What This Document Is
These are lecture notes from JMC 305: Multimedia Journalism at Arizona State University, specifically covering the foundational concepts of how online media functions. It’s an introductory overview designed to establish a shared understanding of the digital landscape relevant to journalism. The notes define online media and highlight its growing importance in communication, information consumption, and even social and political movements.
Why This Document Matters
This document is essential for anyone entering the field of multimedia journalism, or for professionals needing to update their understanding of the current media environment. It’s used at the beginning of the course to provide context for more specialized topics. Understanding these core principles is crucial for effectively engaging audiences, verifying information, and navigating the complexities of digital content creation and distribution. It’s particularly relevant as online media continues to evolve and reshape the journalism industry.
Common Limitations or Challenges
This document provides a high-level overview and does *not* offer in-depth training on specific tools or platforms. It establishes *why* understanding online media is important, but doesn’t teach *how* to use specific software or implement strategies. It’s a starting point, not a comprehensive guide. Users will still need further instruction and practical experience to become proficient in multimedia journalism.
What This Document Provides
The full document includes:
* A definition of online media, referencing academic sources (Chaffey & Ellis-Chadwick, 2019).
* A discussion of the importance of understanding online media for both individuals and organizations, citing research from Kaplan & Haenlein (2010) and Boyd & Ellison (2008).
* An overview of online media functionality, focusing on blogging platforms (WordPress, Blogger, Medium) and content management systems (WordPress, Drupal, Joomla).
* Academic citations supporting the role of blogging as “citizen journalism” (Yanow, 2021) and CMSs for efficient content management (Kavanagh, 2021).
This preview *does not* include detailed instructions on using the mentioned platforms, specific examples of successful online media campaigns, or a comprehensive analysis of the ethical considerations surrounding online journalism. It is a foundational overview only.