Why Every Journalist Needs to Master Mobile Reporting?

In today’s fast-paced, content-hungry world, if you don’t know how to shoot, edit and publish the content from mobile, then you are already a few steps behind. Mobile reporting is no longer a trend – it is the heart of modern journalism.

If you are a seasoned journalist or an aspiring storyteller, Mobile Journalism (MoJo) can open up a world of opportunities. In this blog, we will be exploring the key tips and techniques of MoJo and why there is a need to master mobile reporting.

What is Mobile Journalism?

We live in a rapidly changing world where technology is primary. The 21st century has been the introduction and proliferation of the smartphone. Better cameras, faster internet connection, longer battery life, better internal storage and the list goes on. As mobile phones have become smarter, the world has become more accessible. With smartphones, we can now receive instant updates, read articles or even watch a video as the story unfolds in real time.

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Earlier, when news breaks, even the first one to the scene takes time to get there. An entire van filled with reporters, camera crew and bulky equipment needs a lot of space. The entire process – shooting, recording, producing, editing, broadcasting – requires a lot of people and equipment.

Today, where an attention span is as low as 3 seconds, it is important to stay as quick as possible. Therefore, mobile reporting plays a significant role to stay updated. A journalist with a good quality camera can tell a story from beginning to end, independently handling everything. That’s the power of smartphones.

Why Mobile Reporting? – Identifying the Key Benefits

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In this section, let us unpack why there is a need to master mobile reporting, and why it might just be your career’s secret weapon.

Speed is Everything

Speed is no longer optional – it is essential. In today’s journalism, the early bird gets the entire audience. The 24/7 news cycle has turned into a real-time race. Recent study by Reuters Institute found that over 70% of breaking news aired by major news outlets come from mobile devices.

The reports who can shoot, edit and post the story from ground without waiting for the studio wins the race of modern journalism.

Pocket-Friendly Storytelling

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High-end camera gear costs a bomb. MoJo cuts down the cost of equipment making it a budget-friendly storytelling equipment. With smartphones, you get to access various apps to shoot a story, conduct interviews, edit your footage and even go live. Yes – all of this is accessible from your smartphone.

Award-winning documentaries like ‘High Flying Bird’ and ‘Tangerine’ were filmed entirely on iPhones. If Hollywood can do it, so can you.

Its Discreet

Reporting a story means having to go places where you are not wanted. Walking with big and large equipment might have trouble getting access to certain locations, events or venues, but you can take your mobile phones with you virtually anywhere you go.

Evidence-based Reporting

Nowadays, news breaks faster than ever. With social media booming, audiences demand immediate updates on events with evidence as well. Eyewitness reporting from mobile has revolutionized news coverage. Mobile reporting allows media houses to get real-time updates for the audience. A journalist can use their smartphone to record video, write a story, take photos and even upload it to a news platform within no time.

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Access Like Never Before

Imagine walking into a sensitive scene with a large camera crew, you will likely be shown the door. But pull out your smartphone and people are less threatened, more likely to speak up and be authentic when interviewed.

Mobile reporting allows you to blend in, get up close and capture raw emotional stories as compared to traditional journalism. Be it a protest, a disaster scene or remote village – mobile reporting gives you the access traditional reporting tools never will.

Great for Freelancers

Popular news platforms like BBC, Scroll.in and Al Jazeera feature mobile-shot stories by independent journalists. Freelancers looking to build a portfolio, MoJo is your best friend. If you do not have a newsroom, not at all a problem. You can start reporting and publishing right now.

Why Mobile Reporting is a Must-Have?

Mobile reporting is about telling a story in a faster, better and more creative way. Adding MoJo to your toolkit, whether you are a seasoned journalist or a freelancer, can be effective to enhance your employability and even transform the way you communicate a story.

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Mobile reporting is not just a trend – but the future of journalism in this fast-paced world.

Curious to learn how to shoot a compelling story just using a smartphone? AAFT School of Journalism and Mass Communication is all about redefining MoJo techniques with hands-on training and masterclasses by veteran journalists. Students get to work on real-world assignments, live coverage and news desk simulations. Moreover, you get exposure to multimedia, print, radio and broadcast journalism. Quite interesting, right?

At AAFT, we offer various UG/PG/Diploma and Short-Term Programs to equip you with the skills, confidence and edge to make it happen. Enroll in the journalism programs and start your journey from smartphone to spotlight!