Education & Career Trends: October 26
Curated by the Knowledge Team of ICS Career GPS
- Excerpts are taken from an article published on online.hilbert.edu.
Storytelling is an essential part of being human. Journalism is not only storytelling but also knowledge sharing.
Journalism encompasses far more than basic news and isn’t limited to print media. Today’s multimedia journalism blends various media, including print and digital media (such as online publications and websites), as well as television, film, photojournalism and radio—any platform that helps journalists tell their stories.
What Does a Multimedia Journalist Do?
The multimedia journalist job description is not static; the field and its methods adapt as technology advances. Examples of a multimedia journalist’s duties might include:
- Interviewing subjects for a news story
- Creating and editing video packages
- Publishing photography to the web
- Running a story as a print article
- Discussing politics as a radio talk show host
- Hosting a current events podcast
- Appearing on television to discuss timely issues
- Publishing a popular blog
No matter the niche, multimedia journalists adhere to a vital basic principle: always tell the truth, without bias, while upholding strong journalistic ethics and values. This helps ensure news communications stay accurate and fair.
Because they can share news on multiple platforms, multimedia journalists are essential to modern-day society. Without them, we would not have easy access to news coverage through print, video and other media.
For creative storytellers with a passion for sharing important information and opinions in a variety of ways, a career in multimedia journalism will likely be a rewarding choice.
Key Job Responsibilities for Multimedia Journalists
Although responsibilities vary per specialisation, certain key duties define what a multimedia journalist is.
Create Multimedia Content
The multimedia journalist’s job description includes creating multimedia content and broadcasting it on various platforms.
Examples of different types of media that journalists can use include graphic illustrations, photographs, audio and written content. Platforms may include blogs, social media, articles published in print and online, video and news packages, radio, and television shows.
Gather and Present Accurate Information
Multimedia journalists need to ensure the validity and credibility of their information and sources. Simply researching a topic is not enough. Journalists must be confident that the source is reliable and the information is accurate.
Develop a Unique Angle
Although multimedia journalists must report only facts (an exception is if a journalist writes an opinion column or something similar), they can still be creative in their delivery. Developing a unique angle with a great hook makes a news story stand out.
Ethically Serve the Public Interest
Journalists act as dependable sources of information for the common public. They have not only an ethical obligation to tell their stories both fairly and accurately but also a legal obligation.
This is what differentiates a professional multimedia journalist from someone simply posting information on social media. If a journalist shares false or inaccurate information, they may be held legally liable.
Responsibility and ethics are essential to what a multimedia journalist is.
Fundamental Skills for Multimedia Journalists
Aspiring multimedia journalists will want to hone the key job skills that coincide with the multimedia journalist job description:
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to thrive while working around tight deadlines
- Good organisational and multitasking skills
- Proficient storytelling
- Quality creative writing
- Ability to edit well
- Knowledge of video editing
- An in-depth understanding of the various media and platforms that can be utilised
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Have you checked out yesterday’s blog yet?
Marketing Careers: 6 Key Areas You Can Explore
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the article mentioned above are those of the author(s). They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of ICS Career GPS or its staff.)
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