More Than Words

Manhattan, N.Y., May 19, 2009-Readers can be called simply viewers in today’s world. Society is more updated in technology and the newer generations are becoming fluent in video productions and online media. In order for journalists of today to reach their audience, they must go beyond the limits of written word and into the universe of digital media.

A new term, convergence media, begins to roll nicely off the tongue when talking about journalism. This term is talking about ‘backpack journalism’ where journalists not only know how to craft an intriguing written story, but they also know how to provide photography slide shows, audio and video.

People are visual and for some, a video or picture reaches them more than a full-page article. This new convergent media also bridges the gap involving the assumption that all of society is a literate one. The visual and audio aspects of journalism ensure publications that they can reach all readers and viewers.

Especially in a day where online is becoming more of the norm than print, this kind of journalism becomes prominent. Current executive editor of El Nuevo Herald, Manny Garcia, expressed the importance of convergence media when he stated that he looks to hire journalists who can do all three aspects of journalism—written story, video and photography. These writers hold greater skills, as they are not just limited to one form of journalism.

Within this new form of media writers are to be able to continue with their deep writing techniques; they are now simply adding to them. Having all forms of media with one story increase its affect and can reach a wider audience. When there is video and photography to go with the story, it gives viewers the option as to which they would prefer to look at, to learn about the story. It also allows the writers to increase the depth of their story as they can add different angles according to what is provided by the photographs and videos.

After all of this is said, the written form of the article is still extremely important and should not be belittled. A picture without a strong caption doesn’t mean very much and a video without the words behind it narrating only goes so far. The writing portion in journalism is not necessarily disappearing, but a new from of digital convergence media is erupting rapidly and will bring society into the next age.