The Multimedia Journalist in Large-Market Television Newsrooms

Abstract

This article examines the effect of the proliferation of the multimedia journalist (hereafter, MMJ) newsgathering model on reporters in large-market, local television newsrooms. This model requires one person to fill the roles of reporter, videographer, and video editor. The authors used a web-based survey of MMJs in the top 50 U.S. markets to gauge their reactions to—and the professional consequences of—working alone as opposed to working with a videographer. The results suggest many large-market reporters see the MMJ model as an inevitable outgrowth of advances in technology and increased news competition. However, they also lament that the trend leads them to believe they’re producing lower quality journalism. Most of the respondents say they are less satisfied with their jobs and some have considered quitting the business.