Synopsis:
Throughout this semester, I have gained an understanding of the evolving landscape of digital journalism beyond traditional reporting and embracing the different aspects of multiple platforms. I learned how to turn complex information into digestible digital formats by learning the balance between narrative depth and visual data organization using google sheets and pivot tables, JMS 430 has taught me that a modern journalist must be as much a technologist and designer as they are a writer. Most importantly, I’ve learned how to utilize various multimedia tools to reach a wider audience and tell a story that is not just read, but experienced.
Developing the Story
- When I was doing the reporting on the metered parking situation in Balboa Park, I focused on the principle of minimizing harm and being as transparent as possible with my data. Because parking fees are a touchy subject involving public land, I made a conscious effort to seek out multiple perspectives including park visitors, museum staff, and city officials to ensure my coverage was balanced. I followed verification standards by double-checking all my statistics against official City Council reports and independent budget analysis to avoid any misinformation. Ensuring that my sources were cited correctly and that my data visualizations were accurate was my top priority.
- The process of gathering facts for this story came with going through several obstacles, particularly when it came to accessing current data on park visitation and revenue. Navigating the City of San Diego’s public records was a challenge that needed a lot of persistence and organization. On the technical side, I initially struggled with the use of certain infographic tools when trying to present my statistics in a professional way. Learning to troubleshoot inconsistencies in some of my data such as inconsistent reporting between different park institutions, forced me to develop a more critical eye for source reliability.
- Despite my challenges, the digital tools we learned about in class gave me the opportunity to elevate the story beyond a normal article. Using applications like Canva and Google sheets allowed me to create interactive experiences where my audience could visualize the "before and after" impact of the parking meters through infographics. The ability to use Google Sheets to organize and then transform raw attendance numbers into clear graphics and charts allowed me to prove my points with visual evidence rather than just words. This turned a potentially normal local government issue into a visually engaging digital narrative that highlights the real-world consequences for our community.
Digital Media Experience
- This project has reshaped my understanding of digital journalism. It showed me that it can be an interactive dialogue rather than a one-way broadcast. I now see how important it is for a journalist to understand the back end of their work. I have shifted my perspective from seeing digital elements as just "add-ons" and instead seeing them as the main focus of modern storytelling which is essential for maintaining engagement in today's media environment.
- Creating a video for my article was one of the most significant learning curves of the semester. I am not used to needing to be responsible for a visual element beyond a photo. I learned that visual storytelling requires a different kind of pacing than written work and I had to decide which clips of Balboa Park’s parking coverage was worth sharing. The process of editing taught me the importance of "B-roll" and how audio quality can make or break a digital story. Next time I will focus more on obtaining my own footage so I can have an easier time conveying my specific message rather than reshaping pre-existing narratives.
- Working with data and Google sheets was another eye-opening part of the semester. Initially, the idea of "data journalism" felt intimidating and very mathematical. However, as I began to input numbers regarding Balboa Park's attendance decrease and parking costs, I realized that data is just a different kind of source. Rather than it being one for quotes, it is one that provides a foundation for an investigative piece. Having the ability to filter and sort information in Google sheets allowed me to find the "story within the numbers."
- The most best moments of this project were seeing the final pieces of the puzzle click together on my website. There was a sort of satisfaction I got in taking a controversial local issue and refining it into a professional digital package that I am proud to share. I particularly enjoyed the process of seeing my video and infographics live in the same space. It allowed me to be appreciative of my new skills in both technical and creative aspects. Seeing my research, my writing, and my multimedia design live in one cohesive space has given me a great sense of accomplishment.