Multimedia Journalism Amid Social Network Competition

In the era of Industry 4.0, multimedia journalism is experiencing robust growth. Yet, it faces challenging competition from social networks. To thrive and advance, press agencies must demonstrate innovation and creativity, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to enhance content quality and engage a broader readership.

Multimedia - Key development trend of journalism in the 4.0 era

Multimedia journalism has become a vital trend in the 4.0 era, propelled by rapid advancements in information and communication technology (ICT). Multimedia has now established itself as an indispensable facet of the contemporary journalism landscape. Integrating text, images, audio, and video, it offers readers a comprehensive, immersive, and captivating experience, catering to the diversity of public information preferences.

The advancement of multimedia journalism owes much to the explosion of the internet and mobile devices, which have revolutionized how readers access information with speed and convenience. Multimedia journalism adeptly caters to this demand by offering more than traditional long-form articles; it integrates videos, podcasts, and livestreams, fostering a deeper engagement between the press and the public while effectively delivering information.

Furthermore, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies are progressively enhancing multimedia journalism by providing immersive experiences. For instance, a travel article enriched with VR allows readers to virtually experience destinations from their homes, thereby broadening the audience appeal beyond traditional readers to technology enthusiasts seeking visual richness.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is also playing an important role in multimedia journalism by analyzing data, tailoring content to individual reader preferences, and ensuring information accuracy and reliability. AI-powered chatbots on electronic newspaper platforms efficiently address reader inquiries, reinforcing the immediacy and precision of information dissemination.

A notable example of multimedia journalism success is the electronic version of Business Forum Magazine. Through diversified content across specialized channels, the magazine has garnered a substantial readership, establishing itself as a premier electronic publication for businesses in Vietnam. Its integration with Google and other leading news platforms, along with content sharing via YouTube and Facebook livestreams, proves its attraction by delivering high-quality news and content that resonates with its audience.

Competition between multimedia journalism and social networks

The evolution of technology has transformed how information is accessed by users. Social networks such as Facebook, Zalo, YouTube, and TikTok have emerged as indispensable channels renowned for their convenience and rapid dissemination of information. These platforms offer diverse and pervasive content, facilitating easy access to current events and fostering community support for compelling narratives and societal challenges.

Beyond their role as information hubs, social networks serve as arenas for public discourse on pressing issues and events of interest. For instance, the live broadcast on Facebook discussing actress Ngoc Lan's life insurance controversy captured widespread attention and ignited public debate. This incident subsequently became a focal point for in-depth coverage by several press agencies, resonating deeply with the public.

Capitalizing on the expansive reach of social networks, newsrooms have expanded their reader engagement strategies. Electronic newspapers routinely leverage platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter to disseminate their content, ensuring seamless access to news updates for audiences. This approach not only enhances media visibility but also influences public opinion.

Nevertheless, the nature of social networks poses considerable challenges. The rapid dissemination and interactive nature of information can lead to its distortion for the sake of garnering likes and views. Sensationalized or falsified news stories have the potential to sway public opinion negatively, underscoring the critical responsibility of multimedia journalists to verify sources for accuracy and reliability before dissemination.

The competition between multimedia journalism and social networks intensifies pressure on information delivery speed and efficacy. To uphold journalistic integrity and avoid the pitfalls of sensationalism, journalists must adhere to strict ethical standards and demanding editorial oversight. Upholding the quality and authenticity of information remains paramount to cultivating and maintaining readers' trust in the digital age.

Moreover, this competitiveness requires that journalists continually hone their skills and adapt to evolving technologies. Today's journalists must possess not only proficient writing abilities but also expertise in photography, video editing, podcast production, and content management across digital platforms. This dynamic environment requires ongoing learning and adaptation to meet the demands of modern journalism effectively.

By Giang Tui, Vietnam Business Forum