Open Journalism: The Guardian deliberates

It is quite uncommon for an advert to leave me speechless. Most are only appealing because they are teasing us into buying a certain product, watching a certain programme or drinking a certain drink. But a recent scroll through YouTube brought me across a real gem of a commercial. One that not only appealed to my desired profession, but also made me think about my future, and the role of our society.

The Guardian newspaper, it is fair to say, has revolutionised itself in the last few years. Groundbreaking reports, a focus on every aspect of the news - from celebrity to foreign affairs - and a greater convergence of all media sources. If I was to name just one of its many successful stories, without a doubt I would suggest its uncovering of the phone-hacking story has shaken, stirred and part-destroyed the newspaper industry, and changed the face of journalism as it is known today.

Critics might call this a blatant promotional trailer for a news organisation which is now second in readership to the new and highly popular I Paper, but I see it as a dedication. The Guardian has dedicated itself to reporting high-quality, ground-breaking news stories to the public, and is dedicated to us the way the Queen is dedicated to her country. Rather than pressing on the current flaws in our badly-damaged press industry, it looks to the future. An integration between newspaper and internet, the latter of which it views with a pinch of salt, suggesting it is a good thing, rather than something to be worried about, as many old, tedious media-types often see it as.

In fact, The Guardian has coined the phrase 'Open Journalism' to describe its new image. Editor Alan Rusbridger leads the campaign for Open Journalism, describing journalism today as a very active process, rather than readers being "passive participants" of Journalism. He reveals that The Guardian hopes to interact more with audiences, using apps, widgets, social networking sites and links to help appeal to new, more diverse audiences.

Whether you read The Guardian or not, it is really worth watching this video to make your own opinions on the state of journalism today, and how journalism might be perceived in the future. Please comment below, I am interested in what others have to think on this subject.

The Guardian 'Open Journalism' Advert 2012

You can also read more on what The Guardian has to say on Open Journalism by following the link. There is also the opportunity for members of the public to go and visit The Guardian offices in a series of workshops at the end of March. After visiting the offices last year on work experience, it was simply breathtaking to see the news rooms and facilities that make The Guardian such a world-class news company. Well worth a visit.

Pictures Courtesy of Google Images

Blog of the Week: This is Alton

When I think of local news, I think of a weekly 'round-robbin' type broadsheet paper circulated across a small area, featuring a list of bereavements, local events and the odd incident involving a horse and a tractor. Well, maybe that is just my paper in in rural Hampshire! Yet, no matter where you are, it is apparent that local news is dwindling. It used to be the essence of communities, with talk of the local 'rag' featuring in many conversations. But with newspapers closing and shutting up shop up and down the country, local news is facing the brunt of a crisis in the media industry.

Which is why this weeks Blog of the Week offered a glimmer of hope to my local area in particular. This is Alton, a website/ blog dedicated to all the local news in my hometown, picks up from where the newspapers stalled. It contains all the latest news, along with various interviews, videos, photos and event listings for Alton.

In just a few minutes, I learnt about a new supermarket being built in the town, details on how to enter a Come Dine With Me (which is currently being filmed in East Hampshire) and the councils plans for the Diamond Jubilee. Completely independent from any media outlet, the website is regularly updated and frequently viewed by residents.

I like that it truly captures the digital era by allowing the reader to share with friends on Facebook and Twitter, and comment on blog posts. The content is of quality journalism, and the advertisements do not blare out at you.

So if you are looking for all the local news from Alton in Hampshire, then 'This is Alton' is for you. Forget paying for the local newspaper, this website truly is a gem in providing the local people with easy access to journalism. Enjoy!

You can check out the website by following the link: http://www.thisisalton.co.uk/

Picture Courtesy of This is Alton.

Previous 'Blog of the Week' posts:
- Mode de la Mode
- Catastrophic Findings

Top Ten for Tuesday: Top Ten News Websites

Now I know last week I decided to post two different Top Ten lists – one for me, and one on something news-worthy. However, I’ve decided to make a small change and instead focus on one top ten list, will provide you with more information about me and the chosen subject.

For this week’s Top Ten for Tuesday, the jourknow has compiled his ten favourite News Websites – where he gets his main news from. These are in the order of the jourknow’s personal preference!

1.       BBC News:  The best objective news gathering in the world, in my opinion. The BBC has been reporting, publishing and informing the public – nationally and internationally – of breaking news for nearly a century. It is highly regarded all over the world, and besides the newspapers of our nation, is the foundations for news in this country. My first port of call when looking at the new. www.bbc.co.uk/news

2.       The Guardian: one of the best online websites, despite being a traditional newspaper, the Guardian has and continues to reveal the biggest and most shocking scandals to rock this nation. It has a readership across the world, and is easily accessible. An up-to-date source for any ambitious writer/ journalist.  www.guardian.co.uk

3.       Digital Spy: My favourite website for showbiz, entertainment and television news, Digital Spy is still unfamiliar with the British public. It provides content on a range of UK and International artists, celebs, movies and television programmes, as well as special features on the Media industry and Bollywood. It’s my number one destination for entertainment news, and one of the best in the UK. www.digitalspy.co.uk

4.       Mail Online: The Daily Mail’s viral website offers many positive articles, as well as negative ones, on a host of news items. Its Femail section provides one of the best sites for fashion and celebrity news, whilst its reader comments allow readers to really get involved in the article. However, its grammar, spelling and facts are frequently misplaced, if placed at all – so watch out for what is true, and what is false! www.dailymail.co.uk/home

5.       Press Association: The press association might not provide you with colourful pictures, vox pops and unnecessary polls and opinion, but what it does provide is a countless supply of news stories. The website is often used for the source of many newspapers and news groups, so why not get ahead of them, and try it yourself. www.pressassociation.com/

6.       Reuters: Another news agency, Reuters is superb for international news. Similarly to the Press Association, it provides information to many of the media outlets – but also is easily accessible to the public. Its Twitter feed is exceptional. www.uk.reuters.com

7.       The Huffington Post: The Huffington Post is one of my favourite international news sites. It’s opinions and blog-style format is really accessible and user-friendly to a growing online audience, and it provides an alternative angle to the conventional news piece. www.huffingtonpost.co.uk

8.       The Independent – One of my favourite newspapers, the Independent – like the Guardian and the Mail – has a website with a global presence which is highly successful and professional. Although the website is not the easiest to navigate, it is well worth a read – especially its award-winning opinion section. www.independent.co.uk

9.       Google News: Now I know technically this is not a news site as such, but Google is great at providing the latest articles on any topic; providing you with sources from a range of media and news outlets, which are easily accessible. www.news.google.co.uk

10.   Sky News: My last port of call if I fancy a change from my usual websites. Although Sky is great with Breaking News Stories, and its TV programming is often far better than the BBC (at times), its online content lacks the clarity and sophistication of other websites. You might think differently though. www.news.sky.com/home

Pictures Courtesy of Wikipedia