In looking at everything from online journalism courses open to anyone, to those under brick and mortar offered as part of a declared major at a college or university, it is clear that there are several journalism communities with different needs. For example, there is a community that cut its teeth on the traditions of print/text and a dedicated readership; a community born into a digital world - hybrids interested in print as well as interactive engagements; a community that has been defined as citizen journalists, watchdogs of events and points-of-view often not covered by mainstream press and unattached to corporate interests, and more. Journalism communities have different backgrounds, interests and needs and interests. When we rub the communities up against each other it can be uncomfortable. When we rub then up against gaming, as we are exploring, it could be disastrous.
But then
on Nov. 4th, as CNN was covering the presidential election, musical artist Will I Am appeared as a hologram interviewed by Anderson Cooper. An odd/hilarious and memorable(for some) television moment, but also one suggesting that along with the hologram and Jeff Han's scalable interactive multi-touch display system (aka John King's screen), at least there is interest in embracing new forms of interactivity. Whether they work, are desired by journalists or forced by corporations is a different issue.
Update for Journalism 2.0 - remember to review facts given to you by holograms.
I love the idea of this and the possibility for expanded thinking on what games might offer seems not so far away.
Leave a comment