Bachelors of Multimedia Journalism

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Multimedia Journalism program at Franklin College, housed within the Pulliam School of Journalism, is a dynamic and practical program designed to train the next generation of journalists for an evolving media landscape. The program strongly emphasizes "learning by doing," providing students with immediate opportunities to write, report, photograph, shoot video, design pages, and record audio tracks for real audiences. It aims to develop solid skills in interviewing, reporting, research, and editing across various media platforms, alongside critical thinking and ethical reasoning essential for responsible journalism. The program prepares students to craft compelling stories and deliver news accurately and ethically in a multi-platform world.

Curriculum: The Multimedia Journalism curriculum is comprehensive and hands-on, ensuring students gain proficiency in all aspects of modern newsgathering and storytelling. Core coursework includes writing and reporting, communications law, editing, photography, and videography. Students learn to gather, compile, analyze, and use data in their storytelling, and develop skills in producing content suitable for broadcast, print, and online platforms. The curriculum also integrates visual communication principles, including typography, layout, and graphic design software. A key component is the continuous application of theory to practice, with students regularly creating content for real-world publication and presentation. The program also emphasizes the ethical and legal standards crucial for responsible journalism.

Research Focus: While the Multimedia Journalism program is heavily focused on practical application, it inherently involves a strong research component as students learn to gather and verify information for their stories. The program trains students in comprehensive news and information gathering, requiring them to critically challenge the information they obtain. Students often work on in-depth packages of stories about significant public issues, necessitating thorough research, interviewing multiple sources, and analyzing various perspectives. This process aligns with investigative journalism and prepares students to delve deeply into topics, deploying evidence to support their narratives. The culminating digital portfolio and in-depth storytelling packages serve as significant research-based projects showcasing their analytical and reporting capabilities.

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a hallmark of the Multimedia Journalism program, with students putting theory into practice as an integral part of the Pulliam School of Journalism's DNA. A central element of this engagement is TheStatehouseFile.com, where students work as part of a real news organization, covering stories from the Statehouse and having their work published or presented across multiple media platforms through newsgathering partners. This daily practice allows students to refine their reporting, writing, and editing skills in a professional environment. The program is guided by veteran journalism professionals who provide real-world insights. Furthermore, the strong emphasis on creating a digital portfolio demonstrates to potential employers that graduates are ready for the professional workplace, facilitating career transitions.

Global Perspective: Franklin College broadly encourages its students to gain a global perspective, and this is highly relevant for multimedia journalism majors who need to understand diverse cultures and international issues to report effectively. While specific Multimedia Journalism-only study abroad programs aren't detailed, the college's Office of Global Education offers numerous opportunities for international travel through month-long Immersive Term study away courses, semester/year-long programs, and international internships. These experiences allow journalism students to witness and report on global events firsthand, engage with different media environments, and develop intercultural competencies. An understanding of global issues and diverse perspectives is crucial for journalists who aim to cover a wide range of topics for a globalized audience.