video journalism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical, Media, Academic
Quick answer
What does “video journalism” mean?
A form of journalism where journalists research, shoot, edit, and often narrate their own video news stories.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A form of journalism where journalists research, shoot, edit, and often narrate their own video news stories.
Video journalism (VJing) is characterized by a more immediate, often personal style of reporting, typically produced by a single individual (a video journalist or multimedia journalist) handling multiple roles, as opposed to traditional news crews.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. In both varieties, the term is used interchangeably with 'Multimedia Journalism' or 'Backpack Journalism.'
Connotations
In both, it connotes modern, agile, often lower-budget reporting compared to traditional broadcast news. In professional contexts, it may imply a solo operator or a specific production model.
Frequency
Slightly more common in UK media discourse, reflecting the prominence of the BBC's video journalism scheme, but widely used in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “video journalism” in a Sentence
[Video journalism] + [verb: is evolving/changed the landscape][Practitioner/She] + [verb: practises/teaches] + [video journalism][The rise/The principles] + [of] + [video journalism]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “video journalism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She decided to video-journalism her way across the region, filing daily dispatches.
- They are video-journalism the protest for their online channel.
American English
- He's been video-journalism the campaign trail solo.
- The network trained its staff to effectively video-journalism breaking news.
adverb
British English
- The report was shot very video-journalism style, with a handheld camera.
- He works video-journalism, meaning he does it all himself.
American English
- She reported the story video-journalism, from start to finish.
- The segment was produced video-journalism, giving it a raw feel.
adjective
British English
- His video-journalism background was evident in the intimate style of the film.
- They adopted a video-journalism approach to the documentary.
American English
- She has a video-journalism aesthetic that feels very immediate.
- The video-journalism model is changing local news.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a cost-effective production model for corporate communications and news departments.
Academic
A subject of study in media and communications departments, analysing its impact on news production and narrative.
Everyday
Used to describe the style of news reports seen on social media or independent online channels.
Technical
Precise term for a production methodology involving a single operator using a portable kit for acquisition and editing.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “video journalism”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “video journalism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “video journalism”
- Using 'video journalism' to refer to any news report on television (it's a production method, not a medium). Confusing it with 'videography' (which is purely the technical craft, not the journalistic aspect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. Broadcast journalism is the broader field of news for TV/radio. Video journalism is a specific production method within it, often characterised by a single operator (video journalist) handling filming, editing, and reporting, leading to a distinct style.
Core equipment includes a high-quality camcorder or DSLR/mirrorless camera, a portable microphone (like a lavalier or shotgun mic), a tripod or stabiliser, and editing software. A smartphone with advanced camera capabilities can also serve as a primary tool for mobile video journalism (mojo).
Technically, yes, with accessible technology. However, professional video journalism requires a dual skill set: traditional journalistic skills (research, interviewing, ethics) combined with technical production skills (shooting, sound, editing).
It has lowered production costs and barriers to entry, increased the speed of newsgathering, enabled more perspectives (including citizen journalism), and fostered a more immediate, less polished visual style in news reporting. It has also led to the 'multimedia journalist' role becoming standard in many newsrooms.
A form of journalism where journalists research, shoot, edit, and often narrate their own video news stories.
Video journalism is usually technical, media, academic in register.
Video journalism: in British English it is pronounced /ˈvɪdɪəʊ ˈdʒɜːn(ə)lɪz(ə)m/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈvɪdioʊ ˈdʒɝːnəˌlɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A one-man band (informal, referring to the video journalist's multiple roles)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
VIDEO JOURNALISM: Visual Individual Delivering Every Operation - Just One Reporter, Narrating, Listening, Interviewing, Shooting, Mastering.
Conceptual Metaphor
JOURNALISM IS A TOOLKIT (video journalism is a specific, compact, multi-tool version).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a key characteristic of 'video journalism' as a professional term?