The Importance of Mobile Social Media Skills in Journalism

Throughout the spring semester in Professor Allison Frisch's Mobile Social Journalism class at Ithaca College, we have studied the importance of digital media skills in community journalism and implemented these skills through different projects. Our class is currently reading Mobile and Social Media Journalism: A Practical Guide for Multimedia Journalism by Anthony Adornato, which offers insight and practical tips for young journalists on the digital qualifications needed to survive and thrive in the newsroom.

In his book, Adornato notes that qualifications for positions in journalism have shifted over recent years, requiring a strong social media skill set. Adornato emphasizes the importance of knowing how to use social media tools to gather and distribute news both efficiently and responsibly. According to Adornato, social media skills are just as important as writing skills to succeed in the news media industry.

Different news consumers can be reached across various platforms, which is why it is essential to understand how different social media outlets require different approaches in producing and sharing news content. Adornato says possessing digital skills, traditional reporting competence, and an entrepreneurial mindset helps journalists succeed in any news media position.

Although digital videography and social media skills are in high demand, the fundamentals of fact-checking, concise writing, and critical thinking remain top priorities for newsroom managers. Adornato says a combination of "new school" and "old school" skills guide journalists to produce quality content. The emergence of social media has created new opportunities for many journalists. New roles including social media managers and social media producers have created digital-first mindsets in newsrooms. Monitoring and improving audience engagement, and the use of analytics to do so, has become a job position of its own at many news organizations.

Navigating the boundary between one's personal and professional life online can be challenging for young journalists breaking into the field. Adronato shared tips in his book for balancing personal and professional social media activity.

Use social media through a journalistic lens

Adornato advises using social media to report on and share current events happening locally and nationally. Reposts or retweets can help to share news information, and sharing original content online through a blog, personal website, or social media account. Consider creating an account online specifically for reporting and for sharing journalistic projects with your audience and others within your network.

Be mindful

Adornato says to be aware and mindful of inappropriate posts when publishing content on a public account, or any account your employer or audience might see, no matter the platform. Adornato encourages journalists to show their authentic personality and to share simple elements of their life, but within reason. Share what you are passionate about and what you are comfortable sharing with your audience, but be careful to not share every detail online, not only for professional reasons, but for privacy too.