Video & Audio Journalism – the Instant, Omnipresent Journalism


Since the invention of televisions, visual consumption of news and stories has never ceased to engage audiences. With technology, all screens and devices from cell phone to tablets to watches, now offer photo, video and audio engagement at the reach of our fingers, at any time. Video content is becoming the main form of communication that viewers rely on for information and knowledge, as well as entertainment. Not only that, online search engines give top spots for new highlight and breaking news videos.

Smartphones


Phones now offer affordable and easier ways to communicate via video. With even the basic offerings, it is possible to produce news quality live recordings at the scene of an event. The use of tripods and selfie sticks, as well as external microphones help improve the details and quality for better editing and adding final touches. Not only that, with wifi and high bandwidth speeds at home, videos are instant and easy accessible by anyone.


One of the most important ways smartphones have benefited the journalism industry is providing better ways for sources and interviewees to remain anonymous and be able to remain in undisclosed locations. Reporters have more freedom to be able to work remotely and be able to tweet photos, embed videos on social media platforms, so that people will get immediate content and be connected at all times. Consider utilizing mobile devices in more facets of your daily work and connect them with your online blog, website and social media sites. This can mean being the first to inform your audience about a local event or national news and increasing your reach.


Podcasts


Most blogs or articles include the audio or video recording of the content for easier consumption for mobile users. It is more intuitive for users to watch or listen to a sixty second video, rather than read a whole article. This content can also get used for podcast interviews and series, which help build brand loyalty for news organizations and companies alike. Podcasts can be used as follow up pieces on breaking news stories and become the biggest traffic winners online.

Podcasts are very inexpensive to produce and allow a more relatable audio format discussion on current news topics.


Most of our smartphones, as well as tablets, provide quick and easy ways to listen and follow our favorite and popular speakers, writers and bloggers. The informality of podcasts, allow the audience to draw closer and get a better understanding of a brand. Many publishers strategize to constantly increase the amount of content, without putting too much thought to quality as they cope with the digital world. With podcasts, the content can be more unique, personal and grow brand loyalty.


Smart Speakers & Virtual Assistants


Talking to technology has been a natural instinct for a long time, but without any expectation that it would talk back or do tasks. Since the launch of Siri in 2010, now anyone that has a smart speaker or smart watch or phone can interact with a virtual assistant. As an assistant, it can provide information about the weather, set alarms, play music, read audiobooks and play videos, just to name a few popular features. And all this without looking at a screen; mainly using voice commands, users can access information and news.



In journalism, news briefings are one of the most popular ways users get their information and also how newspapers build their brand. Most assistants allow consumers to organize the options and order of news outlets they want to hear from. Still playing music and checking the weather are more popular uses, compared to listening to the latest news.



While newer functionalities are still being developed and improved upon, it seems obvious publishers that have missed the initial train need to consider virtual assistant and smart speakers as one of the mediums in which they can build credibility. It is an actual new voice that newspapers can opt to use to engage and attract consumers. But as you consider this option, be aware of the need to adjust the content for the virtual assistants. Specifically focusing on how the content is being consumed – shortened versions and quick snapshot information. As users get more familiar with their smart speakers and its responses, there is a factor of empathy and connection with the consumer. According to the Netpop Research principal analyst Josh Crandall, “In the future, news organizations will deliver the depth of coverage that’s of interest without limitation to a specific mode of distribution.”

AdPerfect Adds The Seattle Times to Its Growing Customer List

October 19, 2020
AdPerfect, one of the leading obituary platforms used by media companies across North America, will provide its technology and expertise to The Seattle Times, the most read local news and information company in the Pacific Northwest. The AdPerfect Obituary platform provides readers and customers with an exceptional experience for sharing the life and memories of a loved one who has passed. The platform provides a modern user interface and an efficient self-serve option for funeral homes and private parties to place obituary notices. “We’ve worked closely with AdPerfect for a number of years on other products and their customer service, attention to detail and willingness to be a true partner is second to none”, said Gary Smith, VP of Advertising – The Seattle Times AdPerfect was acquired by Tribute Technology last August, a company that provides funeral management and website software to 70% of the funeral home businesses in the U.S.A and Canada. Today, with a direct connection between AdPerfect’s obituary software solution and local funeral home’s software, this never-before-seen opportunity is quickly being adopted by hundreds of local media outlets. “We’re ecstatic to have The Seattle Times take advantage of our obituary platform, as the devotion and admiration they enjoy from informed readers throughout the Pacific Northwest demonstrates how committed they are to their customers. Being able to provide The Seattle Times and funeral homes in the Seattle area with a fully integrated platform will mean better service for families” said Jim McIntosh, Executive Chairman of AdPerfect. About AdPerfect AdPerfect is the most trusted provider of mobile-friendly self-service advertising solutions for publishers and newspapers. We build reliable online platforms and engaging interfaces focused on attracting advertisers, driving user traffic and growing print and digital revenue. For more than a decade, we have always been, and continue to be, committed to designing technologies that support the evolving needs of the media publishing industry. For more information, contact Jim McIntosh, Executive Chairman, AdPerfect at jim.mcintosh@adperfect.com or phone 604.760.9039.   About The Seattle Times The Seattle Times serves the Northwest with independent, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalism, as the region’s most trusted news media company, dedicated to public service. The Seattle Times is the second largest newspaper on the West Coast and the most-visited digital information source in the state. Founded in 1896 by Alden J. Blethen, The Seattle Times is now led by the Blethen family’s fourth and fifth generations. It also owns the Yakima Herald-Republic and The Walla Walla Union-Bulletin About Tribute Technology Tribute Technology is the leading technology provider for the funeral and death care industry. Tribute Technology provides website design and development; online obituary applications; case management software; extensive funeral payment technology including credit card processing, ACH payments, crowdfunding, financing, and life insurance assignments; floral eCommerce solutions; digital marketing services; and personalization software for keepsakes, funeral stationery, and video. Tribute Technology's goal is to be the turnkey funeral technology solution for funeral homes and publishers across North America.

AdPerfect Discusses the Company's Obituary Platform & Freemium Model on Guaranteed Digital: The Podcast

September 8, 2020
In partnership with the Local Media Association’s Digital Summit, Daryl Hively of Guarantee Digital conducted podcasts with each of the Association’s many Research and Development partners prior to the start of the conference. In this episode, Daryl sat down with Matthew Ipsan, to learn more about the AdPerfect freemium model, how the company is focused on helping the industry find new and sustainable business models and how the acquisition of AdPerfect by Tribute Technology is a game changer for local media companies.

AdPerfect Participates in Local Media Association Panel Discussion: Look Globally, Deploy Locally

September 4, 2020
Kirsten and Matthew were joined by guests Ashley Montroy, Executive Vice President of Tribute Technology and Nancy Davis from the Arbor Day Foundation. Both companies have seen tremendous revenue results by harnessing the power of data to make the customer journey both enjoyable and efficient.

AdPerfect Introduces Keynote Speaker at 2020 Local Media Association's Digital Summit

September 4, 2020
With nearly 600 people in attendance, virtually, Matthew Ipsan of AdPerfect explained how the AdPerfect freemium model is a perfect example of a new business structure - one designed to provide local media companies with two essential elements for sustainability - significant expense reduction and new incremental revenue through e-commerce.

Tribute Technology Acquires AdPerfect

By jgreen • February 15, 2020
Tribute Technology, the leading provider of funeral management and website services, with cutting-edge personalization and technology solutions used by more than 70% of funeral homes in the United States, has acquired AdPerfect, one of the leading obituary platforms used by media companies across North America. The acquisition will deliver online and self-serve obituaries at no cost to local publishers, while also providing publishers of all sizes and platforms with significant revenue-driving products, such as the Tribute Store.

Online Conversions in 2019

By jgreen • July 22, 2019
The primary goal of online marketing and content is to attract leads and lead them to make a decision. Online conversions are now the ROI of every company. To keep up, every company needs to be aware of new automation options and technology to accomplish wider online reach. Here are some stats […]

The New Social Paradigm – Distribute Information or Provide Value?

By Pelin Arin • June 20, 2019
Communicating with customers and prospects are spanning to wider applications. Just calling a phone number is no longer enough. As customers are more aware of their options, they want more robust and agile services and the content of your message needs to be multifaceted and provide value. In comes social selling, using […]

Artificial Intelligence Marketing

By Pelin Arin • June 12, 2019
With Google and Amazon investing more and more in artificial intelligence, there is still a lot of expectations and hype around the upcoming developments in technology. Although no one for sure can confidently forecast or speculate where the industry stands on this, we looks at some interesting numbers and stats.

Ethical Advertising in the Intelligent Era

By Pelin Arin • June 10, 2019
Online interactions are not only redefining how we receive and gather information, but also our definitions of ethics online are also being redefined. Majority of consumers now believe that using data to personalize ads is unethical. According to research, 59% believe that personalization to create tailored newsfeeds — precisely what Facebook, Twitter, […]

Online Classifieds in 2019

By Pelin Arin • June 5, 2019
According to recent research from the Online Classifieds Industry Report, 56.9% of companies are confirming that they plan to launch new products or services, while 58.6% planning to hire new staff in the next year and even, 38% plan to modify their business model in the next 3-5 years. This shows an optimistic and […]
More Posts