Of course, our current world is dominated by the rise of technology. Within technology, there is social media and instant access to news that we’ve never had before. The rise of multimedia within journalism is something that is good, but also bad, but moreover, good.

Today, many people cannot live without constantly checking social media. There are even studies that show how people fear being away from their phones. Many believe that this is a bad thing, which it can be. Of course, some may say that people no longer know the meaning behind face-to-face interactions or going out to get what they need. But I say this: people need to seek information regardless of how they do it. Even though it may be the information about their cousin’s foot fungus on Facebook, it’s still a means of accessing information.

An artform defined by people must adapt along with the people it works for. Although people are accessing more screen-time than face-time, news and journalism organizations have adapted as people-driven organizations. They are giving users the easiest access to stories they’ve ever had. This way, people are getting the news even without subscribing to the newspaper. Multimedia journalism is quickly becoming the most important tool within the entire stratosphere that is journalism.

As a multimedia professional, I have adapted alongside our technological society and have assisted in making multimedia journalism the most important asset in people-driven organizations. By using multimedia journalism, I am able to tap into the interactive world around me and observe how it operates. The internet and social media dominate people’s everyday lives; so, how can I work with that? Well, the answer is simple: by giving the people exactly what they want. A great story that has great visuals and great meaning that can go mobile or viral and be seen by more people than it ever would have in print.

I’ve worked as a PR specialist during a global pandemic. I’ve coordinated local and national news stories on behalf of many clients. I’ve covered events ranging from small-town courtrooms to Major League Baseball games. I’ve ran professional and verified social media accounts. I’ve shot images and video to weave a visual element into my storytelling. I’ve met and interviewed hundreds of sources and have even negotiated with difficult sources to gain necessary information. Although sports have been very important to my professional and personal development, I thrive in any and all aspects of media life. 

I use social media and YouTube to my personal advantage when I want to relay a message as well. As a podcast host and YouTube content creator, I’ve grown an online audience through self-promotion on social media. I take responsibility for all of my work because it’s what I love to do.

Journalists everywhere should feel the same way. Although times are adapting and the medium of media has changed, do what you love to do. If you’re doing what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.

~DS