University of North TexasDepartment of JournalismOnline Journalism 3340

Sept. 22, 2009

Teens & News/ Types of Convergence

Today’s classWebsite of the DayCool online tool of the dayTeens & NewsTypes of convergenceMartin Jones, president of Martin Jones

Films

Lessons about Young AudiencesStudy conducted by NAA/Media Management

Center@ Northwestern University “Teens Know what they want from online

news: Do You”How online news is just not connectingInterviewed 96 young people, ages 13 -18 in

six cities: Denver, Fresno, cA, Springfield, ILL; Philadelphia, Fort Lauderdale, Orangeburg, SC

Online pre-work and 90-minute focus groups, teens shown prototypes

Ten Key LessonsDon’t overload them.Create home pages

that satisfy.Entice them to keep

reading.Summarize stories on

the home page.Include visuals with

anything that mattersConvey what’s

important with a clear visual hierarchy.

Beware of too much scrolling and clicking.

Provide background, explanation and context.

Provide background, explanation and context.

Break up information into manageable chunks.

Get rid of clutter.

Don’t overload themReduce volume of information on each

pageFewer stories, words, photosMore space highlighting stories, photos

PrototypeHomepage

Create home pages that satisfy.Give them them the news – with limited or

no clickingBrief, understandable overviewReports like TV and radio

Entice them to keep readingEye-catching layout/designWhy should they care? Don’t teaseUse photos to engageMake it shout out, “Interest me, please!”

Summarize stories on home pageGives gist of stories without clicking on

themProvides info on what to expectOne sentence per storyLong summaries = tune out

Include visualsPhotos & graphics a mustHome page and story-level pages with

multiple photos a huge plusUse visuals to convey informationAvoid clutter

Convey what’s important with a clear hierarchyCritically think of all element: story, photos,

graphics to grab the readerToo complex, you lose themToo simple, you lose them

Beware of too much scrolling & clickingTeens want stories that engageUse links wiselyIntegrate images/slideshows that enhance

the experience, knowledge

Provide background, explanation and contentIf a teen clicks, you’ve hooked them – but

you’ve got to keep themProvide valuable information Combine the “news”, background and

explanatory elements

Break up information into chunksUninterrupted text is a non-starter“Smaller, bite sized chunks” Clear headlines, subheads and photosGraphics, photo galleries, videos and pulled

quotes

Get rid of the clutterDon’t randomly fill open spaces Be smartAsk yourself: What will add to the depth,

richness, interactivityAsk yourself: How can I keep the reader’s

interest, and have them recommend it to someone else