Multimedia Journalism and why it’s so important
So what exactly is multimedia journalism and why is it crucial for both journalist and audience?
With the constant evolution of journalism, particularly online over the past decade, it is integral to understand and utilise the form to the best of our abilities.
Photo by Libby Penner on Unsplash
What are the features of online journalism?
Hypertextuality
Hypertextuality is the extent to which messages and stories are linked together in a piece of journalism. It consists of using internal and external hyperlinks and these act as a non-linear group of texts that computers understand. They allow us as journalists to link ideas, sources and other stories to the main piece we’re working on. They also can link to measurability as people can view further stories on our own site.
Interactivity
Interactivity could be argued to be one of the most important features for growing the relationship between journalist and audience. It allows the audience to interact with our content, whether that be an infographic on an article or through social media. It keeps content exciting and new, giving the audience a feeling of importance.
Multimediality
Multimediality is where we can include two or more media formats in a news story. These include text, images, video, audio, graphics, etc. They can set apart an article from another publication too, giving the piece individuality and creative flare.
Transmedia
Transmedia defines the multiple platforms for news stories now and how one story can be presented across various formats. For example, a story can be presented as a multimedia website article and also be delivered as a tiktok and instagram post.
Transparency
Transparency has been an area of journalism which has seen many readers lose faith in the media. Online journalism allows for us as journalists to present and link our sources, giving the audience access to raw material. This builds a level of trust that is missing in mainstream journalism.
Measurability
Arguably the most useful feature for us as journalists. Measurability allows us to track how many people view our online journalism through clicks, likes and shares. This is particularly important in making sure our work is sustainable and reaching the audience we want.
Why is Multimedia Journalism so important?
Print journalism was never a completely accessible format and alienated certain communities within our target audiences. Broadcast journalism was more accessible but still couldn’t appeal to every person wanting to access news. Given the new technology available through devices like smartphones and computers, online journalism has given an access point for many that struggled to access news. Due to this, it is crucial we utilise many of the features we have discussed to reach every person.
Bradshaw’s BASIC acronym is helpful when looking at important features of multimedia online journalism:
Brevity
Brevity means using concise language to captivate your audience's attention. Embrace short-form content, consider breaking your work into sections, and eliminate unnecessary details. Multimedia formats provide an excellent avenue for achieving brevity.
Why not employ infographics to convey complex information? This will instantly enhance engagement and make your work more accessible to a wider audience
Adaptability
For Multimedia online journalism to thrive, adaptability is crucial to cater to diverse audiences and their preferences. Journalists can use various formats, including images, videos, text-only, or podcasts, to present their work, showcasing how different topics can suit different mediums. Keeping an eye on trends and audience behaviour is vital in order to adapt to the ever-changing online landscape. Design choices should align with the chosen format, ensuring the work remains flexible and adaptable.
Scannability
Facilitating easy access to key information is vital for reader engagement. Optimise scannability by incorporating subheadings, lists, and bullet points, and break down your content into digestible chunks. The concept of 'chunking' can effectively split up information, making it more user-friendly and enhancing the overall scannability of your work.
Interactivity
Interactivity is a powerful way to enhance Multimedia formats. Features such as polls, graphics, and quizzes create engagement, fostering a sense of involvement and making the reading experience enjoyable. Consider incorporating interactive elements, such as using data to illustrate points in a fun and engaging manner.
Community and Conversation
Building community and fostering conversation are integral aspects of journalism and can be easily achieved using the multimedia format. Encourage reader involvement by inviting comments and opinions, establishing a platform for engagement. This not only contributes to a loyal readership but also creates a sense of community and connection, enriching the overall experience for both journalists and their readers.
That is Bradshaw’s BASIC concept explained. Now let’s talk more about Accessibility and how it applies to Multimedia online journalism!
To boost engagement and build meaningful relationships with readers, journalists must prioritise making their content accessible to a diverse audience, addressing various needs.
Issues with accessibility impact multiple groups in society, emphasising how crucial it is for journalists to use multimedia formats to promote inclusivity.
These groups include but are not limited to:
o Those with visual or hearing impairments
o Neurodivergent groups, people with autism, ADHD and complex mental health needs
o The elderly population
o Non- native language speakers
o People who are dyslexic or those who struggle to engage with written content
o People with cognitive disabilities
It is important for journalists to ensure that everyone, irrespective of disabilities or conditions, can easily access and engage with their work.
How to make your work more accessible with multimedia features:
o Providing transcripts and closed captions for those with hearing impairments
o Ensuring compatibility with various devices
o Providing alternative text for images for those with visual impairments
o Providing translations or support for people who are not native language speakers
o Including audio descriptions for videos
o Ensuring that text content is compatible with text to speech software
o Using a clear layout that is easy to navigate
o Using engaging multi- media features such as interactive maps, polls and graphics
o Including direct links to make outside content more accessible
o Letting your audience have their say and allowing their voice to be heard
We asked Tina Davies, the growth and development director at Autizma, about accessibility for neurodivergent people and those with autism, ADHD or complex mental health needs…..
Tina said:
“It's crucial to rnise that neurodiversity encompasses a wide range of experiences and needs, including but not limited to ADHD, Autism, dyslexia, and other conditions. Therefore, creating inclusive and accessible online journalism involves considering various factors to ensure that content is comprehensible and engaging for everyone.
“In multimedia journalism, incorporating elements such as clear language, intuitive navigation, alternative text for images, closed captions for videos, and customisable formatting options can significantly enhance accessibility for neurodivergent individuals. These features not only benefit those with specific disabilities but also contribute to a more inclusive digital environment overall”.
Do you think there needs to be more of a focus on accessibility for people with autism, ADHD and complex mental health needs in terms of online journalism content and the way the content engages this audience? If so, how do you think things could be improved?
“Absolutely, there needs to be a greater focus on accessibility for individuals with autism, ADHD, and complex mental health needs in journalistic/news content. Improvements could include providing more easily digestible formats with clear language, diverse multimedia elements, and customisable presentation options to cater to different sensory preferences and processing styles.
“In addition to the suggestions mentioned earlier, here are some more ideas for improving accessibility in journalistic/news content for individuals with autism, ADHD, and complex mental health needs:
Sensory-friendly design: Incorporate design principles that minimise sensory overload, such as reducing clutter, using muted colors, and avoiding sudden or distracting animations or sounds.
Structured content: Present information in a clear and structured manner, with headings, bullet points, and concise paragraphs to aid comprehension and retention.
Interactive features: Include interactive elements like quizzes, polls, or interactive graphics to engage readers and encourage active participation with the content.
Multiple formats: Offer content in multiple formats, such as text, audio, and video, to accommodate different learning preferences and sensory sensitivities.
Personalisation options: Provide options for users to customise their viewing experience, such as adjustable font sizes, contrast settings, and autoplay preferences.
Content warnings: Clearly label content that may be triggering or distressing for some individuals, allowing them to make informed decisions about what they choose to engage with.
Accessible language: Use plain language and avoid jargon or complex terminology whenever possible to ensure clarity and understanding for all readers.
Community engagement: Foster a sense of community and belonging by incorporating user-generated content, feedback mechanisms, and opportunities for audience participation and collaboration.
By implementing these strategies, journalistic/news content can become more inclusive and welcoming to individuals with diverse neurocognitive profiles, enhancing their ability to engage with and benefit from the information presented.”
Lots of interesting points here. Great to get the input from Tina Davies. I think she's saying that by applying the key features of multimedia writing for the web, we're not just making it look nice on a mobile screen. We're actually making our content more accessible to as many people as possible.