Posts Tagged: narrative journalism

Rationale/motivations: For my research topic, I want to examine the ways in which interactive elements are changing the face of narrative journalism. Traditionally, mainstream news publications have shied away from this particular genre, mainly due to time and space constraints. However, the exploding presence of online media presents an unprecedented platform for narrative journalism to thrive. More specifically, interactive graphics such as video, slideshows, illustrations, etc., have the potential to effectively supplement the narrative stories in an online forum. Web sites such as Slate magazine are quickly gaining popularity as they embrace narrative journalism with interactive graphics. I think it will be fascinating to explore the effectiveness of interactive elements in modern narrative journalism, as well as the ways in which interactivity has the potential to enhance a traditional narrative.

I wanted to choose a topic closely related to the field of journalism, since my undergrad degree is in this field. I’m extremely interested in the changing face of journalism, but I wanted to find a topic beyond the cliché of “news is moving online.” Narrative journalism is a more specific area that interests me, and I like the fact that interactivity is probably more crucial to this sector than standard news stories. I also think this would be a great concept to lead into my Capstone for the spring, since I initially wanted to find something that was journalism-related… this just puts a more unique spin on it.

I’ve already found an interesting collection of recent studies on the subject that I’d like to more closely consider. One study, for instance, examines the “journalistic paradigm” as narratives move from the news room to online forums. The study ultimately found that interactive media resulted in more complex, layered narratives. It also implies that there is now a changed process of newsgathering for these online narratives. Another study looks at the ways in which online writing and accompanying interactivity affect the way that readers process the information. I want to compare a wide variety of studies such as these in order to pinpoint the specific ways that interactivity is changing the field of narrative journalism.

Engagement with social theory: In the broadest sense, this topic relates to human communication theory on several levels- interpersonal and societal. Some more specific theories this topic relates to include the narrative paradigm theory and the uses and gratification theory.

Methods: I’m going to base my research largely on previously conducted research. I’ve already found a substantial collection of noteworthy scholarly studies. Additionally, there is a multitude of reliable news sources that have recently published stories that can supplement the research studies. Ideally, I would like to include some of my own research to provide a “mixed methods” collection of data, but this is something I’m still considering.

Outcome/novelty: I hope that the outcome of my research thesis will highlight the specific reasons why interactive media are enhancing narratives through the lens of specific theories, as well as the ways in which these media are changing the narrative journalism field as a whole. After gathering more preliminary research, and noting the related theories that have already been projected, I think the specifics of the potential “novelty” of my thesis will arise.