I took some time to think about some examples of investigative projects that utilize different media to enhance the project. Here are a few that stuck out:
- The LA Times' report on drug trafficking in Mexico--"Mexico Under Siege"
- The Washington Post's series, "Being a Black Man"
- And, I always enjoy the Washington City Paper's video series, "Fuego/Frio"
I really liked the WaPo Series. I visited the site when it first came out. I think the interviews are very powerful. I liked the videos with the name labels popping up during each interview. I didn't like the fact that the "What it means to be a Black man" video didn't have those name labels. I couldn't keep up with the people.
ReplyDeleteBut this video was very powerful. The interviews were very candid. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/metro/interactives/blackmen/blackmen.html
I just think that the website has SO MANY features. I wished that there was a more organized way of putting it together. The design of the website is slightly overwhelming. But the subject was so compelling that I was able to get passed that issue and start exploring.
EJ is Elizabeth J. btw.
ReplyDeleteI really like the LA Times' site on drug trafficking in Mexico. I knew they had a lot of coverage, but I never checked out the site. I really like the visuals, including the use of the pull quote at the top, the map and the break-down of stories. I also really liked the way the Washington Post presented its Chandra Levy investigation (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/metro/specials/chandra/). They didn't have quite as many visuals, but they really presented the story in a compelling way with the chapters.
ReplyDeletehi Matthew,
ReplyDeleteI could not get the LA times series to load. But I REALLY liked the Washington Post video on "Being a Black Man". I had NO idea the Post was producing video of this caliber. The squares of video on the screen - sometimes with the talking head - sometimes with a b-roll clip was very well put together. And the people you hear from are very diverse - young, old, professional, homeless, college athletes and a couple of former DC mayors. I wonder how long the gent listed as having been the producer - had to work on it. Do you know? Or what his background is? This kind of video can give TV websites a real run for their money!
The City Paper gent is a bit weird for my taste. I guess that's his attraction?
Thanks for exposing me to it.
Sheila
"It is also a class that will teach managerial and leadership skills"
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that you took the time to mention this point. It's easy to get caught up in all the multimedia elements that the class may offer and lose sight of the other part of it. And you're absolutely right...those skills are necessary in any business. I find it interesting that thus far you've been taught "traditional" journalistic techniques. The profession is changing rapidly, so I would have expected journalism curriculum to adapt to teach students more untraditional methods of gathering news.
I am convinced that as an industry is in search of leaders now - more than in a great while. It IS about more than just writing.
ReplyDeleteI think all of these are great comments...
ReplyDeleteSheila, The Black Man Series was a year-long project in print, online, and has since been turned into a book. Also, the Post does a lot of good videos. here's another example. http://specials.washingtonpost.com/video/onbeing/ And, the CityPaper editor is a funnier approach to online video. But, I think it is serious in it's checking and praising of local journalism