When I wrote about how news media make use of social media tools such as Twitter, one practice that is frequently mentioned in various accounts is the use of Twitter hashtags. I want to write a post to answer questions a beginning multimedia journalism student may have:
1. What is a hashtag? Twitter provides a brief explanation of hastag. I will summarize information from several other sources for a detailed but easy-to-understand account of what hashtag is.
2. What are some good examples of news media make use of hashtags?
- In covering the elections, New York Times asks readers to use the hashtag #asknyt to flag up any statements they watch in a debate or speech that they think should be fact-checked.
- Some TV stations routinely display a hashtag on screen when a program such as newscast airs, so as to generate discussions on Twitter.
- A TV anchor offers some Twitter tips that I’m summarizing here:
- Be consistent: use it on a daily basis — at least during working hours.
- Be available: Your followers should feel as though they can @mention you with a valid question or concern and get a response.
- Add a personal touch: Start tweeting about a personal hobby or interest.
- Offer an inside view of the industry: During your next major news event, offer up a picture of your work space or a screenshot of a breaking news video. Doing a live shot? Show your followers the truck or introduce your photographer.
More will be added as I find more contents and examples….
