Mobile journalism is the present. It is the most important and powerful form of media communication today, says Marie Elisabeth Mueller, Professor, Online Media Management, Stuttgart Media University, Germany.
In a chat with The Hindu on the sidelines of her visit to the Government Model Upper Primary School (UPS), Konchiravila, Ms. Mueller said mobile phones had changed the game completely because everyone can be a reporter now.
“It is about access to information, to presentation, and this changes the mobile phones in a very positive and democratic way.”
Downsides
There are some downsides too, she said. For instance, when social media is used by political manipulators to promote their designs. Owing to the large reach of mobile phones and social media, care should be taken to maintain journalistic skills and credibility.
“The stories come first; then we can look at how technology can cover the story.”
Ms. Mueller believes the mobile phone is here to stay. It will go to augmented reality, it will go to mixed reality - in documentary, in journalism very soon.... we see it already but it will be on the mobile.”
About the impact of mobile journalism on other forms such as print and satellite television, she says the industry in other media formats will die if it does not change, become enabling and embrace mobile phones. “Industry as a container format, talking down to people, being an expert, gatekeeper... that is dying.”
Like in the U.S. and Europe, it will slowly happen in India too, she says.
“No one wants to be informed from top down. Mobile phones are more engaging and flexible, and you can reach out to more target groups.”
Distinction
Ms. Mueller seeks to draw a distinction between media formats and the industry.
“If we look at media evolution, we see things never completely die...be it radio or television. Old formats do not die, they transform and converge.” She cites news on mobile phones as an example, saying it is an integrated form of news that has visuals, texts... whatever is possible on the platform.
