How social media is changing the face of journalism

Social media is constantly changing and adapting to new technology, emerging audiences and developing trends. To keep up with these changes, the news room also has to adapt. Print audiences are declining and digitalised content is a concept that more people are looking for when it comes to how they source news. Social media is changing the face of journalism and this post will look at the positive changes that have materialised through the introduction of social media platforms.

For news organisations, social media has ensured information gets to the audience when they want it. Statistics have shown that an online audience is less patient and through advances such as trends on social media and the availability for cameras and filming in any place at any time, information can be published when it arises, allowing an online audience to receive the information at the moment it occurs through push notifications and social media app alerts. When a recent Buckingham Palace announcement was made, it spiralled instant debate and questioning among online audiences and as soon as the news broke from the Palace of Prince Philip's retirement, online news organisations published the correct information, putting all speculation to rest.

Social media also creates an environment for discussion and interaction between audiences, journalists and organisations. Through features such as Twitter polls, instant messaging and intertwining apps, the audience believe they get 'their say'. Results for polls, messages and comments are often read out on television, for example BBC Sport reading out comments relating to the recent Premier League title win. In addition, people are now not only discussing current affairs and news with each other, but speaking directly to journalism professionals, presenters and social media influencers on social media platforms. Although this could be seen as a negative, encouraging people to be involved with news is something that can only benefit them, their knowledge and allow them to create their own opinions.

Journalism is moving with the advances of media platforms and people are using the internet to benefit their organisation or publication. The growth in digital magazines and online media companies means that traditional newspaper publications, such as The Times and The Telegraph, are reacting to the statistics on online growth and publishing content not only online, but directly onto social media platforms. Alexis Madrigal, Deputy Editor of thealtantic.com identified the need for digitalised content, "if something doesn't succeed on Facebook, it does not succeed at all." This highlights the need for social media in a journalism based organisation and with 1.94 billion active Facebook users, more organisations are using this statistic to their benefit. In addition, content is now reaching a wider audience. Through social media shares and trends, stories and breaking news that would have previously reached just the readership of a publication can now reach millions of social media users that may not have considered reading or reacting to a story before.

"Live video is not just changing the way we consume news, but how we do news." @evonnebenedict #LiveImpact #sxsw #journalism #socialmedia

— Christine Lee (@cstinelee) March 11, 2017

Why the 18-25 vote is so important

The 18-25 vote is significant for the general election. Young voters tend to neglect their right to vote, perhaps with the lack of education in schools surrounding politics and current affairs being a reason for this. But with key issues in every election increasingly relating to students and professionals aged 18-25, it's more important than ever to educate yourself on political issues and head to a polling station.

Student turnout in the EU referendum was 64%, much higher than that of previous general elections and almost double what they expected it to be... but it should be more. More than 9 out of 10 students (93%) who are entitled to vote have registered and most of them have said they plan to vote in next month's general election. This is just one step in the right direction.

A recent survey by the Higher Education Policy Institute (hepi) and YouthSite polled over 1000 full-time undergraduate students entitled to vote and over half said that they would vote for Labour if there was a general election tomorrow.

If you are looking at this graph thinking one of three things;

1. "I like the look of that",
2. "That needs to change",
3. "I don't even know what Labour's policies are",

then make sure you register to vote using the link below, research into political parties and your local election results and let your voice be heard.

The student vote is so important. It doesn't cost anything to vote and by choosing for your voice to be heard, it gives you the chance to challenge the young voter stereotype. People say you don't care about the elections... well, show them you do. The younger you are, the longer you'll have to live with the consequences of the election so; do your research, vote on 8 June and make your position as a young voter known.

Register to vote - GOV.UK

Get on the electoral register so you can vote in elections and referendums.