NewsTracker Post #1: Media Convergence

Especially when covering an action-oriented topic such as sports, the more visuals a site can incorporate in articles, the better. The site I have chosen to analyze this semester, the Boston Globe, and particularly the Globe sports section, does a decent job utilizing convergence in its sports content. A recent piece by Nora Princiotti displayed a solid use of media convergence, complementing the story with an embedded tweet with a video. Near the end of the article, when discussing Rob Gronkowski’s offseason rumors and drama, the Globe embedded a tweet from an ESPN reporter, which included a video on the same topic. The short news clip helped provide context to the story, as well as giving the reader a short and engaging break from the text.

To improve, the Globe could have included more photos and/or videos, especially considering the article was written in response to the Patriots’ first game of the season. A good portion of the piece is dedicated to discussing Gronk’s biggest play from Sunday’s game, and a video of the play in question would have enhanced the piece even further. Additionally, including a few photos from the game would've helped the story’s appeal even more.

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