Being Mobile, Being Aware
The digital world is forever changing. Journalists used to dream of being on the front page of a major newspaper, now the same aspirations are being held for capturing raw video via their mobile phone to stream to millions of people in an instant. The craze of backpack journalism and the ability for reporters to bask over the fact that they can carry a chunky "handheld" camera, pen, paper and a laptop computer with them in a backpack is completely off the spectrum as mobile journalism has swept this outdated idea off the charts. Smartphones used in mobile journalism give the reporter the ability to compile all of these tools into one handheld device and in a matter of seconds, content can be published around the world. Yes, quality may be compromised in the process as the stability of running behind a falling building or in a war zone may cause your hands to shake (understandably), but who cares anymore? The world wants raw footage, they want to be placed IN the news, not just read about it. And--even more--they want it in an instant.
The importance of mobile, too, is the art of shooting this raw, real footage to place the viewer inside the action. There leaves no room for a distanced audience when they are placed in the moment through this digital video medium. This immersion is what makes video the most powerful medium of journalism today, and mobile is what drives this power. It captures stories, emotions--something you simply cannot capture through words and still photos. Videos aren't just add-ons to stories anymore...they ARE the stories.
I also think that while mobile embodies the backpack journalism ideal of you being out there in the field, all by yourself because you have this instant access to ways to shoot and record video, the aspect of partnering with other mobile journalists and users everywhere is key in today's digital world. Not being too prideful to share others' posts and help their videos gain the publicity necessary might just be your own key to success when you shoot a video with content just as powerful. Play off each other, learn from each other and grow in the knowledge each person around you brings to the table.
In the end, the real question lies in who can capture the right content for the day. Who can think of who their audience truly is, capture video in that light, and reach as many people to cater to their needs and demands for the day. As Bill Gentile said in his "Backpack Journalism" videos, keep asking yourself "what's the story here?" If you can capture this question in your video, that's the ticket to success. Awareness of your surroundings, your audience and your overall purpose based on a combination of those things using mobile will help you create your success. And what if your video doesn't get a million hits today? There's always tomorrow. And the next day. More news to cover and more endless possibilities to shoot with the versatile abilities mobile brings to the table.
