Multimedia Journalists and a Changing Media Landscape

Multimedia Journalist Stock Photo

As I have mentioned before on this blog, I am taking a mobile social media class in which we are reading from the book "Mobile and Social Media Journalism: A Practical Guide For Multimedia Journalism" by Anthony Adornato.

I have to address these questions: What is a Multimedia Journalist (MMJ) and how are ethics, technology and a changing media landscape changing journalists' work for the better - and worse?

A multimedia journalist is someone that is doing all essentially. They are focusing on more digital components but also acting as their own camera and audio operator as well as all other roles that a reporter might take on. They are also distributing their work on more than one platform, typically.

In terms of how the media landscape is changing, many jobs have shifted to include mobile and social aspects. Newsroom managers are now looking at social media activity as well as storytelling skills. Additionally, they want to see previous social/engagement and reporting and something to report for user data and metrics. Computer coding and development are among the skills newsrooms are looking for.

The book also makes mention of the importance of clear writing, fact-checking and critical thinking as foundational skills in the newsroom.

Some of these positions featuring much more social media work include social media producer, social media anchor/reporter, Facebook live producer, newsletter producer, audience engagement editor and mobile editor.

And as for where to find these jobs the book suggests searching news outlets' and media companies' websites, job websites, professional organizations, social media, LinkedIn and within LinkedIn- company pages, alumni features, faculty, career centers and networking.

In order to improve your chances of getting a social media job or a news job in including social media, aspiring journalists should conduct social media audit, create website, use social media skillfully and consistently and make sure profile photos and bios up to date.

I would like to be in some sort of field involving social media so I definitely will follow these steps.