Practising Videojournalism

Technological change has resulted in an explosion of new media. E-mail, texting, downloading, MP3 players and mobile phones have become an integral part of our lives. All these technologies and the activities associated with them have had a profound impact on how the media work.

Vivien Morgan looks at the impact of the video camera on communication methods and, in particular, its part in creating video journalism. The focus is on the video journalist (VJ) and the style of news gathering. Through the work of several pioneers, Morgan explores how VJs operate, how videojournalism differs from traditional media work and how it has been used to document turbulent events worldwide.

Morgan writes in an accessible style. She discusses the technological evolution of the video camera and its application to journalism in a social, historical and political context. She provides invaluable advice on the skills required - researching, filming, script writing, editing, pitching ideas and so on.

The activities VJs are likely to meet in their work with the new media are described: terms such as blogging, podcasting, RSS feeds and mobile video casting. Morgan also does not shirk from outlining the dangers that confront multi-skilled reporters in "hot spots".

There is also a good chapter outlining all the pressures that face the VJ in producing news and getting it on air or screen.

Who is it for? It will be an invaluable for students interested in video practice at all levels.

Presentation: Each chapter has a useful summary and questions for the student to think about.

Would you recommend it? This is a very accessible and informative book, an absolute must for video production courses.