Characteristics of Social Journalism

Mark of Excellence AwardsWestern Kentucky University

March 5, 2010

J. Michael MooreManager of New Media

Atlanta Falcons Football Club

What is social journalism?

Social journalism – or reporting – uses thepower of social media tools and multimedia(Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, YouTube, blogs,podcasts, etc.) to spread news.

Reviewing the BIG picture…

Why is this important for journalists?

• Remember the Haiti earthquake?• Remember voting results in Iran?• Remember USA Hockey in Vancouver?

So what is social journalism?

1. It’s relevant to various size audiences.

It’s relevant to various size audiences

So what is social journalism?

1. It’s relevant to various size audiences.2. It’s timely and updateable.

It’s timely and updatable.

• Can you get the whole story in 140 characters?

• How friendly can time stamps be to you?• Why do Qik and Ustream work so well?• Why else would Cover It Live be so successful?• How often do you update your status?

So what is social journalism?

1. It’s relevant to various size audiences.2. It’s timely and updateable.3. It’s communicative in three ways.

It’s communicative in three ways.

– Producer to audience (answers).– Audience to producer (choice).– Product to the masses (shared)

So what is social journalism?

1. It’s relevant to various size audiences.2. It’s timely and updateable.3. It’s communicative in three ways. 4. It’s innovative but not fearless.

It’s innovative but not fearless.

• Remember, you’re still a journalist!• Think about parents and grandparents!• There are no wrong ideas, but executions!• Look for the answers you seek!• What you do lasts forever!

So what is social journalism?

1. It’s relevant to various size audiences.2. It’s timely and updateable.3. It’s communicative in three ways. 4. It’s innovative but not fearless.5. It’s mobile in production and viewing

It’s mobile in production and viewing

So what do you suggest?

• Know and balance coverage between mediums.

• Learn the sites that get it right.• Take note of hardware evolution.

Characteristics of Social Journalism

Mark of Excellence AwardsWestern Kentucky University

March 5, 2010

J. Michael MooreManager of New Media

Atlanta Falcons Football Club