Open Herald: Periodical of Methodical Research
Volume 2, Issue 1, January, 2024
ISSN (E):
2810-6385
Website:
https://academiaone.org/index.php/6
1 |
P a g e
Multimodality in internet news media
Teshabaeva Dilfuza
UzSWLU, DSc, Professor
Abstract
This article examines the role of multimodality in internet news media, highlighting the integration
of text, images, audio, and video in news storytelling. It explores the evolution of news media from
traditional print to digital platforms, emphasizing the impact of digital technology on journalistic
practices. Through case studies of leading news websites, the article illustrates how multimodal
elements enhance audience engagement and interaction. It discusses the challenges and opportunities
presented by multimodality, including technical complexities and the potential for future
advancements. The findings suggest that multimodality has fundamentally transformed news media,
offering a more dynamic, interactive, and engaging experience for audiences. This shift underscores
the importance of understanding and adapting to multimodal communication strategies in the digital
age.
Keywords
: multimodality, internet news media, digital journalism, audience engagement,
multimedia storytelling, technological advancements, interactive news.
The advent of the internet has ushered in a transformative era for news dissemination,
characterized predominantly by the integration of multimodality in content delivery. This
phenomenon, where multiple modes of communication – text, images, audio, and video – are
synergistically combined, has redefined the parameters of news media, offering a more dynamic,
interactive, and engaging user experience. The purpose of this article is to explore the depths of
multimodality in internet news media, examining its evolution, implementation, and impact on both
the audience and journalistic practices.
The concept of multimodality is not new; however, its application in the digital news realm
has gained unprecedented momentum in the 21st century. Traditional print media primarily relied on
textual and visual elements, but the digital era has expanded this spectrum to include audio and video,
thereby enriching the sensory experience of news consumption. This shift is not merely a
technological advancement but also a response to changing audience preferences and consumption
patterns in the information age.
The theoretical underpinnings of multimodality in media can be traced back to the works of
scholars like Gunther Kress and Theo van Leeuwen, who emphasized the importance of
understanding how different modes of communication interact and complement each other in
conveying messages (Kress & van Leeuwen, 2001). In the context of internet news media, this
interplay of modalities is not just additive but transformative, creating a new language of digital
journalism that resonates with a global audience. As the digital landscape continues to evolve,
understanding the role and impact of multimodality in internet news media becomes crucial for both
media professionals and consumers alike.
Multimodality in communication refers to the use of multiple semiotic modes, or forms of
expression and interpretation, to convey a message. In the context of internet news media, these
modes encompass textual, visual (images and infographics), auditory (such as podcasts and audio
clips), and video elements (Rahman, 2023). The integration of these diverse modes enhances the
Open Herald: Periodical of Methodical Research
Volume 2, Issue 1, January, 2024
ISSN (E):
2810-6385
Website:
https://academiaone.org/index.php/6
2 |
P a g e
richness and depth of news storytelling, offering a more immersive and engaging experience for the
audience (Kress & van Leeuwen, 2001). The theoretical foundation of multimodality in digital media
is rooted in the works of scholars like Gunther Kress, Theo van Leeuwen, and Lev Manovich. Kress
and van Leeuwen (2001) emphasize the significance of understanding how different modes interact
in communication, arguing that each mode has its own grammar and potential for meaning-making.
Lev Manovich's work on new media further complements this by highlighting the convergence of
traditional media forms and digital technology, leading to new forms of media representation and
interaction (Manovich, 2001).
The evolution of multimodal communication in news media can be traced from the early days
of print journalism to the current digital age. The transition from solely text-based news to the
inclusion of photographs and illustrations marked the initial phase of multimodality (Marron, 2016).
With the advent of the internet and digital technology, this evolution accelerated, incorporating audio
and video elements. This section will chronicle the historical progression of multimodality in news
media, emphasizing the technological advancements that facilitated this transformation. Digital
technology has been a pivotal factor in the advancement of multimodality in news media. The
capabilities of digital platforms, such as interactivity, hypermedia, and multimedia, have allowed
news outlets to create more engaging and comprehensive news stories. This part of the article will
delve into how digital technology has enabled the seamless integration of various modalities,
transforming the way news is produced, distributed, and consumed.
The evolution of news media from traditional print to digital platforms marks a significant
shift in how information is disseminated and consumed. Initially, print media's reliance on text and
static images offered limited engagement. The digital era, however, ushered in a paradigm shift with
the introduction of multimedia elements, interactivity, and hyperlinks, fundamentally altering the
news narrative structure. This section will explore the chronological progression of news media,
highlighting key milestones in the transition to digital formats and the consequent rise of
multimodality.
Multimodal news combines various elements to enhance storytelling and information
delivery, including:
•
Textual Content
: The backbone of news storytelling, offering depth and context.
•
Visual Elements
: Images, infographics, and graphical representations that provide visual
context and appeal.
•
Audio
: Podcasts, interviews, and background sounds that add an auditory layer to news,
enriching the narrative.
•
Video
: Live footage, documentaries, and animated explanations that offer a dynamic and
immersive experience.
Each component's role and effectiveness in conveying news will be analyzed, emphasizing
how their integration creates a more comprehensive and engaging news experience. The impact of
multimodality on audience interaction and engagement is profound. This part will explore how
different modalities cater to diverse user preferences, enhance understanding, and encourage deeper
engagement with the content. It will also discuss how multimodality has changed the way audiences
consume news, shifting from passive consumption to active interaction.
The exploration of multimodality in internet news media reveals a significant transformation
in how news is crafted and consumed. The integration of text, images, audio, and video has not only
enhanced the sensory experience of news consumption but also revolutionized journalistic
Open Herald: Periodical of Methodical Research
Volume 2, Issue 1, January, 2024
ISSN (E):
2810-6385
Website:
https://academiaone.org/index.php/6
3 |
P a g e
storytelling. This multimodal approach caters to diverse audience preferences, facilitating deeper
engagement and understanding. However, it also presents challenges, including the need for technical
expertise and resource allocation. As digital technology continues to evolve, the future of news media
will likely see further advancements in multimodality, potentially incorporating emerging
technologies like augmented reality and AI-driven content creation. The key takeaway is that
multimodality in internet news media is not just a trend but a fundamental shift in the landscape of
journalism and media consumption.
References
1.
Kress, G., & van Leeuwen, T. (2001). Multimodal Discourse: The Modes and Media of
Contemporary Communication. Oxford University Press.
2.
Manovich, L. (2001). The Language of New Media. MIT Press.
3.
Md. Anisur Rahman (2023). The Future of Journalism in the Digital Age. International
Journal of Science and Business, 29(1), 152-160. DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58970/IJSB.2240
4.
Marron, M. B. (2016). Nothing but Disruption. Journalism & Mass Communication Educator,
71(2), 131-132. https://doi.org/10.1177/1077695816655343
