By Jennifer Brannock Cox9 September 2010

Convergence

Convergence OverviewConvergence is a term that is often misused and

misunderstood by both academics and industry professionals

Convergence often thought of as a singular movement, but it is actually very multifaceted

Convergence OverviewConvergence has many meanings:

Technology/packaging

Ownership News-gathering

Cross-promotion/ news-sharing

Convergence OverviewConvergence means the interaction of all of

these innovations within a news outlet

Convergence Components

Technology/packaging refers to the sending and receiving of news and stories through various multimedia means

Newspaper reporters can send information using audio, video, photo, and writing packages.

Technology/packaging

Ownership News-gathering

Cross-promotion/

news-sharing

Convergence Components

Includes use of podcasts, vodcasts, and slide shows similar to ones we will produce

Technology convergence also refers to the receipt of news via various methods, including online, iPhone, Kindle, Blackberry, and so forth

Technology/packaging

Ownership News-gathering

Cross-promotion/

news-sharing

Convergence Components

This refers to the ownership of different media outlets by a single company

Often results in reporters working for more than one medium

Technology/packaging

Ownership News-gathering

Cross-promotion/

news-sharing

Convergence Components

News-gathering methods include accessing online records, watching streamed government meetings, searching databases, such as Reference USA and LexisNexis

But remember, quick access for you means quick access for all...

Technology/packaging

Ownership News-gathering

Cross-promotion/

news-sharing

Convergence Components

News partners share content to beat competitors

News partners across mediums cross-promote, teasing news in other publications

Involves newspapers, online, TV, and radio

Technology/packaging

Ownership News-gathering

Cross-promotion/

news-sharing

Who Cares?As a reporter, it’s important you are aware of

these partnerships so that you understand that your copy may appear elsewhere and you should keep that audience in mind when writing

Greater access comes greater responsibility, and reporters often struggle to keep up with convergence demands

Important to remember that these multimedia pieces are not a replacement for journalistic writing; they are merely a supplement, and you will be expected to be able to do most of these things in tandem

For Tuesday

Read Wilkinson, Chapter 3

Bring podcast audio to edit Tuesday

Have a great weekend!