Using Multimedia Tools in Investigations

Los Angeles Times journalists Rich Connell and Robert Lopez have broken all kinds of investigative stories with the kind of new-age multimedia coverage that is usually reserved for features, news and entertainment stories.

On Saturday, April 16 at the NSPA/JEA convention in Anaheim, Connell and Lopez presented their work — Using Multimedia Tools in Investigations — to students and teachers.  The only catch: they didn’t have an internet connection.

So, with their permission, we are providing this link to their assembled work.  The website showcases their work on investigating high-profile public visibility stories, such as . . .

• Salvadoran street gangs
• Use of red light cameras
• A devastating fatal train accident
• The slaying of a legendary journalist

And prehaps most useful, they provide some great how-to advice on shooting video footage and creating Google Maps.

Robert Lopez was shared another session, Digital Reporting Made Easy, which has a useful and resource-filled website.  The site compiles some basic beginning information for any student or teacher just getting started with the terminology and online tools for digital reporting.