Tools of news gathering
Here are some common tools used in news gathering:
- Newsgathering software: Specialized software used to collect, organize, and analyze news content, such as newsroom management systems, wire services, and content management systems.
- Social media monitoring tools: Tools used to track and analyze social media conversations, trends, and sentiment, such as Hootsuite, Sprout Social, and Brandwatch.
- Search engines: General-purpose search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo, as well as specialized search engines like Google News and Newsbank.
- Database subscriptions: Subscriptions to databases like LexisNexis, Westlaw, and ProQuest, which provide access to news articles, court records, and other information.
- Wire services: News agencies like the Associated Press (AP), Reuters, and Agence France-Presse (AFP), which provide news articles, photos, and videos to media outlets.
- Interview recording equipment: Equipment used to record interviews, such as digital recorders, smartphones, and video cameras.
- Note-taking apps: Apps like Evernote, OneNote, and Simplenote, which allow journalists to take notes and organize their research.
- Research databases: Databases like JSTOR, EBSCO, and ProQuest, which provide access to academic journals, books, and other research materials.
- Transcription services: Services like Rev.com, GoTranscript, and Trint, which provide automated transcription of audio and video recordings.
- Fact-checking tools: Tools like Snopes, FactCheck.org, and PolitiFact, which help journalists verify the accuracy of information and claims.
- Map and GIS tools: Tools like Google Maps, MapQuest, and ArcGIS, which help journalists visualize and analyze geographic data.
- Audio and video editing software: Software like Adobe Audition, Final Cut Pro, and iMovie, which are used to edit and produce audio and video content.
- Photography equipment: Cameras, lenses, and other equipment used to capture high-quality images and videos.
- Mobile devices: Smartphones, tablets, and laptops used to gather news and conduct interviews on the go.
- Field recording equipment: Equipment like portable recorders, cameras, and microphones used to capture audio and video in the field.
- Research assistants: Trained researchers who help journalists gather and analyze information, often using specialized software and databases.
- Data visualization tools: Tools like Tableau, Power BI, and D3.js, which help journalists create interactive and dynamic visualizations of data.
- Audio and video conferencing tools: Tools like Zoom, Skype, and Google Meet, which allow journalists to conduct remote interviews and meetings.
- Newsroom management tools: Tools like Newsroom, Newscoop, and Contentful, which help journalists manage and organize their work, including assignments, deadlines, and content.
- Security and encryption tools: Tools like VPNs, encryption software, and secure communication apps, which help journalists protect their sources and data.
These are just a few examples of the many tools used in news gathering. The specific tools used can vary depending on the type of news, the journalist's specialty, and the resources available.