As you saw in lesson 4.1, trends in media communications move very quickly. This is more true now than at any other point in history due to the speed at which new technologies are developed. Part of entering the media communications profession is recognizing the importance of staying current with the ever-changing trends. This activity will be all about identifying trends. Read the following information about The Cool Hunt:
The Cool Hunt
The following is a list of resources that provide information about current trends and resources in the various areas of media communications. You will explore these resources to find something “cool” (something that you are excited about learning).
Broadcasting and Journalism Resources
These are some resources for broadcasting and journalism information and trends.
- Journalist’s Resource: Knowledge-Based Reporting — Carnegie-Knight Initiative on the Future of Journalism Education.
- FactCheck.org — A website from the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania.
- Journalist’s Toolbox — Web resource from the Society of Professional Journalists.
- Nieman Reports: Covering Thought Leadership in Journalism — From the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University.
- Poynter Online — News and training opportunities for journalists from the Poynter Institute.
- Pew Research Center: Journalism & Media — The portion of Pew Research focused on news and media analysis studies.
- Online News Association — Association for professional journalists — those who gather and produce news for digital presentation.
Advertising and Public Relations Resources
These are some resources for broadcasting and journalism information and trends.
- Adweek — Online resource to stay current with trends in advertising.
- Social Media Examiner — Resource for staying informed about new opportunities and trends in social media.
- American Marketing Association — Main professional organization for marketers in the U.S.
- Designmodo — Collection of website and email marketing resources.
- Social Media Today — Trend and tool information for social media.
Adobe Creative Cloud Resources
Whether you select a career in journalism, advertising, public relations, or pursue the option of being a media entrepreneur, being skilled at using the various programs in the Adobe Creative Cloud will likely be a required part of your job. Here are some resources to stay on trend with these tools:
- Adobe Creative Cloud — Official Adobe Create Cloud YouTube Channel
- LinkedIn Learning — Access to LinkedIn Learning is provided for you while you are a student at the Los Angeles Film School. They have great resources for Adobe Creative Cloud (and many other topics related to media communications).
2. Explore the links above to seek out resources you find interesting/valuable.
3. Copy the link to 3 resources that you found to be the most interesting.
4. For each link use 3–5 sentences to describe why you think that link is valuable.
