Updated: July 2022

Over the last few years, journalism has changed rapidly as technology allowed for easier access to the news. Today, with the widespread mobile use of the Internet, journalism is evolving into even more areas. Taking one of our multimedia programs, you will be able to learn to share stories and newsworthy articles over a wider range of outlets by using a mixture of text, graphics, sound, images, and videos.

To be a successful multimedia journalist, an individual must learn several specific skill sets. Here’s a look at seven crucial skills.

1. 1. Organization

A multimedia journalist needs to be highly organized with the ability to prioritize activities in order to reach across different platforms while meeting deadlines. Depending on the story or article, you may need to:

• • Read and analyze different credible sources
  • Interview sources
  • Observe events
  • Review all the data
  • Follow up with sources for accuracy

All these tasks must be completed in a timely manner in order to have the article or story available for readers as quickly as possible.

1. 2. Computer Knowledge

As a multimedia journalist, a computer will be an invaluable resource tool. You will need the ability to perform a variety of tasks on it, including:

• • • Use writing programs with the ability to copy and paste your article.
    • The ability to email an attachment or download the attachment to view the documents.
    • The knowledge to search the web for credible sources in an effective manner.
    • The knowledge to create an SEO-friendly headline and content to attract readers.
    • Webcam use

1. 3. Content Management System (CMS)

The ability to upload a story or article to your employer’s system will be done via its Content Management System or CMS. The software will allow you to organize, edit and modify your information. The system allows for various functions to publish your information across various platforms when bundled with other software.

1. 4. Photography & Video Skills

The ability to shoot quality photographs and record videos with clear sound is a must for a multimedia journalist. Go beyond the basic knowledge of learning how to take photos and videos, by learning how to edit and publish your video content.

1. 5. Audio Editing

In some situations, the only way to receive an interview or credible data is through audio. As a multimedia journalist, you will need to know how to download, save, edit and analyze the audio clip. The clip may be a valuable piece of information, adding the right amount of audio content could make your entire story.

1. 6. Social Media

With today’s advanced technology, news and stories go beyond newspapers, magazines, radio, and television to a variety of social media outlets. The use of social media will allow your story to reach more readers across numerous platforms. You will need to know how each of these platforms works in order to utilize them to their fullest potential.

1. 7. Creative Thinking

Regardless of the type of story or article, you will need the ability to think creatively to communicate your story clearly. You may use your creative thinking to:

• • • Utilize your good people skills to conduct interviews and to use the material effectively.
    • The ability to piece a story together in an informative manner while keeping the reader’s attention.
    • Look back at a historic event and tell how the effects are still incorporated into today’s society.

A multimedia journalist is basically a widely skilled story writer. The more skills you obtain, the higher in demand you will be for employment. Technology will always continue to change and advance, so learning new skills or updating current ones will help you keep up with the all changes and give you the ability to have your story heard around the globe.

Turn Your Passion for Multimedia Journalism into a Career with an Education from the BeOnAir Media Schools

If your professional goals include starting Multimedia Journalist, there’s no better place to start than with classes and hands-on experience.

Start or accelerate your career at BeOnAir Network of Media Schools, located in Ohio, Colorado, Chicago, and Miami, you can choose from a wide variety of broadcast training programs, each one designed to cater to your unique interests and passions.

Questions? For more information about how to become a Multimedia production professional and how our broadcasting programs can help get you started Contact us today!