Convergent Journalism: An Introduction, 2nd Edition

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Audio and Video Journalism

Erika Engstrom and Gary Larson

Introduction

Good storytelling remains dependent on good writing and understanding how the value-added features of sound and pictures combine with the words to convey information. This said, the use of audio and video in journalism allows the reporter (storyteller) to add the “show” to the “tell.” When done correctly, mixing text, audio components and visual elements helps audiences learn about events and remember information that impacts their lives.

In this chapter, we will cover the basic principles required to make the added value of sounds and images to a broadcast news or Web story worth readers’ and viewers’ time. We will also cover how to write for this form of journalism in ...