Multimedia Storytelling Giveth Life

Multimedia journalism goes beyond the traditional framework that many newspapers still find themselves mucking around in. It embraces new age media and the web by handing over the remote to the reader. They get to pick what they want to engage in and read.

Take for instance Lansing State Journal and its interactive web series entitled “Unmasking the Violence.” Farrah Fawcett’s bloodied, half-beaten face as she nervously nibbles on her fingernail are in themselves curiosity inducing, especially given her recent death. The multimedia’s series opens with, “The Burning Bed:” the true story of Francine Hughes and the murder that marked a turning point in the crusade against violence.

Picture provided by Lansing State Journal

The narrative in itself is captivating– full of lush and descriptive images, it provides the framework for a journey. Also included in the story are commentary from other violence victims, pictures, statistics, a panel discussion and a host of other interactive tools for readers to become more engaged in the story. Interactive elements keep readers glued to the page instead of searching elsewhere for the information. When the content is relevant, fresh, imaginative, and appetizing, readers are more likely to feast on the banquet you present.

Multimedia storytelling takes away the “skin and bones” structure that newspapers serve up on their silver platter. It takes away the bones and leaves in its place a plethora of meat lathered in the creative juices that good writing aptly needs to be remembered. Multimedia devices allow journalism to shine in all its glory. It takes it back to its roots. After all, journalists are narrators and their stories have the ability to bring about great change in the world. More is needed than just bare “skeleton” stories–life is needed and that’s what multimedia devices bring to the table. They bring that extra “oomph” with pictures, voices, videos, dialogue and music.