Multimedia Journalism vs. Media Convergence

By Nayeli Carrillo

Media convergence, specifically discussed by authors Stephen Quinn and Vincent F. Filak and more specifically USC professor Larry Pryor is "what takes place in the newsroom as editorial staff members work together to produce multiple products for multiple platforms to reach a mass audience with interactive content, often on a 24/7 scale."

For my form of media convergence I have ABC 7 NEWS.  They provide various products such articles, videos, photo galleries, weather updates, links to ESPN, and traffic updates among other things for their readers.  It definitely helps that they have different products to cater to different needs such as the Live Well Network which does beauty, home decor, money saving strategies and gardening segments because apart from providing news worthy stories they provide niche like segments as well.  The traffic updates are particularly important because in California where everyone has a car and freeways are constantly packed its a very critical source of information.  Their Twitter, Facebook and Google+ connections helps to propagate their influence as well and keep themselves connected to their readers more easily.  It also shows their Technological Convergence.

A snapshot of the ABC 7 News webpage which provides different forms of media such as videos, pictures, and print stories to inform their audience of the most important and critical news out there.

Media Convergence is the tools such as the bringing together of videography, photos, print, and tools such as maps and social media news agencies use to keep themselves updated and relevant to their viewers and readers. Its the ability to bring together these different platforms in efficient ways to be able entertain their readers in different ways and effectively impact readers.  For instance radio interviews can provide personal stories and emotions based on tone while images can provide sensibility to the people involved in a story but print stories will always be the best to provide details.  Television segments cater to the visual needs and are great to capture action stories such as sport events, rallies and so forth.

For my example I have picked a story by Yahoo that talks about the human hourglass model Ioana Spangenberg who has a 20-inch waist compared to her 32-inch hips.  The story is great because while the prints version allows you the details and personal quotes of Ioana and her German husband Jan the photos allow you to get the impact of her waist size and enjoy it.  The video on the bottom shows her in action and shows that her waist is not in fact photoshopped but truly hers.