Multimedia Journalism

I was invited to lead two 90-minute training sessions at the Orlando Sentinel.

Multimedia Storytelling

Audience: Print reporters and editors who want to learn how to think about the possibilities of online media for their stories.

1. Basic photo slideshows with audio can be great
   Example 1 | A day at the races, near Lexington, Ky.
   Example 2 | Final Salute
2. Maps can help add context to an ongoing story
   Example 1 | Tracking a serial rapist (deadline graphic)
   Example 2 | Farm subsidies (investigative)
3. Animated information graphics let people explore the story
   Example 1 | Stonehenge (larger view)
   Example 2 | U.S. Open Course Tour
4. Video does not have to imitate TV news
   Example | Building on Navajo Tradition (3:39)
5. In-depth packages online can include many added features that enhance the story's value to your audiences
   Example 1 | Going Down the Crooked Road (The Roanoke Times)
   Example 2 | The Pineros: Men of the Pines (The Sacramento Bee)

Notice that the examples have local relevance in each case (except arguably the farm subsidies story; that's a national story in The Washington Post).

When you're brainstorming about multimedia, focus on ideas that no one else but your news organization would attempt. The biggest news companies cover Iraq and other hot zones. Look in your own backyard.

Online Producers: Next Steps

How to move forward and improve the online journalism coming from your staff. What are the next steps?

1. Beyond the simple slideshow: Example 1 | Example 2
2. Dividing and organizing content
   • Photos
   • Graphics, maps
   • Credits / About This
   • Resource links
3. Wise use of Web page real estate
   • No pop-up windows: Let people bookmark and blog your content
   • Supply an easy link to "E-mail this"
   • Identify and link your parent Web site
   • Encourage people to comment and send feedback
   • Get tracking reports: Where are the referrals?
4. Storyboards make life easier (see example)
5. Working more closely with the print side (and never forget the photo desk!)
6. Plan ahead -- get in on the story early!

Intermediate Flash Tips

1. Use of Scenes (scenes folder: scenes_with_buttons.swf)
2. Loading external SWFs into a container SWF
   • Empty movie clip(s)
   • Button scripts to load and unload SWFs (loading_SWFs folder: 3 separate SWF files -- loaded_1.swf, loaded_2.swf, loaded_3.swf -- are loaded on demand into a fourth SWF -- container.swf)
   • Scripts to disable buttons (for an overlay, e.g. credits) -- this example (overlay_and_disabled_buttons.swf) is the same as the previous one, but with an added button to open credits,swf
3. Controlling external MP3 files
   • One MP3, not sync'd (mp3_loading folder -- mp3_buttons.swf)
   • Multiple MP3 files, each sync'd (mp3s_multiple folder -- multiple_mp3s.swf)

Resources

Teaching Online Journalism
In my blog I link to new examples of online multimedia journalism, recommend tools and tips, and comment on trends in the field

Flash Journalism: Professional Practice Today
Article published in the Online Journalism Review, Sept. 22, 2005
12 online journalists tell us why and how they use Flash

Flash Journalism (the book): At Amazon.com

Flash Journalism: Web site for the book
An assortment of professional examples are linked on this page

SNDies (recent monthly winners)
Society of News Design annual interactive awards (direct links to 2005 annual winners are here)

Interactive Narratives
A database and group blog of great online work and news about our journalism tools (now featuring podcasts)

Flash tutorials at GotoAndLearn.com (free)
This site has the best video tutorials for Flash 7 and 8

Copyright © 2006 Mindy McAdams | University of Florida