When researchers and professionals work together
The Reynolds Journalism Institute and researchers from the Missouri School of Journalism are studying how journalists use social networks. At KETC St. Louis and other news organizations, they are asking: How can journalists use social media to dig deeper into issues and engage communities?
Some traditional news organizations use social media as a way to call attention to stories they already have produced. Others find ways to carry on conversations with their communities that they believe will help them produce more relevant journalism.
The terms “public journalism” and “civic journalism” are sometimes used to describe journalistic practices that go beyond informing communities and engage them in conversation and debate. Scholars coined “Trustee Networked Journalism” to describe the use of social media for these purposes. They’re looking into the nature of the conversation between journalists (trustees) and citizens. How can citizen input make news better? Do stories have more impact when citizens are not just informed but engaged?
Activities:
Flashlight: Find stories about the KETC project online. Do you agree this research is an example of practical ways scholars and professionals can work together? What is the news organization doing differently?
Spotlight: Scholars often coin new terms. Locate definitions for any of the following: “new journalism,” “public journalism,” “civic journalism,” “trustee networked journalism” or “net-j.” What do they mean?
Searchlight: What is the difference between the “trustee networked journalism” being studied by Missouri and the “net-j” project that was created by J-Lab at American University? If you ran a news organization, would you try one or the other or both? Why or why not?