Online Journalism Blog

“The speed of communications is wonderful to behold. It is also true that speed can multiply the distribution of information that we know to be untrue.”

News is distributed, as Edward Murrow stated above, by conversation.

Here are some steps to achieve that:

• Making conversation

News as a conversation has transformed journalism. Most significantly, it has transformed the way a journalist and their communities cover a beat. The more social a journalist is with people, the more sources a journalist can mine.

• Conversing through comments

Most online news stories contain a comments link. They can be very helpful with hearing feedback from the readers. But sometimes, those comments can just be downright rude and ugly.

• Conversing through social networking

Although the internet is still relatively new and social networking even newer, it is an obviously important tool to communicate on the internet today. Jobs for companies needing to manage its social networks are being created constantly. Conversing through social networks is of large importance in contacting people.

Why the news conversation is important

Readers always a want to help make a difference in the news i any way possible. I believe that’s why they post comments — to get a reply from other readers and maybe even from the author. Through conversing (especially within social networks) readers can give tips, links, posts, or additional information regarding a certain topic.

Build and manage a community online

• Make news participatory
• Journalists must get involved
• Develop sources through social networks
• Collaborate with your community

Keep conversations accurate and ethical

• Set guidelines for participants
• Monitor offensive postings
• Know your legal responsibilities
• Correct errors

For a final thought: Social networking is journalism!