Digital Media

Whether through Twitter, Instagram, or your favorite blog, most of us now get our news online. We don’t have the time or patience to sit through a lengthy newscast or flip through pages of newsprint. Give us the headlines in 280 characters or a one-minute video, and we can decide what looks interesting and go from there. Digital media refers to news provided through websites, mobile apps, podcasts, blogs, social media, webinars, digital audio, vlogs, online forums, and wikis. So, all the ways we now get our information. Once only seen on the fringes of journalism, digital media is increasingly being incorporated into traditional broadcast and print journalism. In fact, the lines between a traditional news organization and a digital media company have become increasingly blurred. But while conventional journalism requires writing, editing, and reporting skills, digital media also requires you to master photography, video, design, audio, social media, and marketing skills.

Digital Media and the Ocean

There are thousands of examples of how individuals and organizations are using digital media to further their ocean-related agenda or simply as a way to post genuinely spectacular pictures of the ocean and ocean life. Whether it is marine conservation or the deep ocean, there is hardly any aspect of the ocean that is not being explored through some form of digital media. From “Women in Science” to “Fuzzy Penguins,” there is something for everyone’s taste and viewpoint. But just because so many digital platforms already exist does not mean the ocean couldn’t benefit from having one more (or a hundred more, for that matter).  And with the cost and technical demands of setting up your own blog, podcast, website, or social media account so low, there is little stopping you from joining the ocean-related digital media world. In fact, given the dire condition of the ocean, we urge you to do so. Of course, lending your efforts to an existing digital media platform is just as valuable. The point is that there are many ways for you to make your voice heard.

Types of Digital Media

Digital media is really just a description of how the news is delivered, so any type of journalism can be digital. Since each genre of journalism uses different techniques and writes for different purposes and audiences, you can pick and choose which type you want to pursue. What follows are descriptions of the significant categories of journalism. However, there is nothing to say you have to fit within any predefined category, especially when doing your own thing.

Investigative Journalism

Investigative journalism is a type of journalism in which the journalist investigates a single case of interest, such as discrimination, corruption, wrongdoing, and critical crimes.[1] An investigative journalist conducts in-depth research, uses various tactics to collect information, and may spend months and years working on a story. After collecting and evaluating evidence, investigative journalists write comprehensive reports to expose the subject, provide evidence to support their conclusions, and hopefully, prompt remedial activity.[2]

Broadcast Journalism

Broadcast journalism reports information to the public through television, radio, or the internet. By now, all traditional broadcast outlets have a significant digital presence. Just think about where you see the latest Carpool Karaoke or late-night monologue. Probably on YouTube and not on network television. Common types of broadcast journalism include day-to-day breaking news stories, entertainment, investigative, opinion, and sports journalism.[3]

Watchdog Journalism

Watchdog journalism refers to journalists that collect facts and then use that gathered information to expose the wrongdoings of people in power. Watchdog journalism aims to guard society against illegal activity or inefficiency from societal influences, such as corporations and politicians. Watchdog journalists try and promote change and hold leaders accountable for their actions.[4]

Opinion Journalism

Opinion journalism is the expression of personal views and opinions in the news media, with little or no attempt to make that coverage objective. Opinion journalists use subjective ideas rather than objective facts. Opinion journalism is unique because the journalists are permitted to report stories from their perspective, including their thoughts and biases.[5]

Political Journalism

Political journalists focus on politics, government, political candidates, and elected officials. Political journalism keeps readers informed of the political happenings in a particular area, such as locally, nationally, or internationally. Political journalists often report on the activities of elected officials, political processes, lobbying, and the results of political work.[6]

Business Journalism

A business journalist focuses on the trends and changes in the business and financial world. Topics covered include the stock market, economy, mergers and acquisitions, international trade, economic policy, and personnel moves. Given the complexity of the subject matter, business journalists typically have a background in business or finance.

Photojournalism

Remember the adage that a picture is worth a thousand words? Photojournalists are proof of that as they tell news stories through photos. Their photos may accompany stories written by themselves or someone else or stand on their own. While a traditional journalist will use their pen and paper or voice to tell stories, a photojournalist will use their camera to capture the visual representation of a story.[7]

Other Types of Journalism

Other types of journalism include entertainment, celebrity, arts, sports, civic, crime, lifestyle, education, fashion, environmental, and tabloid. Of course, there is a cross-over between many of these categories, and when you start your career in journalism, you should be prepared and willing to try your hand at whatever is available. Only with time and experience will you be able to specialize in one particular area of journalism.

The Future is Now

If digital media is the future, then the future is now. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates an 11% decrease in traditional journalism jobs by 2029, adding to the industry’s sharp decline.[8] In contrast, 86% of individuals surveyed by the Pew Research Center say they get their news from smartphones, computers, or tablets.[9] Colleges and universities are increasingly adding digital journalism majors or at least digital journalism courses. But whether or not you pursue digital journalism academically, nothing is stopping you from establishing your digital presence right now.

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Citations

1. Types of Journalism: Different Types of Journalism- Print, Broadcast & Digital, MM Kobiruzzaman.
2. 9 Types of Journalism to Explore, Indeed
3. 9 Types of Journalism: Soft News vs. Hard News Explained, Master Class.
4. 9 Types of Journalism to Explore, Indeed
5. 9 Types of Journalism, Quizlet.
6. Different Types of Journalism, Freelance Writing.
7. What is Photojournalism?, Icon Photography School.
8. Job Outlook for News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists, United States Bureau of Labor Statistics
9. News Use Across Social Media Platforms in 2020, Pew Research Center.