Conceptualising Immersive Journalism

The book explores the history of virtual reality and its introduction into journalism, discussing the challenges posed by pushing to make the experience of news a full-body event. It also examines ethical issues concerning image manipulation and the place of the audience's body in the presentation of a news event.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 112 pages
Publication date: 13 June 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Immersive journalism is a groundbreaking approach to news reporting that utilizes virtual reality (VR) technologies to transport audiences into a news event with the full body. This innovative form of journalism aims to provide a more immersive and engaging experience for readers, allowing them to virtually relive the sights, sounds, and emotions of a news story.

As virtual reality devices become more accessible and affordable, major news organizations such as the New York Times, The Guardian, Al Jazeera, CNN, and many more are exploring the potential of immersive journalism. This book examines the theoretical issues and ethical responsibilities associated with this emerging field.

One of the key challenges of immersive journalism is the problem of interpretation versus objectivity. While VR can provide a more immersive and realistic experience, it also raises concerns about the potential for manipulation and distortion of the news. The book discusses the ethical responsibilities of journalists in ensuring that their reporting is accurate, unbiased, and fair.

Another important issue is the place of the audiences body in the presentation of a news event. Immersive journalism allows audiences to virtually experience a news event with the full body, which can create a more powerful and emotional connection to the story. However, this also raises questions about the boundaries between the audience and the news, and the potential for exploitation or manipulation.

To address these issues, the book presents foundational concepts of VR technologies that have helped establish the achievability of being virtually present in a simulated reality. It also discusses current research about the manipulative potential of immersive media, and how journalists can use these technologies to create ethical and responsible reporting.

Using a case-based analysis of how immersive journalism clashes or coincides with the goals of journalism in democratic societies, the book examines the possibilities and ethics of such experiences in journalism and news. It explores the potential for immersive journalism to enhance the democratic process, by providing a more accessible and inclusive platform for news reporting.

Overall, Conceptualizing Immersive Journalism is an important study of this emerging field for students, scholars, and researchers in the areas of Journalism and Media Studies. It provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary analysis of the theoretical issues and ethical responsibilities associated with immersive journalism, and offers valuable insights into the potential of this innovative form of reporting to shape the future of news and media.

Weight: 210g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032337999