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

The power of using and understanding social media

Image from Pexels

As you know, I recently wrote a post on why I use social media and it got me thinking. Social media is something that we simply cannot escape from, from updating Snapchat stories to re-tweeting celebrities, Instagram stalking to enhancing our profiles on LinkedIn, it's become an everyday activity.

A recent survey by UM's Wave indicated that 85% of social media users actively spend time managing their profiles online and compared to 2010, people are 40% less likely to see social networks as a place for fun and entertainment and are 30% more likely to see them as platforms on which to promote themselves.

I may not be the most social media savvy, but being a millennial and growing up with the use of social media platforms and emerging technology definitely has its positives. Here are my three top tips on how to utilise social media:

Use your own voice

When writing online, don't pretend to be someone you're not. Whether it's writing simple status updates to long blog posts or instant messaging, make sure it's written in a way that promotes your best self. Use similar language to what you'd use in everyday life while talking to family or friends and be genuine in how you come across. You don't want to find yourself meeting someone for the first time and realise that your online persona is completely different to what you're actually like.

Keep on top of it

When running online accounts to use professionally, make sure you keep on top of it. For example, try to tweet at least 4 times a day to show that you're involving yourself in discussion and current affairs. Re-tweeting people in the same industry or users who you look up to will help your activity as well as engaging in conversation, through instant messaging or commenting on someone's tweet, image or announcement. You'll be amazed how many people notice engagement on your feed, just by a simple re-tweet or comment.

Remember all social media platforms

When starting up social media accounts, most people will focus on Twitter, Instagram and a Facebook page. They're easy to use, have a large following and you can find relatable posts with just a one-word search. However, I've found that even using LinkedIn as another source has provided me with professional engagement and helped me gain contacts in the industry. Potential employers can access your account and posting solely professional content can increase your employability. Using social media platforms that are relevant to your business or brand is so important - for example, using Pinterest if you're an interior enthusiast, SoundCloud if you're a musician or The Dots if you want to exhibit projects you've been a part of.

I spoke to Rhiannon Birch who co-founded Cheshire Cat Marketing with Darren Finder. Her top tips for social media can be adapted to suit any business or personal account:

"While sending out the occasional routine tweet is ok, try to aim for quality over quantity. Interact with users or perhaps post on particular trends, even if they're outside of your usual business subjects... don't be afraid to be spontaneous."

"Don't forget to interact with people"

"Prioritising saves time and energy and allows you or your team to get on with answering questions. Don't forget to interact with people on your pages as well though, customers appreciate a personal interaction and it increases loyalty."

"Scour the web for mentions of your organisations name (which also works with your name as a professional or blogger) and whichever social media channels you find yourself mentioned on, create a page! By creating your page and making yourself known though great organic content and advertising, the customers will find you and they will appreciate you creating a space for them."

Using hashtags is another great way to interact. Here's a tweet using professional interaction that got me a lot of response! Are these social media tips helpful for you?

I'm currently writing a blog post all about social media📱 What are your top social media tips?✨#journorequest @UKBloggers1

— Amie Rhone (@amie_journalist) March 22, 2017

@amie_journalist @UKBloggers1 take a break from it every once in a while! 💕💕

— Niffler (@allaimeewrites) March 22, 2017

@amie_journalist @UKBloggers1 'Just do you' Don't upload something because you think others want you too. Stay true to yourself.

— Amanda Bootes (@AmandaBootes) March 22, 2017

@amie_journalist @UKBloggers1 It's important to create conversations, not just plugging your own brand in every post. Promote others.

— Krissy Lloyd (@krissy_lloyd) March 22, 2017

@amie_journalist @UKBloggers1 Never be negative!

— Lucy Smith (@Lucyannasmith) March 22, 2017

@amie_journalist @UKBloggers1 don't put anything on social media that you wouldn't want your grandmother to see!

— Vic Dadson (@VicClicky) March 22, 2017

@amie_journalist @UKBloggers1 keep it social! Focus on making connections not sales and the results will follow.

— Rebecca Coupe (@rebeccacoupe) March 22, 2017

@amie_journalist @PRJournoRequest @UKBloggers1 ask questions to start a conversation.

— Jonathan Pollinger (@intranetfuture) March 23, 2017

Social media: Why I use it and what it means to me

Image from Pixabay

Contacts

One of the first tips I was told as a student journalist is to make sure my social media is up to scratch; constantly updated, chat with industry professionals online, remove old or inappropriate posts and follow the people that you aspire to be like or who has your dream job. This is probably the best advice I've been told. Since posting professional content, I've seen an increase in activity, with followers from industry professionals and a bigger following on my blog. Building contacts is good in any profession and you never know what you'll get from following someone on Twitter or commenting on someone's Instagram post.

News

Social media has changed the way in which traditional news platforms report news. Most people now see stories first on Facebook, especially if they follow any news outlets on there, but even through shares, likes and comments. Newspapers are now providing digital content for the majority of their stories; political, entertainment, business or just general news, helping more people than ever become interested in news. Over 80% of people now source their news online and social media has been the biggest influence on that number, especially in generating more people, who wouldn't have before, to read news.

Family

Keeping in contact with my family is so important to me, especially as my family live all over the UK and since my Uncle moved over to Madrid. Social media completely changed the way I chat to my family and friends, with it being so easy to keep in touch, see what people are up to and message them. From double-tapping pictures and videos on Instagram to liking status's on Facebook and messaging each other, I feel closer than ever to my family who I may not see as often as I'd like... simply down to the introduction of social media!

Trends

Similarly to news outlets, trending stories have completely changed the way that news is now provided. Whether it's a trending hashtag on Twitter to a story on Facebook, trends are purely there because so many people are talking about a certain topic. It now takes just seconds to open an app and see what's going on; a killer speech at the Grammys, important election results, the latest sports scores or even a pregnancy reveal!

Job Opportunities

Social media isn't just about checking in with your friends and having a laugh. As I've made my way through university, I've realised how important social media accounts are in reflecting your brand, personality and enthusiasm when it comes to future careers. Creating a professional Facebook and Twitter account helped my following and got me in touch with people I wouldn't have dreamed about speaking to before and creating a LinkedIn account is certainly the best thing I could have done while looking for job opportunities. Don't hold back when it comes to getting your name out there and showing your skills off!


Check out this post for tips on how to transform your social media: