Jacque Manabat’s Post

DIY (Do It Yourself) DIY (Do-It-Yourself) journalism refers to the practice of individuals creating and publishing their own news content, without the need for traditional news organizations or formal journalism training. This can include Blogging, Vlogging (video blogging), Podcasting, Citizen journalism, Independent reporting, Self-publishing etc. DIY journalism is decentralized as anyone can create and publish news. It is autonomous as Individuals control their own content and platform. It is low-cost because of reduced barriers to entry and minimal equipment needs, it is niche-focused often targets specific audiences or topics and it is experimental too because new formats, styles, and approaches emerge. There are number of benefits of DIY journalism including democratization - more voices, diverse perspectives, increased local coverage - hyperlocal focus, community-driven, innovation - new formats, styles, and approaches, accessibility - lower barriers to entry, wider reach, personal, passionate reporting. DIY journalism faces various challenges like establishing trust, credibility, and authority, ensuring accuracy, fairness, and balance, naintaining motivation, resources, and audience, understanding rights and responsibilities, reaching audiences, standing out in a crowded space etc. To succeed in DIY journalism, individuals should develop strong research and reporting skills, understand legal and ethical considerations. build a loyal audience and community, stay up-to-date with industry developments and trends, continuously improve and adapt their craft. By embracing DIY journalism, individuals can create meaningful, impactful content and contribute to a more diverse and vibrant media landscape. However, legal and ethical considerations are very important being autonomy of DIY, which has emerged as a bigger challenge as autonomy has also led in dissemination of misinformation and disinformation. #misinformation #disinformation #DIY #journalism

The Roadmap to Success: Thriving as a Journalist in the Media Sphere Embarking on a career in journalism is akin to setting sail on a voyage across uncharted waters. In this ever-evolving landscape of media, success is not merely measured by bylines or accolades, but by the impact of your words and the integrity of your storytelling. Here's your roadmap to navigating the tumultuous seas of journalism and emerging victorious: 1. Hone Your Craft: Just as a master sailor navigates the seas with finesse, a successful journalist navigates the world of storytelling with precision. Invest time in sharpening your writing, researching, and interviewing skills. Strive for clarity, accuracy, and compelling narrative in every piece you produce. 2. Embrace Adaptability: In the fast-paced realm of media, adaptability is key. Equip yourself with the agility to pivot between mediums – from traditional print to digital platforms, podcasts, and beyond. Embrace emerging technologies and trends, while staying true to the timeless principles of journalism. 3. Cultivate Curiosity: Like a seasoned explorer, cultivate an insatiable curiosity for the world around you. Dive deep into diverse subjects, uncovering untold stories and shedding light on overlooked perspectives. Approach each assignment with fresh eyes and an open mind, ready to unearth the unexpected. 4. Build Your Network: Just as a ship relies on its crew for support, a journalist thrives on a robust network of contacts and collaborators. Cultivate relationships with fellow journalists, editors, sources, and mentors. Seek out opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange, enriching your work and expanding your reach. 5. Uphold Integrity: In an era plagued by misinformation and sensationalism, integrity is your North Star. Uphold the principles of honesty, objectivity, and accountability in every piece you publish. Fact-check rigorously, verify sources diligently, and remain steadfast in your commitment to the truth. 6. Champion Diversity: The strength of journalism lies in its diversity – of voices, perspectives, and experiences. Champion inclusivity in your storytelling, amplifying marginalized voices and shedding light on underrepresented communities. Strive to create a media landscape that reflects the rich tapestry of humanity. 7. Never Stop Learning: Like the tides that ebb and flow, the world of media is in constant flux. Commit yourself to lifelong learning, staying abreast of industry trends, technological advancements, and evolving storytelling techniques. Embrace opportunities for professional development, whether through workshops, courses, or mentorship. In the ever-expanding universe of media, success is not a destination, but a journey – a continuous pursuit of excellence, integrity, and impact. So set sail with courage, curiosity, and conviction, knowing that with each story you tell, you chart a course towards a brighter, more informed future.

Reflecting on 17 Years in Journalism: Catalysts for Change. As I look back on over 17 years in journalism, I am reminded of the profound impact this profession has had on my life and on society. Often, journalists are seen merely as neutral conveyors of information, positioned between right and wrong, good and bad. However, my experience has taught me that journalism transcends this simplistic view. Journalists are not just messengers; we are catalysts for change. Each story we tell has the potential to enlighten, inspire, and drive action. We shine a light on injustices, uncover hidden truths, and amplify the voices of the unheard. Specializing in in-depth stories and documentaries about environmental and climate issues, I have had the privilege of exploring some of the most pressing challenges of our time. Through my work, I aim to raise awareness and foster a deeper understanding of these critical issues, advocating for meaningful change. The landscape of journalism has transformed dramatically over the years. Once confined to print and broadcast media, information is now disseminated instantaneously through digital platforms. The rise of social media has democratized the flow of information, enabling anyone with an internet connection to share news and perspectives. This evolution has brought both opportunities and challenges. The media industry today is markedly different from what it was a decade ago. The digital revolution has intensified competition, as conventional journalistic media must now rival digital outlets and citizen journalists on social media for audience attention and sponsorship. The race for immediacy often challenges our commitment to accuracy and thoroughness. Yet, amid this fast-paced environment, the core principles of journalism—truth, integrity, and accountability—remain our guiding stars. Surviving in this new media landscape requires adaptability and innovation. Traditional revenue models are under strain as advertisers shift their focus to digital platforms. Media organizations are compelled to find new ways to engage audiences and secure financial sustainability, often exploring diverse content formats and leveraging multimedia storytelling to stay relevant. In this evolving landscape, I am proud to be part of a profession that wields the power to affect meaningful change. Every day presents an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to make a positive impact. However, I recognize that there is still so much more to be done. I am committed to continuing my efforts to contribute to the people, the environment, the climate, and our collective future. Although in ways and fields that may be completely different. Let's doing something more down to earth so we can make the impact better and sustainable. #Journalism #Media #Change #EnvironmentalJournalism #ClimateChange #ProfessionalJourney #ImpactfulStories #human #goodperspective

The Columbia Journalism Review (CJR), one of the most authoritative and respected voices in journalism, recently profiled Mongabay. The piece, written by Lauren Watson, provides an in-depth look at how our nonprofit newsroom navigates the challenges of reporting on conservation and environmental issues globally, often in high-risk areas. Key points from the article include: 🌍 International presence: We operate in six languages, with more than 100 staff in 30 countries and over 1,000 freelance journalists across 80 countries. ⚡ Focus on impact: Our decentralized structure enables us to cover critical underreported stories. According to a funder’s review, “73% of the articles Mongabay published in the past year were stories that had otherwise gone unreported.” 🛟 Emphasis on safety: Reporting in high-risk regions requires extensive preparation. As highlighted in the piece, “The greatest concerns among Mongabay’s leadership are the safety of local reporters, especially freelancers, and the impact of their coverage on sources.” 💡 Innovative storytelling: We pair investigative reporting with visual tools like satellite imagery and interactive maps, while using multimedia formats such as videos and explainers to enhance reach and understanding. 💲 Financial independence: With a diverse range of funders—none contributing more than 9% of our revenue—we maintain editorial integrity and avoid overreliance on any single donor. “It gives me the power to walk away from any grant or say ‘no’ to any funder,” I told Watson. 🌈 Solutions-oriented journalism: We've recently expanded coverage that goes beyond solely identifying problems, offering actionable solutions for policymakers and stakeholders. CJR’s recognition underscores the vital role of independent, nonprofit journalism in fostering accountability and driving meaningful change. For funders looking to support impactful journalism, this profile highlights why investing in Mongabay’s mission matters. The full article is available at: https://lnkd.in/e7sr-MXd

Time Inc.: Your Ultimate Source for News, Insights, and Analysis Welcome to Time, a trusted name in journalism and a leading source for news and information that matters. With a commitment to delivering high-quality content, we provide our readers with in-depth analysis, compelling stories, and the latest updates on global events. What We Offer At Time, we cover a wide range of topics to keep you informed and engaged: Breaking News: Stay updated with real-time coverage of the most important events happening around the world. Our dedicated team of journalists works tirelessly to bring you the latest news as it unfolds. In-Depth Features: Explore our extensive feature articles that delve into critical issues, offering context and insight. From politics and health to technology and culture, we provide a comprehensive look at the stories that shape our world. Opinion and Analysis: Our opinion section features thought-provoking commentary from experts and influential voices. Engage with diverse perspectives on current events and societal trends. Special Reports: Time produces special reports that focus on significant topics, providing thorough research and analysis. These reports are designed to inform and educate our readers on pressing issues. Multimedia Content: Experience news in various formats, including videos, podcasts, and interactive graphics. Our multimedia content enhances your understanding of complex topics and keeps you engaged. Why Choose Time? Trusted Journalism: With a legacy of excellence, Time is synonymous with quality journalism. Our commitment to accuracy and integrity ensures that you receive reliable information. Comprehensive Coverage: We cover a wide array of subjects, making Time your go-to source for news and insights across multiple domains. Engaging Content: Our articles are crafted to be informative and engaging, making it easy for you to stay informed while enjoying the reading experience. Community Engagement: Join our community of readers who are passionate about staying informed. Engage with us through comments, social media, and newsletters to share your thoughts and insights. Stay Informed with Time Are you ready to dive into the world of news and insights? Subscribe to Time today and gain access to our extensive library of articles, special reports, and multimedia content. Let us be your trusted source for understanding the complexities of our world!

The future of journalism is undeniably visual. As social media shapes how audiences consume news, visual journalism becomes increasingly vital in cutting through the clutter and engaging audiences effectively. ▪️ According to BBC World Wide News investigative and data journalist Lazar Čovs, social media platforms have redefined storytelling. "Younger generations don't want to click through to a website anymore," he notes, pushing newsrooms to produce platform-specific content. ▪️ "If you think of the digital space, social media is the boulevard and our website is like a back alley. We're trying to lure people into the alley with candies, saying, 'Come with me!'—but they're not going to do it. They'll stay on the boulevard, surrounded by bright lights and ads." ▪️ The Instagram carousel format has emerged as one of the most effective tools. "If you want to create a timeline or tell a linear story, the carousel can be a perfect format. It's natural for people to scroll left to right," Čovs explains. ▪️ Similarly, TikTok's rise as a dominant platform requires news outlets to create short, visually engaging videos that can convey key information in seconds. ▪️ Scrollytelling has become particularly relevant for younger audiences who consume content by scrolling on their phones. "For them, scrollytelling feels completely natural," Čovs observes. "They scroll, and something keeps happening—that's how the story unfolds." ▪️ A skilled storyteller or online producer, according to Čovs, must understand this dynamic and tailor the experience accordingly. “Knowing the semiotics of interfaces—where people are likely to look, click, or tap—is crucial,” he advises. ▪️ Today's tools make scrollytelling more accessible than ever. With just a one-day workshop, he argues, journalists can learn to create simple but effective charts or graphs to accompany their stories. ▪️ When it comes to ensuring that visuals are readable and effective, Čovs has a straightforward method: showing to one of two people in your newsroom with the least digital literacy. If they understand the visual, where to click, and how to interpret the information, it’s likely clear enough for the broader audience. 📍Learn more about social media’s impact on storytelling in the full article 👉 https://lnkd.in/e_i9H3yZ

🌟 A Day In The Life Of A Journalist 🌟 Ever wondered what it's like to walk in the shoes of a journalist? Today, I'm giving you a behind-the-scenes look into my daily routine, filled with curiosity, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of truth. 🔍 6:00 AM – Rise and Shine The day starts early. The first thing I do is scan the headlines and breaking news on various platforms. It's crucial to be aware of the latest developments as they set the tone for the day. ☕ 7:00 AM – Coffee and Planning A strong cup of coffee in hand, I dive into my emails and messages. Scheduling interviews, coordinating with editors, and setting up my agenda for the day are top priorities. I also review the editorial calendar and make adjustments if necessary. 📞 8:00 AM – Morning Meeting Team meetings are vital. We discuss story ideas, assign tasks, and provide updates on ongoing projects. Collaboration is key, and it's always inspiring to hear the creative ideas from my colleagues. 📝 9:00 AM – Research and Writing Time to hit the keyboard! Whether it's drafting a new article, editing a piece, or conducting in-depth research, the morning is dedicated to creating compelling content. Accuracy and clarity are my guiding principles. 🎤 11:00 AM – Interviews and Fieldwork Interviews are the heart of journalism. Meeting sources, experts, and everyday people to gather insights and firsthand information brings stories to life. This part of the day can take me anywhere – from coffee shops to press conferences. 🍽️ 1:00 PM – Lunch Break A quick break to refuel. Sometimes, lunch is on the go, especially if I'm out in the field. Networking with peers and sources over a meal is also common. 📸 2:00 PM – Multimedia Production In today's digital age, storytelling isn't just about words. I work on incorporating photos, videos, and social media elements to enrich the narrative. Collaborating with photographers and videographers ensures a dynamic and engaging story. ✍️ 4:00 PM – Editing and Fact-Checking Accuracy is non-negotiable. I meticulously review my work, cross-check facts, and ensure that the story is balanced and fair. This stage often involves feedback from editors and peers. 🕖 6:00 PM – Publication and Promotion With the story polished and approved, it's time to publish. But the work doesn’t stop there – promoting the piece on social media, engaging with readers, and monitoring reactions are essential to gauge impact. 🌙 8:00 PM – Reflect and Recharge As the day winds down, I take a moment to reflect on the stories told and the people met. Continuous learning and staying updated with global events are part of the nightly routine. A good book or a favorite TV show helps to unwind. #Journalism #ADayInTheLife #Storytelling #News #Media #BehindTheScenes workwhale.net

When Media Becomes the Show: The Shift Toward Event-Driven Journalism A quiet transformation has been unfolding within the media landscape in recent years. Publications like TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and even The New York Times, once guardians of the written word, are morphing into something reminiscent of event agencies. This shift, driven by the relentless hunt for new revenue streams, reshapes the industry in ways we're only beginning to understand. The Allure of Events As traditional advertising revenues dwindle and digital subscriptions face their own challenges, events have emerged as a lucrative alternative. Conferences, panels, and award ceremonies offer media outlets a way to monetize their brand beyond the page. On the surface, it's a win-win: readers can engage with content in a live setting while publishers fill their coffers. The Hidden Costs This pivot towards event-driven journalism comes with significant trade-offs. The most glaring is the potential dilution of reporting quality. As resources and attention shift toward organizing events, the core mission of investigative journalism and in-depth reporting can take a back seat. The reliance on event revenue can lead to a precarious dependency, subject to the market volatility that has beleaguered traditional ad sales. A Question of Value This begs the question: in the rush to diversify revenue, are media outlets overlooking their most valuable asset? Not the news stories themselves, but the people who tell them. Top writers and editors possess an invaluable commodity—their attention. In an age where information is omnipresent but genuine insight is scarce, the focus of these individuals is golden. The Untapped Potential Imagine a model that capitalizes on the attention of top writers, not through the indirect route of events, but directly. Instead of selling tickets to a conference, what if media outlets sold access to their writers' insights? This wouldn't mean paywalls around articles, but rather, creating a marketplace for the attention and engagement of these thought leaders. Why Attention Matters In a world saturated with content, readers crave authenticity and authority. The attention of a respected writer on a pitch, a story, or a piece of analysis holds immense value. It's a form of endorsement, a signal to readers that something is worth their time. By monetizing this attention, media outlets can offer something unique and invaluable to their audience, while providing writers the freedom to focus on what they do best: crafting stories that matter. Rethinking Revenue This approach would require a paradigm shift, moving away from the spectacle of events and toward the substance of journalism. It’s about leveraging the built-in audience and credibility of top writers to create a new kind of value exchange between media outlets and their readers.

Hot take for the year: when brands hire journalists to produce data reporting or other research - it can still be journalism. Even when the budget comes out of the marketing dept. Folks like Shareen Pathak at Toolkits have covered the brand-as-media-company phenomenon for years, and hoards of incredible journalists are now working within companies you wouldn't typically think of as media outlets. (Jeannie Kim @ Zinnia, Amy Maas @ Realtor, Ben Fox Rubin @ Mastercard, to name just a few.) Maggie Leung was the OG of this. But we still dance around the "is this journalism?" question, rooted in a comfort with legacy business models. Journalism is not defined by the type of outlet you work for or where the budget comes from, but the process and integrity of the storytelling. And just because a business makes money from customers beyond subscriptions + display ads, does not prohibit it from producing journalism. For too long we’ve written off research that comes from great orgs investing in real editorial. To be clear - simply hiring a journalist does not give content the tag of legitimacy... there is plenty of brand content with enough spin to not just cross, but smash the line between journalism + content marketing.  Promoting your own products, pushing a narrative that misrepresents reality, or omitting key context are all “no-nos”. But it's time we gave real credit where credit is due. What orgs are producing phenomenal work that would be getting much more attention if they were seen as traditional media outlets?