Here is why
If you have ever shared content online or in any platforms via digital tools, then we can say that you are a digital journalist. I mean technically, Jokes aside. Digital journalism is one of the growing fields of reporting which involves the process of using advance or digital technologies in a way to research, gather, Produce and present the news and information during the progressively computer literal era.
It is without a doubt correct to say that, if the same tools are well utilized by people in the media profession it becomes easier to connect and reach a wider audience through its efficiency. The advancement and creation of Apps and sites has made the day-to-day for journalists easier through its importance in research, writing, multimedia/ visual creation, brainstorming, social media, or analytics/ monitoring. Remember, there are multiple moving pieces in each post or article that journalists need to consider hence making story writing hard. Digital tools enable one to adapt to the needs of the journalism industry today and also bring a variety of skills to the newsroom, for instance, using visual tools is an excellent way to grab the attention of online readers with an average attention span of just eight seconds. Cost wise they tend to be cost efficient and most free to use. Another advantage is that using the tools one does not need to spend a lot of time training in order to make their work look professional.
With many digital tools it is also possible to tell stories visually i.e. Infographics can complement an article in print or online and are particularly useful for showing data in a simple and accessible way. Today many national and local publications and broadcasters have realized that they can reach new and wider audiences with visual content. A lot of media organization now publish bold and eye-catching social media posts which tell stories with an image. This also has enabled many journalists tell stories using minimal words. A high percentage of people are not voluntary readers hence it is easier for them to be attracted to images more than compressed paragraphs of information.
It clear that the internet and digital age are here to stay because change is inevitable, and the
digital era will continue to search for new ways of communicating as we go on. Today we are
living in times where multimedia is our reality. Digital tools have made the lives of both journalists and viewers more memorable, exciting and communication attractive. For most media companies, it is also possible to cut cost on expensive technical equipment because journalists can get their creative juices going even using smartphones and a few digital tools which fully fit into their typical lifestyle and help them fulfil their daily duties. In Tanzania, it is the eleventh hour to start the process of implementation and seamless integration of carefully selected digital tools into upcoming media professionals.
WRITTEN BY HILDA PHOYA
DIGITAL JOURNALISTS 2021/22
PRODUCER AND PRESNETER | AZAM MEDIA