The impact of social media is felt by everyone. With the rapid increase in the population, the use of social media has increased at a higher rate. There is definitely glitz and glamour in television journalism, but digital journalism is where the future is.
In a conversation with the Senior Editor of Times of India Mr Pradip Bagchi, he focused on the main aspects of the digital world. According to him,
“Digital is the way forward. So all mainstream media outlets have a digital arm. There is no publication that is not available online as well. Even a book has to be available online — on Kindle. The pandemic also brought out the importance of digital media as readers went completely online.”
The mainstream media is known for its vast scope and dynamic pace. Let’s get an understanding of the importance of digital journalism.
Q: Why is digital media so important today and for the future?
Bagchi (B): We are truly in the digital age that has taken over our lives of which media is just a part. Biotech and infotech are the two revolutions that are constantly changing our lives. Digital platforms have completely changed the dynamics of media. Today, everybody is a content creator and distributor, courtesy the digital platforms and social media. Digital media has changed the way news is consumed because of its hyper interactivity.
News has to be seen as a conversation to maximise audience engagement, which is the ultimate objective. What we also see is convergence — other media platforms integrating with the digital since networking of information is important and is possible only through the online platforms. Any content needs to be networked to reach out to the largest audience. For example, we can read an article of a newspaper on the link sent on WhatsApp without buying that paper.
Q: In your role as a journalist and as a professor, how would you describe today’s journalism?
B: The 24×7 interactive digital platform, clubbed with social media, has changed journalism completely. Views have gotten pre-eminence over the news. CP Scott’s famous line ‘Comment is free, but facts are sacred’ has been turned upside down. Today, opinions are sacred, but facts have become free.
In the age of ‘parallel narratives’, the media has become opinionated and polarised, barring a few exceptions. Instead of perspectives, journalists are giving out their prejudices. What is ‘viral’ on social media dictates news selection, leading to what I would call ‘Triumph of the trivial’, i.e. sensationalism with the mere objective of getting eyeballs.
Q: How can one learn to understand these multimedia skills? What tools can be used?
B: My advice to all those who are in the thick of it or those preparing to join journalism is to learn the craft of storytelling across media platforms, what is called ‘transmedia narrative’. In the times to come, a newspaper reporter will have to write also for the online edition and even a TV channel owned by the group. Also, there will be a convergence of roles. A reporter has to double up as a photographer or video editor.
Q: Would you like to share any advice with the youth group? What are some of the ways to become a better journalist?
B: As I said before, multi-skilling is the key. Also like any other business, content creators should understand the psychology of their consumers, what they want and the language that they will be able to comprehend. One has to craft content keeping all this in mind. It’s important to keep pace with technology to use it to the fullest and the latest trends sweeping over the mediascape. Above all, I have always believed balance counts more than brilliance. So exercise balance in whatever you do.
Q: Using digital journalism, how can influencers reach out to communities and change the shape of journalism?
B: The digital platform has made it possible for ordinary people to eventually become influencers. One can become an influencer even as a fashion or environment blogger. See how Greta Thunberg, a schoolgirl, became a household name when it came to climate change. One has to leverage the digital platforms, including social media, to reach out to large audiences.
But first, we have to understand how to craft content in a manner that will stimulate conversation, create buzz and go viral. We must understand the 3V challenge of the digital platform — Volume, Variety and Virality — to make the most of it.