Attributes of multi-platform reporters

As I enter the Convergence Journalism emphasis area in my coursework, readings and class lectures this first week of school have taught me the definition of multi-platform news. Converged media is shared  through a combination of text, photographs, video clips, audio, graphics, online interaction and emerging methods. Class readings emphasize that each medium complements the others, rather than telling the same story in a different way. 

Being a multi-platform reporter requires versatility. This occupation caters to individuals who are willing to learn developing platforms, innovative and ambitious to embrace new ideas and express their stories in different ways. 

A good multi-platform reporters prioritizes:

• Being purposeful and articulate.  A story published in different media vehicle must bring something new to the table and not repeat the same ideas as a text story. There should be a defined purpose for why you select one medium over another, and the outlet you choose should be where you can best articulate that piece of news or feature.

• Creativity. Multi-platform journalists are creative and willing to learn & try new things. They can think of new, innovative ways to portray information and have concept and strategy behind what they do. 

• Ability to keep the conversation going. As more platforms arise, it is a journalist's responsibility to produce talk value in his or her pieces and continue the conversation after the story is published. Participatory journalism is active in today's society and a good reporter knows how to enter and facilitate such conversation around the news.

• Being a good writer. Traditional text stories are not the only medium that require good writing skills. Radio and audio require copy text, videos need scripts and websites need well-written descriptions too. Regardless of the platform, clear and concise writing skills are valuable. I respect and agree with the quote below from Simon Dumenco, and believe it applies to all platforms- not just blogs. 

Quoted in Inside Reporting: A Practical Guide to the Craft of Journalism by Tim Harrower (McGraw Hill, 2007)