Going Beyond the News Room
By Oba Williams-Cantine
Although video content and specials in online publications nowadays is far from a new or unique trend, many publications are transforming into video content powerhouses.
A shining Example of this is Complex, instead of simply creating content in video and online print form that relays information pertaining to street fashion and hip-hop/music culture. They created an immersive experience that celebrates “Youth culture” dubbed “Complex Con.”
The convention is open to all fans as long as they are able to afford the $45–125 price tag for the ticket, plus a separate flight to California if you don’t already live in the area. Filled with exclusive Items of clothing, sneaker releases, panels with some of the top most prominent members in the culture, a live taping of their most popular web series which presents the diversity of the company; empowered by Hip Hop and street fashion.
As well as hosting live performances by A-list musical talent such as Grammy award-winning artists Pharrell Williams, Kendrick Lamar Etc. The convention boosts more than 50,000 attendees during Complex-con 2017.
“Innovation has become a key concept and ideal driving many interventions aimed at saving journalism. Often, a historically and uncritically deployed notions of innovation elide questions of digital journalism’s democratic aspirations in favor of market-oriented solutions”.(Creech, Brian)
Even though the event can be seen as an obvious cash grab, as well as a way to secure continued viewership over their competition. When it comes to complex con they are ahead of the curve, not only as a digital-only publication similar to the like of BuzzFeed who have mastered the art of creating meme content in order to gain more views.
It is possible that Complex has sown a seed in the new digital age of journalism, starting the trend of stepping outside of the realm of digital journalism and becoming more of a multifaceted brand with a Journalism core.
