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| In the process of digital transformation of journalism, Dr. Tran Quoc Trung believes that the way people receive information is changing from traditional written newspapers to visual storytelling. |
On the occasion of National Digital Transformation Day (October 10), The World and Vietnam Newspaper had an interview with Dr. Tran Quoc Trung, Head of Multimedia Design Department, Academy of Posts and Telecommunications Technology, about the issue of digital transformation of journalism in "anticipating" technology.
"Leapfrogging" technology in journalism
For successful digital transformation, human resources are key. How important is the mindset of “leapfrogging” technology in journalism, sir?
The application of digital technology has fundamentally changed the operation of press agencies. In the current era of accelerated technology, the media is required to provide information quickly and clearly to the public. Since the public has limited time, the media is required to provide concise and easy-to-understand information, aiming to manage the chronology of events presented through statistical data.
As part of the news media, infographics are expected to be an alternative tool to help audiences understand useful, beautiful, and insightful information. Infographics must also be able to help readers find profound truths in complex data and given context.
Nowadays, as part of online journalism, the use of infographics is pivotal in sharing information and news effectively, making readers more interested in the news and easily understanding facts and data.
| "The way people consume information is changing from traditional printed media to visual storytelling. With people's attention spans on the rise, innovative techniques are needed to maintain engagement and tell complex stories in an easy-to-understand way. That means, when it comes to digital storytelling, words are no longer enough...". |
In terms of delivering information to the public, information and most news stories made in the past decade have used infographics, which are considered popular and effective in visualizing data and conveying information to the audience in a clearer and more interesting way. Research has shown that 93% of human communication is visual and 90% of it is processed in the brain as images. Additionally, when users visit online news sites, they only read an average of 28% of the article in a single visit, and this number is said to increase by 14% when the site displays images in it.
Digital content is defined as a file or some other form of information that is published or stored in a digital format. This can be text, graphics, animations, simple video or audio files, or even images. Content creation tools and software are used by individuals involved in the creation of digital content and can assist not only in the creation but also in the publishing and distribution of digital content.
Modern journalists need a number of indispensable tools to get the job done. These include computers with Internet access that allow journalists to write and archive stories and run professional audio, video and text editing software from locations around the world.
Smartphones enable enhanced audio, video, and data transmission. Social media data is also important to monitor. Insights into shares and engagement tell journalists which stories are trending and where to look.
As such, the way people consume information is changing from traditional printed media to visual storytelling. With people’s attention spans increasing, innovative techniques are needed to maintain engagement and tell complex stories in an easy-to-understand way.
That means, when it comes to digital storytelling, words are no longer enough. If you want to create compelling content that can meet the expectations of modern readers and outperform your competitors, you need to understand the power of visual journalism.
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| Digital transformation is becoming a global trend. (Source: Internet) |
You have said that infographics in journalism enhance storytelling in many ways by making complex information accessible. Can you elaborate?
Infographics play a vital role in enhancing journalism’s storytelling capabilities in many ways. One of the most emerging methods used by news media platforms to present interesting information is through infographic design.
Infographic is a form of storytelling that contains graphs, images or illustrations that may be accompanied by a narrative. In the context of visual news, infographics not only display images but also contain data, facts and reflections of reality. The presence of infographics on the news platform is to clarify information and facilitate readers about the actual event through visual storytelling.
In recent years, infographics have received great attention in many fields, including the economic field, for marketing products, commercial services and other fields, as an effective means of providing information without using a lot of text. Therefore, infographics are a great way to attract the attention of the audience.
Researcher Nielsen is considered one of the researchers interested in the field of information graphics, he asserts that it plays an important role in enhancing the reader's understanding of published data and information. Interactive information graphics have provided an important tool for readers in processing complex information and data published by electronic newspapers, because it performs five functions for readers.
That is, how easily can users complete basic tasks when first exposed to the design? Once users have learned the design, how quickly can they perform tasks? When users return to the design after a period of inactivity, how easily can they reestablish proficiency? How many errors do users make, how serious are these errors, and how easily can they fix them? How much pleasure do you get from using the design?
The way we consume information is changing.
Digital transformation challenges journalists to do different things. How do you think each newspaper can make its mark and have its own identity?
Most people get their news from social media these days, and that reality, combined with shrinking global attention spans, means content creators are forced to come up with new ways to help readers understand complex topics in a shorter amount of time.
Beautiful and well-crafted data visualizations will only draw more readers to your story. That said, readers today aren’t looking for serious articles with just words and pictures. They want something that can summarize a story without having to read a 1,000-word article. Readers are always looking for something more, and that’s what data visualizations do. They will bring in more clicks and increase readership of a story and the entire publication.
The amount of information and data we are exposed to on a daily basis can be overwhelming. Whether it’s statistics about a global pandemic, the impact of climate change, or election results, we often need help making sense of the details. Visual journalism can turn complex concepts and stories into accessible and engaging narratives, and encourage us to not only keep reading, but also share the information with others.
Digital multimedia has allowed publishers to break free from the constraints of print and embrace new, visually dynamic ways of telling stories. Whether it’s using animated charts, interactive maps, videos or 3D elements, there are many ways you can make complex stories easier and more enjoyable to read. Using these types of elements also allows readers to have a deeper, more meaningful connection to the story and feel more immersed and involved in the piece of journalism.
To meet the demands of the new era in the digital context, how must journalism and media training institutions transform? What “products” must be created to provide to the market and society?
It can be said that digital transformation in the field of journalism has given journalism a new look. Some notable changes can be listed as: Formation of social media journalism, with the appearance of journalism on fanpages, Facebook, YouTube, Zalo, Instagram, Spotify, Google Podcast, Amazon Music, SoundCloud... Many press agencies have taken advantage of social networks to increase interaction with the public, spread and disseminate information widely.
Journalism and media training institutions need to transform to meet the demands of an increasingly digital media world. Specifically, curriculum updates include the latest skills and knowledge related to digital media. These include subjects on social media platforms, data analytics, multimedia content creation and online project management.
At the same time, encourage creativity and innovation. Promote the spirit of creativity and innovation in the teaching and research process. Encourage lecturers and students to participate in creative projects, new media application development projects and research activities.
In addition, ensure that students have the necessary skills, such as website management, using analytics tools, graphic and video design, and online content management.
Finally, provide practical learning opportunities through practical courses, internships, and projects linked to the digital media industry. This helps students gain practical experience and interact with new technologies to become quality "products" in the future.
Infographics enhance journalistic storytelling
Can you share your journalism skills through the use of digital tools (designing charts, infographics, etc.)? What knowledge and skills do journalists need most today?
When working with digital tools to design charts, infographics, and other media, journalists need to develop a range of technical skills to create engaging and understandable content. Here are some of the key skills:
First , data skills. The ability to understand and work with data is critical to identifying key messages and selecting appropriate data to present information.
Second, design tool skills. Understand how to use graphic design software tools such as Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Canva or Microsoft PowerPoint. These are popular tools for creating images and charts.
Third, creativity is important to create unique designs and interesting content. Being able to think outside the box and generate new ideas is an important part of this skill.
Fourth, the ability to present information logically and easily understood through charts and images is important to ensure that readers can grasp the message quickly.
Thursday , continuous learning skills. Keep up with and embrace new trends and technologies in graphic design and infographics to continuously develop your skills.
How should mainstream media develop its content and format to compete with social media? Is technology considered a “lever”?
To compete with social media and attract readers back, mainstream media need to implement technology-based content development solutions to improve the quality and efficiency of journalism. Technology allows newspapers to produce diverse content, including text, images, videos, audio, podcasts, infographics, and many other forms of media. This creates a multimedia experience for readers.
Data analytics technology helps newspapers gain a better understanding of their audience, reading patterns and online interactions. This helps them create relevant content and adjust their communications strategies. Project management technology and online tools help organize and track the progress of communications projects, from writing to live broadcasting. Technology allows newspapers to broadcast information and events in real time via online platforms and social media, providing readers with timely and relevant information. Social media and other online platforms allow newspapers to interact directly with readers, listen to their opinions and participate in online discussions.
Combine multiple forms of media, such as videos, podcasts, animations, and infographics to create rich and diverse content. This helps attract readers with different interests. Use storytelling to make content more engaging and interesting. At the same time, create stories that are human and touching. Technology helps journalism reach and engage readers globally through the Internet and online platforms.
Thank you!
In April 2023, the Prime Minister approved the Digital Transformation Strategy for Journalism to 2025, with a vision to 2030. Digital transformation of journalism will become an inevitable trend in all press agencies. The essence of digital transformation journalism is the application of increasingly modern technology to press activities, making the digital press ecosystem enriched with new and superior features, helping to improve the quality and effectiveness of communication. In early June 2023, the Ministry of Information and Communications established the Center for Supporting Digital Transformation of Press (under the Press Department). The Center is responsible for supporting press agencies to effectively implement the digital transformation goals in the Press Digital Transformation Strategy to 2025, with a vision to 2030. The Center is the focal point for supporting the provision of information, documents, and guidance for press agencies to measure and evaluate the maturity level of press digital transformation; support training and coaching to raise awareness, knowledge, and skills; mobilize resources from businesses to accompany the goals of the press digital transformation support program. |
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