Mobile News: Journalism's Shift from Fixed to Fluid

The smartphone revolution has transformed news from fixed publication to a flow of updateable information,with mobile journalists and citizens armed with smartphones reporting breaking news from crisis zones and hyperlocal news from neighborhoods. Mobile technology allows citizens to engage deeply with a cause or skim headlines,and news is distributed on mobile networks and consumed by mobile audiences.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 180 pages
Publication date: 01 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The smartphone revolution has brought about a significant shift in the way news is disseminated, transitioning from fixed publication to a continuous flow of updateable information. This transformation has far-reaching implications for audiences, industries, and society as news becomes increasingly mobile.

With the convenience of smartphones, we can access news from anywhere, at any time. Whether we are on the go or simply sitting in our homes, we can quickly search for information specific to our location or interests. Mobile journalists, known as MoJos, play a crucial role in this landscape by using their smartphones to report breaking news from crisis zones where information is often uncertain or hyperlocal news from their communities.

Mobile technology empowers citizens to engage deeply with the causes they care about or to skim headlines to gain a broad understanding of various topics. The distribution of news has also undergone a significant change with the advent of mobile networks. Mobile audiences consume news on their mobile devices as they navigate through their daily lives, shaped by the unique features and functionalities of their devices. News has become more personalized and accessible, intersecting with place in new and innovative ways. Geolocated news, for instance, allows us to receive information tailored to our specific location, providing a more localized and relevant perspective. Push notifications further enhance our news experience by delivering timely updates directly to our smartphones.

What's remarkable is the transition from fixed to fluid news, a shift characterized by the continuous flow of updateable information rather than the regular issuance of a product. This change has profound implications for journalism, as journalists must adapt to the rapidly changing landscape and find new ways to produce and distribute news. The contributors to this book offer diverse viewpoints on mobility and news, exploring its impact on the nature of news, the practices of journalists, and its integration into the lives of individuals.

The chapters in this book were originally published as a special issue of "Digital Journalism," highlighting the importance of mobile technology and its impact on the field of journalism. As we continue to navigate this digital age, it is clear that the rise of the smartphone has transformed the way we consume and engage with news, and this book provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of media and communication.

Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367566364