Ever-advancing technologies have left citizens and journalists alike in a sort of define-the-relationship quandary. Are the “old ways” of print journalism and rising technologies like Twitter’s new link-embedding capabilities going through a marriage or a divorce? While only time will tell, there is no denying the new girl next door, audio and video advancements in journalism, is causing quite the ruckus.
Since its start in 1851 The New York Times has been a leader in the field of journalism. Embracing one of the most important news standards, connection with community, the New York Times had made news interactive in a new and heartfelt way. The New York Times currently has a section on its website titled “A Year at War” offering readers with up-to-date, informative and heartfelt information on American soldiers in Afghanistan. It uses both audio and video capabilities to allow readers to contribute videos and photos of their soldiers. Readers can click on “view the interactive feature” and go on a journey through Afghanistan via a 6-minute video. The video brings views to Afghanistan using Google Earth, presents a slide show of soldiers and uses voice-over to provide commentary by Captain David Bell. The compilation also includes video footage of soldiers in Afghanistan. The New York Times’ use of audio and video honors individuals who have loved-ones in Afghanistan while providing important information by making their site interactive.
Though the ability to slow video down is not new, wired.com posted a video shot by Tom Warner, Ph.D. student at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology of lightening. In addition to the video’s natural appeal, wired.com uses the video as a gateway to presenting important weather information. It is the slow-motion of the video, however, that bring the appeal. This is just a small way wired.com is using simple video technologies to make its content more accessible and interesting.
CBS news’ site has embraced video with its “Up to the Minute” section. This portion of the site has a myriad of video news stories. The concept of “up to the minute” seems to fit better with video feeds than full print news stories. In this way, CBS seems to connect video with convenience, an important factor in today’s fast-paced society.
There's no two ways around it, news organizations have to embrace advancing technologies and web 2.0 if they are going to accurately reflect the direction society is and has been going in.
Wow. That lightning video is absolutely amazing. What a cool concept. I would love to see a tornado shot this way. What a cool way to document natural occurences. It's amazing what media has the capability to do in terms of documentation. Also - the war documentation not only gives American's a view from the front lines, it gives the added benefit of folks back home being able to see their loved ones. With video capabilities being so up-to-date, I think news organizations have the capability of keeping people informed immediately, but also run the risk of losing credibility - for instance, if a story breaks and it's posted immedietely, the story could potentially be incorrect or there is more room for error. What do you think?
ReplyDeleteI also enjoyed that lightning video a lot! Obviously it did the trick, because it has us up in arms overs its effect. And I agree with above - seeing a tornado in the same effect - priceless.
ReplyDeleteI don't actually think I've seen the disaster potential of a tornado in anything other than the movie "Twister." In fact, tornados as a whole are sort of disconnected from me.
Moving on, I liked your video to the "Up to the Minute" section on CBS. The title itself invokes to your average reader that this is up to date, important information, possibly of stuff that couldn't have made the paper in time because it's legit breaking news.