k.a the WETM website. On social, it is important to share what is coming up in your newscast, so people know to tune in. As a journalist, you have to go to the consumer just as much as they come to you. I always try to have a photo with my social posts because no one likes reading things without something to look at. I find my content with videos or photos almost always receives more engagement.
The Power of Digital Journalism
Anita Li & Ted
Anita is an editor at Mashable, and founder of The Other Wave, a website that explores film and television from a diverse perspective. She navigates the evolving landscape of digital journalism by brainstorming creative ways to cover news online
For our newscasts, I focus on what the most important information is, be sure the audience understands what is at stake and how it affects them. The web article mirrors the television story, but also serves as an extension where I can add in more information and relevant links to learn more.
Then, I wrap it all up in a bow and share the entire web article, with the video from the newscast attached in the piece, on my social media. This last step is critical because if someone missed the newscast, you need to reach out to them and say, “In case you missed it, here is the story!” Consumers appreciate this more than you know.
As an MMJ, my primary goal is to provide engaging, meaningful and thoughtful content, as well as some personal flair, on my social media pages so you (yes, you the consumer!), know what you are dealing with when you walk out of your home. And that’s what’s poppin’ with being an MMJ.
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