Taming the 24/7 news beast

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News, 24/7Taming the new media beast

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Anatomy of a multi-platform story

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Anatomy of a multi-platform story

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Anatomy of a multi-platform story

Planning -- for ALL facets of storyEquipment – laptop, Flip video camera,

recorderFlexibility – computer crashedCollaborate – handed off some piecesPractice – started playing around in

JanuaryCommitment– easy to say not enough time

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What works best at S-T.comLocal, local, localBreaking news, especially copsOn-the-scene raw video, photosColumns, analysis, opinionInvestigative, presented properly (not just

long text)Texas and local politicsSports breaking news and analysis

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Most popular stories (April)

1. Charean Williams’ Mock Draft2. Charean Williams’ Mock Draft3. Driver complaints lead to tollway action

4. Watauga man dies in motorcycle crash

5. Teen with heart condition dies in fight

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Most popular stories (April)

6. If Texas won’t act on payday loans … 7. Fracking signs cause stir in Southlake8. Heavy rain drenches North Texas9. Death Row inmate denied clemency10.Fort Worth HS student dead after fight

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Most popular blogs (2011)

1. SB ticketholders furious over lost seats (SB blog)

2. Sky Talk blog3. Robots, guns, horses highlight SB

security demo4. Crime Time blog5. Super Bowl blog

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Most popular blogs (2011)

6. Foul Territory (Rangers) blog7. Cowboys blog8. Barnett Shale blog9. Texas’ search for new DB coach

(Colleges)10.Man kept wife in basement for 16 years

(Crime)

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Most popular galleries (2011)

1. Arl officer Jillian Smith funeral 2. Fiery tanker crash on I-303. Winter storm hits North Texas4. Cowtown Marathon5. TCU band at Rose Bowl parade

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Most-watched videos (2010)

1. Texas Stadium implosion2. Josh Hamilton celebration3. FW assault suspect caught on tape4. Amon Carter Stadium implosion5. FW armed robbery caught on tape

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Most-watched videos (2010)

6. Video in FW excessive force case

7. Blackhawk lands on Commerce St.

8. Suicidal man stops traffic9. Galloway & Hate: Cuban’s Alamo?

10.The Last Tailgate Party: Tx Stadium

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The 24/7 news cycleAround 5 a.m. 7 days a week (print)7 a.m. through noon weekdays (website)8 p.m. through midnight, 7 days a week

(mobile)Saturdays and Sundays (tablets)

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The 24/7 news cycle

Speed and freshness often best “platforms”

Update when you get key infoExs: Weather, traffic, breaking crimeBe ready to update print story as neededSign up for alerts, watch wires, watch

Twitter

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Storytelling toolkitsTextPhotosAudioVideoInteractive

(polls)GraphicsDatabases

Use easiest techCheck equipmentBreak story in

piecesThink beyond printCollaborateTry, try, tryDon’t stress on

perfect

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Learning new skills

What will you use it for?

How well does it fit with your other skills?

Above all, is it a skill that’s going to be relevant for a long time?

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Learning new skillsReporters: Good audio and social mediaEditors: Which storytelling platforms to

usePhotographers: Audio slide shows, videoCopy editors: Compelling, searchable

headlinesGraphic artists: Flash, APIs (Google)Page designers: Mobile platforms, HTML

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Time-saving tips

Use automation when possibleStart with easiest techOne new thing at a timeCollaborate!Use RSS, Twitter, Google alerts

wiselyDon’t worry about perfect!