The School of Journalism at the University of Missouri is based on the Missouri Method, where students practice what they are learning in class. As I have progressed through the program, I have learned about how to use writing and multimedia such as videography, photography and social media to tell stories. 

Some of the most rewarding parts of my time at the School of Journalism have been through practicing the Missouri Method. I currently work as a production assistant for KBIA’s show “Radio Friends with Paul Pepper” where I operate the cameras for the show’s television air time. I also produce content for the show’s social media, including Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. 

My classes and my experience at KBIA have taught me that social media is a continuously changing medium. Platforms that are popular today are not guaranteed to be popular in the future. From a journalist’s perspective, this means we have to adapt and learn how to effectively utilize platforms as they evolve. For example, Instagram is heavily visual, so images are the most effective way to convey content. Twitter is more easily utilized for concise text. 

My classes have taught me that social media can be the sole storytelling element of a story — as seen in live tweeting an event, for example — but it can also be used as a complement to another story element. For example, a journalist could have written a text piece with a video included, and then used Twitter to post a teaser of the story to attract readers. 

Social media is an opportunity for journalists to tell stories in different ways beyond traditional storytelling. Using different platforms is a great way to challenge reporters in getting news to the public. Much of what I have learned with the Missouri Method in regards to social media is that it is geared toward seeking out potential audiences where they are, which is usually online or on a social media platform. I believe the answer to “What is social media?” will evolve over time, but right now it serves as a starting point for journalists and others to connect with each other online, and hopefully translate those connections into the real world.