MCM 302 — Online Journalism: Lecture Note

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This is the complete lecture note for MCM 302 Online Journalism. You can read it online below, open it in the full viewer, or download the PDF for offline study. It pairs with the course's video lectures, so you can read and watch together.

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LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Course code: MCM 302 Course title: Online Journalism Course credit load: 2 Units List of Series: Series 1: New and Social Media in Online Journalism Series 2: News Gathering and Reportage in the Digital Age Series 3: Fake News, Misinformation, and Social Media Series 4: Citizenship, Identity, and the Power of Connectivity Series 5: Creating and Uploading Online Content Suggested Outline of Parts and Sub-Parts Part 1 (1.1): Defining New and Social Media Sub-Part 1.1.1: Meaning and scope of new media Sub-Part 1.1.2: Characteristics of social media platforms Part 2 (1.2): Major Social Media Platforms and Their Features Sub-Part 1.2.1: Facebook and its role in journalism Sub-Part 1.2.2: Twitter as a news dissemination tool Sub-Part 1.2.3: LinkedIn and professional networking in journalism Part 3 (1.3): Impact of Social Media on Online Journalism Sub-Part 1.3.1: Influence on news gathering Sub-Part 1.3.2: Influence on reportage and distribution Part 4 (1.4): Opportunities and Challenges of Social Media in Journalism Sub-Part 1.4.1: Opportunities for engagement and reach Sub-Part 1.4.2: Challenges of credibility and verification Introduction Social media has become one of the most powerful tools shaping the way news is created, shared, and consumed. Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn have transformed journalism by enabling instant communication, interactive engagement, and global reach. For journalists, these platforms are not only channels of distribution but also spaces where stories are discovered, verified, and debated.

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS The aim of this Series is to introduce you to the concept of new and social media, and to equip you with the knowledge of how these platforms influence online journalism in terms of news gathering, reportage, and professional practice. We shall commence this Series by defining new and social media, and examining their key characteristics. Next, we will explore major social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, focusing on their unique features and relevance to journalism. Subsequently, we will analyse the impact of social media on news gathering and reportage, highlighting both opportunities and challenges. Finally, we will wrap up by considering the broader opportunities and challenges that social media presents for journalism in the digital age. 3 Series Learning Outcomes Series Learning Outcomes Upon completing this Series, you should be able to: SLO 1.1 define new media and social media, and explain their scope in online journalism, SLO 1.2 describe the features of major social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, SLO 1.3 analyse the impact of social media on news gathering and reportage, SLO 1.4 evaluate the opportunities and challenges that social media presents for journalism. 1.1 Defining New and Social Media 1.1.1 Meaning and scope of new media The term new media refers to digital communication technologies that allow interactive, networked, and multimedia forms of information exchange. Unlike traditional media such as newspapers, radio, and television, new media is characterised by immediacy, interactivity, and decentralised production. It encompasses websites, blogs, podcasts, and especially social media platforms. Social media is a subset of new media that enables users to create, share, and interact with content in real time. It is built on user-generated content and fosters communities where individuals and organisations can engage directly.

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Description: Diagram showing the relationship between traditional media, new media, and social media. Figure 1.1 Relationship between traditional media, new media, and social media Fill in the blank: New media differs from traditional media because it allows __________ and decentralised production. 1.1.2 Characteristics of social media platforms Social media platforms share several defining features. First, they are interactive, meaning users can respond, comment, and share content instantly. Second, they are networked, allowing

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS individuals to connect across geographical boundaries. Third, they are participatory, giving everyone the ability to produce and distribute information. Finally, they are multimedia-based, supporting text, images, audio, and video. These characteristics make social media particularly powerful in journalism, as they enable rapid news dissemination and audience engagement. However, they also raise challenges of credibility and information overload. Box 1.1 Key characteristics of social media platforms Fill in the blank: One major characteristic of social media is __________, which allows users to contribute their own content.

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Pilot questions 1.1 Define new media in your own words. Explain why social media is considered a subset of new media. Identify one characteristic of social media that makes it suitable for journalism. Fill in the blank: Social media platforms are __________ because they allow users to respond and engage instantly. List two differences between traditional media and new media. 1.2 Major Social Media Platforms and Their Features 1.2.1 Facebook and its role in journalism Facebook is a social networking platform that allows users to share text, images, videos, and links with their network of friends or followers. In journalism, Facebook serves as a distribution channel where news organisations publish stories, interact with audiences, and gather feedback. It also provides tools such as live streaming and groups, which enable journalists to reach specific communities. Screenshot-style image showing a Facebook news feed with a news organisation’s post. Plate 1.1 Example of a Facebook news feed used for journalism

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Fill in the blank: Facebook enables journalists to reach audiences through __________ and interactive features such as comments and likes. 1.2.2 Twitter as a news dissemination tool Twitter is a microblogging platform where users share short messages called tweets. For journalists, Twitter is valuable for breaking news, live updates, and engaging directly with audiences. Its hashtag system allows stories to trend globally, making it a powerful tool for visibility. Diagram showing how hashtags connect tweets into trending topics. Figure 1.2 Hashtags as connectors of news stories on Twitter Fill in the blank: On Twitter, short posts known as __________ are used to share updates quickly.

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS 1.2.3 LinkedIn and professional networking in journalism LinkedIn is a professional networking platform that connects individuals and organisations. For journalists, LinkedIn provides opportunities to build professional credibility, share industry insights, and connect with experts for interviews or collaborations. Unlike Facebook and Twitter, LinkedIn focuses on professional discourse rather than casual interaction. Box 1.2 Uses of LinkedIn for journalists Fill in the blank: LinkedIn is primarily used for __________ networking and professional credibility.

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