Popular Music Journalism: Topic 15

15. What have you learned from Tri-Media? How can this be brought most effectively
into your journalism?


Throughout my first year of study at university, within Tri-Media there have been three primary areas that the course has focused on, particularly with regards to the implementation of software and how that can be incorporated to boost and enhance your versatility as a music journalist.

The first of our three assignments focused on video recording, primarily working with the software Final Cut Pro to edit and modify our captured material. In addition to learning how to operate new software, this was an important module in understanding how the face of traditional journalism is changing. A lot of music magazines have their own website, and are utilizing this opportunity to embed various forms of media, such as songs, radio and of course, video into their sites. I have included a couple of relevant hyperlinks at the bottom of this piece as an example; the effect the internet has had on traditional journalism has demanded an increase in the understanding of the mediums which are used to communicate to consumers.

I also found our third and final assignment within Tri-Media to be particularly important. Working with software designed to assist with the creation of websites (DreamWeaver), and image editing (Photoshop) meant, much in the same vein of Final Cut Pro, as journalists we were being introduced to applications and practices which are far more relevant to the modern day journalist as opposed to 30 thirty years ago. In the future as possible candidates for journalist roles, the knowledge we have learnt in just this first year will give us an edge over other applicants. I also believe that with so much time spent on the production and editing of the Vibe magazine, as a group we spent a lot more time developing our understanding of semiotics, not only with regards to magazines but websites as well.


City and Colour - The Making Of 'Little Hell', 2011 [online video]. NME [viewed 10 May 2011]. Available from: http://www.nme.com/news/city-and-colour/56565

Kerrang! Podcast: Slaves To Gravity, 2011 [online video]. Kerrang! [viewed 10 May 2011]. Available from: http://www.kerrang.com/blog/2011/04/kerrang_podcast_slaves_to_grav_3.html