Connection Through Hardship
An essential element to journalism, journalists in particular, is that they are able to immerse themselves in the story. Whether that is through ethnicity, personal experience, or “boots on the ground” coverage. Anything that journalists can do to build a stronger connection to their audience will enhance their story.
Therefore, the ideal relationship between the two parties, is the audience being able to identify a genuine connection between the journalist and their story.
An example of this ideal relationship is seen in a Vice news special, “Selfie Soldiers: Russia Checks into Ukraine.” Here Vice news correspondent, Simon Ostrovsky, utilizes investigative journalism to track Russian troop movement in the Ukraine on June 15, 2015.
All while Russian officials denied any Russian military presence or activity in the state. Ostrovsky tracked down Russian troop activity through popular European social media, VKontakteo or VK.
He did this by visiting various locations which Russian troops posted pictures of themselves posing at these sites on VK. Asking local Ukrainians in the area to confirm Russian presence as well.
Eventually, Ostrovsky contacted some of the Russian troops that posted on VK as they continued to deny their presence in Ukraine.
What makes the connection between Ostrovsky and the audience is his willingness to place himself amidst the Ukraine-Russian conflict. Interacting with those there affected by it. Also, being born in Moscow, February 2, 1981 near the end of the Soviet Union plays a role in a journalist-reader relationship.
Having a personal connection to region and being raised during its most controversial history can also show readers that Ostrovsky has more invested in the story than simply just reporting on the issue.
Not all journalist-reader relationships are “cookie cutter” and the exact same, but this particular example represents the ideal relationship. Those affected and living in the region and Ostrovsky have the connection of being from the same general region. For those outside of the area, their connection is seeing Ostrovsky immerse himself in the conflict. Tracking down Russian troops despite the dangers that come with a war torn region.
These are things that build reader trust and connection, moving them to follow the journalist’s work and career.
