Multimedia Journalism: A Change in Broadcast News

Abstract

For decades, TV reporters in big markets have worked in teams, with the lines of responsibility regulated by union rules or simple tradition (Farhi). The reporters were accompanied by a crew out in the field. They had their own photographer, editor and producer who oversaw their work (and further back there were even sound and lighting technicians). This was how the Detroit market worked at one time. But now, this metropolitan market is seeing a change, from traditional forms of newsgathering to something called multimedia journalism. Multimedia journalism (MMJ) is known as newsgathering done by one person, usually the reporter. They shoot, edit and write the entire story by themselves, without the help of another person. Multimedia journalism is prevalent in this market partially due to the recession that hit the economy a few years ago which caused television businesses to feel the cuts (Beam, Weaver & Brownlee 277). But perhaps the recession wasn’t the only reason why Detroit embraced multimedia journalism. Through qualitative research and thematic analysis, I will attempt to answer the following questions: why does multimedia journalism exist in Detroit and what is the affect of multimedia journalism on reporters? Before answering these questions, the framework of the rest of my thesis must be established. First there will be an outline of the history of technology, the market size of Detroit and the economic troubles impacting the newsmedia. These key subjects in my thesis help work towards the development of multimedia journalism and the influences they have on the industry. This will also help readers understand the significance of conducting research on the surge of multimedia journalism. Second, open-ended interview questions that will help me discover possible themes of MMJ in Detroit will be discussed, along with other aspects of qualitative research. Third, I will discuss the data collection process and the thematic analysis that is used to answer the questions on which my thesis is based.