Allison's Blog
Ta Kala DiokomenArchive for March 31, 2010
NYT and Video
One of the most important assets within the online journalism genre is its increased multimedia capability. Assorted elements can be combined seamlessly, an ability that, according to James C Foust in his book, Online Journalism: Principles and Practices of News for the Web, “…gives the online journalist great potential to tell stories in new and intriguing ways, overcoming limitations of traditional print and broadcast media.”
When visiting the New York Times Online, you might notice that amongst the seemingly endless amounts of information presented, there are six overarching tabs, which divide the site’s overall content in basic ways. Right in the middle of these is a tab that denotes video…just video. That, in itself is an initial indicator of how important the element of video has become to online journalism.
When it comes to the New York Times specifically, this becomes even clearer. Video content, much like the site’s general news content, is divided into more than 20 subject categories. Viewers can also select from other options, like Most Viewed or Featured Videos. Their selection can specify other content, as the user is then invited to check out Other Videos They May Like.
The videos themselves fulfill the element’s original purpose, which is to augment, not repeat the story. This can even be seen simply in the way that video content is linked to related print content, reminding users that while video is an essential aspect of the online journalism genre, the advantage here lies in it’s use when combined with the other multimedia elements available to online journalists.
NYT and Blogging
According to journalist Gina Chen, “news organizations need to embrace new media, change their thinking, improve their content, and innovate.” Most news organizations have done this, simply by entering into the blogosphere. The “blogs” page of the New York Times’ website is both easily accessible and well-organized. Current blogs are presented in alphabetical order, and most are constantly updated via RSS or ATOM feeds. Their topics represent a true variety, from “The Caucus,” which contains “News and notes from Washington government and in national politics,” to “The Pour,” in which wine critic Eric Asimov discusses, “the pleasure, culture and business of wine, beer and spirits.” This variety is made even more extensive through the use of opinion blogs, wisely kept separate from the others.
Within its blogs, the NYT takes advantage of many of those advantages that are innate within the blogosphere itself. Stories are reported almost as quickly as the news happens, with regular updates as more information becomes available. They are rich in media content, whether it is simply by linking to further information, or by using effective video, photos, or any other graphics. Bloggers take advantage of their ability to post “informed speculation” but also make sure to define it as such. Finally, the feedback that is so important to this free-flowing form is constantly encouraged, via links in every entry, inviting users to comment on, e-mail, print, or share. With such a formidable legacy publication, the New York Times might not be what comes to mind when you think of blogging…but as the blogosphere continues to grow in size and importance, this could very well change.
