How our digital society is changing storytelling

I recently watched “digital_nation” a PBS special on the impact of digital technology on habits, behaviors, way of thinking and humanity. The more I watched, the more I realized: we’re not in Kansas anymore.

Via FRONTLINE's "digital_nation" special page

Much of my generation grew up right in the middle of the surge of the personal computer, Internet and digitization of our reality. And right now, everyone–not just news companies–is trying to understand what this means.

But an interesting aspect to look at is how the nature of storytelling is being molded by the digital age.

As technology further develops, more and more avenues for media are being created, allowing storytelling to be told in a dynamic and new way.

The art of storytelling has surpassed its oratory roots, and encompasses almost any outlet and tool that technology can provide.

There is no medium that has been untouched by humanity’s urge to tell and hear a story. In the same vein as Ray Kinsella played by Kevin Costner heard in the 1989 film, “Field of Dreams,” if you build it, they will come. If a new compelling way to communicate, connect and share information is created, people will utilize that medium.

But perhaps no other medium allows the flexibility and possibility for multimodal storytelling as the Internet so freely permits. One of the most visible effects of this recent phenomenon can be seen in the news industry.

News saturates every conceivable medium: print, radio, television and the Internet. Much of the news is driven by stories.

Whether it be about a community overcoming tragedy like the 1999 Columbine shooting or a country devastated by natural disaster like the recent deadly earthquakes that hit Haiti, it is not just the facts that people crave but it is always in the context of a person, community or society.

Making sense of why news companies are failing online

Below is an audio/visual presentation I created that focuses on why the traditional business model for news media won’t work.

The one man band: a visual illustration of what a multimedia journo typically does

Click for larger view (PDF)

With the exception of the “digital journalist” banner at the top, I haven’t added  any of my design work on my blog (though I should start).

I created a vector illustration, along with adding some copy for a print design project (right).

I decided to explain a little bit of my job description as a multimedia journalist for those who might not really quite understand what I do.

Because this blog is dedicated to digital journalism I thought it would be an apt place show what many  journalists are doing now in the digital age.

The print design was used with Adobe Illustrator and InDesign. I’m not sure how many of you would be interested to read the technical process of how this was created so I will spare you some geek speak. But if you are interested, feel free to ask.

Tips on effective storytelling from popular public radio host Ira Glass

Good journalists know how to tell the facts. Great journalists know how to tell a story.

Whether through words, images, video or audio, reporters of any medium need to know how to skillfully create a compelling narrative.

Ira Glass, American public radio personality, knows all about creating the hook, line and sinker, so to speak.

Photo by Kevin J. Zimmerman.

Did Mickey Mouse kill creative freedom for the digital age?

As a digital native, I often get frustrated with today’s copyright laws regarding to the digital age. Simply put, it can be a big pain in the derriere–and we all have Walt Disney to thank for that (VIDEO:Copyright 101 via Disney illustration).

Stanford professor Larry Lessig discusses how today’s copyright law is killing creativity for today’s digital creative society.

Multimedia pieces

As short as six months ago, junior Sara Jackson Holman never dreamed of having near-completed her very own record album.

Under Expunged Records’ guidance, Holman is on the tail-end of an unpredicted journey. Watch the video below to see more. (original link site)

I also did another multimedia piece several weeks ago: “The Tuner“

I almost got punched in the face by a homeless man

"People don't realize how close they are to becoming homeless," Sid Underwood (right), 19, said. Both Underwood and Leonard Costa (left), 19, have both been homeless for six years. Underwood said she has become accustomed to street life.

…but I was saved by a former street kid who was with me (note to self: don’t ask personal questions to an intoxicated homeless man that is about twice your size).

Last week I spent an accumulated 14 hours on the streets of downtown Spokane to talk to homeless teens. After spending a week researching on the subject, I thought it was about time that I got face to face time with the actual subjects at hand.

Needless to say, appearances can be deceiving. One lesson I learned from this whole experience is that you really can’t judge homeless teens based on appearances.

They might look intimidating or rough around the edges, but during my time talking to youth living on the streets, they were for the most part open to talk about their experiences.

The past week and a half have been an eye-opening experience for me. After seeing homeless teens see their world, a lot of things in my life seem trivial.

I’ll never take for granted the luxury of sleeping in a warm, soft bed every night.

Click here to read my article.