Multimedia journalist Chris Jordan recently emailed me about their latest multimedia package at the Daily Republic commemorating the one year anniversary of a slain city councilman. “Remembering Matt Garcia” gives an intimate look at the passionate 20-year-old, and the legacy he left behind.
USA Today recently launched an interactive Flash module visualizing the approval ratings of the last twelve presidents in an innovative and colorful presentation. “Presidential approval tracker” lets users compare approval ratings chronologically, or in comparison to others. Customized pie charts, a scalable timeline, and an elegant interface are only a few of the many assets I love about this interactive.
I didn’t plan on watching for nearly seven minutes. I had three other browsers open with a total of six tabs to distract me. But I watched from beginning to end with tears in my eyes. To me, that proves what professionalism, dedication and talent can do to storytelling. I introduce to you, “Still Hoping.”
I wanted to highlight a recent AP interactive, titled “Shutting down the Guantanamo Bay detention camp” for several reasons. First, I blogged about another AP interactive, “Bailout Tracker,” that did not use data visualization as effectively as this example, and I thought the two could be used as a great case example. Second, this type of story is the ideal situation to present data to the users, allowing them to find their own story.
Former colleague Seth Gitner pointed me to a complex data interactive by the AP tracking presidential fundraising numbers. Yes, we are all probably sick of looking at 2008 election graphics. But, I encourage you to spend some time with this project because it is a great inspirational example for data visualization. It also features an innovative video help feature, by displaying an AP reporter (using a chromakey affect) at the bottom corner of your screen.
As I watch the Inauguration coverage on TV, I am scanning multiple Websites to see how different news organizations are covering today’s events. I am thrilled with the innovation and creativity that went into a variety of multimedia packages. Here are three packages that I find particularly impressive …
2008 will be remembered for the historic presidential election, collapsing economy, financial bailout, Chinese Olympics, and the Iraq & Afghanistan wars … among others. What these all have in common is a great deal of data, numbers and confusing figures. New York Times, without a doubt, was the leader in creating successful infographics and stimulating interactives dealing with these high interest news stories.
Amidst the crazy night at Roanoke.com, I was able to grab screenshots of other news organizations’ coverage as Obama was declared president. Looking through them today, I am amazed at how many front pages were temporarily reconstructed to fit maps, counters, slide shows, and other multimedia elements. Multimedia and visuals were played up big, while stories (linked deeper within the site) led to more in-depth information. Seeing this proves the importance of data visualization and multimedia in our Web 2.0 generation.
Congrats to everyone for diligently preparing election day coverage. Publications across the nation are deploying text messages, twitter feeds, blog posts, user-submitted content and strong visuals to inform the public. In case you don’t have time to look at everything today, here is a recap of today’s coverage for tomorrow’s viewing pleasure. Included are some great multimedia and interactive elements surrounding election day. If your organization attempted multimedia projects, please add them in the comments!
New York Times just launched a summary presentation of the presidential election with an innovative video, including motion graphics, interactivity, photos, and archival footage from the past two years. Take note: “2008 Election – Choosing a President” is journalism at it’s greatest.