Audio and Multimedia

Audio was the pioneer storytelling element. Before viewers could see a story, they were able to hear it. Now with the rise of Multimedia journalism, audio can add a new dimension to other story forms. Talk news is most the most popular and most common type of audio, but audio is a versatile story form that is common on other platforms as well. Audio stories can certainly stand alone on the radio or online.

Audio is typically combined with video, photo presentations, and information graphics, but before you can add all three together, you have to develop your narrative. That means the interviewing process has to be concrete. Interviewing is an art form and if not done correctly, your story of any kind can be weak and not have much impact.

One thing all journalists should consider is the ethical dilemmas that can come with audio. Recorded audio should never be manipulated in any way that’s misleading. The most important principles we as journalists live by are to never to alter the meaning of information. We have an obligation to the truth, be loyal to citizens, constantly fact check, and present fair and balanced coverage.

Because audio is something that you only hear, it is easy fall into the realm of unethical behavior.