Mobile Reporting E-book Review

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A new ebook is out that is a great resource for advisers ready to tackle the latest movement in journalism: mobile reporting.

News On the Go, edited by Sara Peach, is primer on how to use mobile phones, tablets and websites to report news.  Its 122 pages cover everything from creating a mobile-friendly website, to writing for mobile devices, design and development, and creating an innovative news environment.

This anthology of articles, written by members of Reese News Lab at the University of North Carolina, begins with research and theoretical justification for this type of reporting, then dives in with practical, real-world examples of how to do it.

The majority of the book is dedicated to writing, design, and engaging readers.  These sections clearly explain the important differences between mobile and traditional websites, and how readers access content differently on the two platforms.

Only one short chapter discusses shooting video, and there is nothing on sound or other technical elements of mobile reporting.  Maybe this is for the best since technology evolves every six moths, but readers are left to figure this out on their own.

While a lot of the content in the book could be found in other places (some of which are on this website), you’d still have to spend the time to search for the right information.  The ebook concentrates many of the major concepts of mobile reporting in one place, with practical advice and clear, easy to understand writing.  The book is a great place to start for those new to online and mobile reporting, but even experienced online advisers will find useful information.

News On the Go is available on the Apple iBook Store for $4.99.

 

 

Michael Hernandez

Michael has taught Film/Video Production and Broadcast Journalism since 1999, and advises the Pacemaker-winning Mustang Morning News. He regularly presents seminars on journalism, video and technology-related topics, and is a former JEA National Broadcast Adviser of the Year. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @cinehead

Michael Hernandez has 52 posts and counting. See all posts by Michael Hernandez

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