I don't care about newspapers

"I don't care about newspaper," said in a conversation a year ago to me. What do I care about? I care about news. And newspapers are just one of the platforms in sharing stories. 

I don't want to discount newspapers. They are a wonderful sources about the community. I am thrilled when a cub scout troop wants to get 10 copies of the newspaper of their pinewood derby event.

However, it is a fact; the newspaper subscriptions are declining. Does that mean journalism is dying?

Let me be real with you. Majority the people I know don't pick up newspapers on a daily basis. The news lives online and it's thriving.

I occasionally pick a newspaper up in the morning. But, all day everyday is seeing news on my mobile flipside app or in my twitter feed:

Sometimes from someone's facebook post:

Post by York Daily Record/Sunday News.

How do newspaper companies who have talented news gathers keep the journalism world alive? I believe the thinking needs to be shifted: Online first, print second. Here are sorts of ideas for online.

1. Video: Everyone has a story to tell. I love video because of what I get to learn from it. I've always been a visual learner from a young age. I like shapes, sounds and moving pictures. Here is a preview of videos I did for a year: 

Video storytelling is my tool in my journalism kit. I have been with the York Daily Record newspaper company for a year and interned with the Public Opinion. I complied a list of noteworthy video I captured during my reporting. It ranges from the Boston Marathon Bombing to women in period dresses celebrating the 150th anniversary in Gettysburg. Majority of the videos were same day edits and in York, Pa. The list of stories form start to finish: 1. Celebrating 125 years of food market: Central Market York 2. Gettysburg 150th: Women in correct period dresses 3. Meat Canning Food For Relief 4. Parkinson's exercise 5. Vietnam Veterans Experience: Pinning map 6. Fashnaught Day: Mennonites making doughnuts 7. Pinewood Derby: Cub scouts annual derby 8. Boston Strong: Locals gather during prayer 9. Valentine's Day: Candy shop making chocolate strawberries 10. Chief firefighter funeral Music by DoKashiteru

Their are three types of videos out there. 1. The mom's shaky camera, instant hits. 2. Semi professional, yet short budgeted. 3. The big production movies and T.V shows. The newspaper world can benefit from all three categories and can tell amazing video stories if you have the right subject and flexibility. 

2. Maps: Re purpose information into a more visual and interactive piece for viewers. Easter egg hunt events can be a list for people to check out. I edited to where locals can find their event on a map. 

I posted the map on facebook and locals were engaged to share the information. 

Post by York Daily Record/Sunday News.

3. Instagram: Everyone likes good news. Instagram has a niche culture in sharing ideas. The York County instagram followers like good news. It is rare for them to "love" a breaking news photo. 

These are some examples newspapers can move beyond print.

 

 

behind the work, education and workshopsSonya Paclobonline, instagram, newsComment