In 2011, digital and social media continued to take on a more integral role in our day-to-day lives. This was especially true in the world of journalism, where social media users found their voice in not only reporting the news, but also making the news.
When WBIR-TV (NBC) invited me to speak recently about the impact of social media on some of the top local and national news stories of the year, I was struck by the sheer number of stories we had to discuss. In a short span of time we discussed the shooting of Rep. Giffords, Japan’s earthquake and tsunami, Arab Spring, the Occupy Wall Street movement, the deaths of Steve Jobs and Osama bin Laden, the fake deaths of celebrities such as Bon Jovi, the April tornado outbreak and Pat Summit’s shocking announcement of her Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
Believe it or not, there were many more stories we could have discussed if time had allowed. It is yet another sign that digital media is quickly becoming a part of the DNA of our daily communications. In another year or two, the novelty of social media’s impact on news stories will give way to a simple acknowledgement that these tools are how we are expected to consume and produce news content.
In the meantime, though, here is my input on the takeaway lessons of why social media is an important player in the news stories of 2011 and beyond. What stories do you think were also worth discussing that didn’t get mentioned in the interview? What are the takeaway lessons for how you or your organization will use social media to share and receive important news in the future?
