The web has certainly transformed the manner in which we gain access to news.
With networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, news can even be in the form of a status update or a tweet. In fact, many people I know have completely cut out their newspaper subscription and have started “following” their favorite news sites on Twitter to get up-to-the-minute breaking news via tweet. With this abundance of news on the web, video and audio have become a key part in the way in which we comprehend this news.
In my opinion, video and audio are both tools that top news websites use to make gaining access to news easier than ever before. And while print journalism is not a completely dead medium, the use of video and audio on the web is certainly contributing to its demise. But why are these “tools” so appealing to viewers?
Listening to audio or watching a video is almost effortless. There is minimal reading involved – with a click of the mouse, the story is explained out loud. But are videos simply serving as supplements to the real story, or are they actually more informative than the stories themselves? I think it depends on the context. There are many times that I prefer reading the story instead of watching the accompanying video. But take, for instance, Hurricane Igor, which is striking the coast of Bermuda with its powerful force. In this story from Fox News, (http://www.foxnews.com/world/2010/09/18/hurricane-igor-barrels-bermuda-remnants-karl-soak-southern-mexico/?test=latestnews) the events are explained, but one cannot understand or envision what is actually happening in Bermuda without the help of the video: http://video.foxnews.com/v/4342543/hurricane-igor-batters-bermuda?playlist_id=86857. In this case, the video shows viewers just what they are reading about.
A benefit of video on news websites is its ability to reach viewers and make an impact. I believe videos have the ability to gain more attention. For example, the use of public-service announcement videos is a prime example of using video to gain more attention in order to bring about a change in behavior. For comparison, view this article concerning the dangers of teens texting while driving posted on USA Today’s website earlier this afternoon.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2010-09-20-texting20_ST_N.htm.
The article is informative, however it is unlikely to bring about a change in behavior. It’s just news – it addresses the dangers of texting while driving, gives readers a few statistics, and ends with even more statistics that many people will not think twice about. Now, view this VERY GRAPHIC Public Service Announcement released earlier last year:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGE8LzRaySk.
Which had more impact on you? The article on USA Today’s website or the video?
I definitely agree with your example of how video can help news stories about catastrophic events, such as Hurricane Igor. I used the news coverage of Hurricane Igor as an example in my post as well; it is difficult to really describe the severity of a hurricane in a way that will make readers feel as if they understand how bad the conditions are in Bermuda. Watching the video and seeing the rain being wiped away from the camera lense and the stormy skies and seas is much more effective and leaves much more of an impact.
ReplyDeleteI didn't watch the texting while driving public service announcement because the warning page youtube displayed and your description of the video scared me a lot, but I would question whether public service announcements can be compared to news stories. News stories are supposed to be objective and simply report the facts, while public service announcements are supposed to make a certain point - in this case, don't text while driving. They are more like advertisements than they are like news stories. So, although I'm sure the youtube video was extremely effective - the picture that comes up on the youtube warning page is enough to make me not want to text while driving - I don't think public service announcements can really be compared to news. I agree with your point though, that often watching a video of something like that can change behavior much more than reading an article about it.
Concerning the last bit, you've got a point. Teens don't respond to anything these days unless it's got some shock value. Lassie doesn't cut it anymore! That dog'd have to be a pitbull with rabies.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, I like the direction that PSAs are going. They seem to really be hitting the heart of the matter. Like the ones with meth, too.
Interactivity is also important, as you've pointed out as well.