A smartphone, stocked with the right apps, is a powerful multimedia reporting and storytelling tool. This session teaches how to use your phone to shoot photos, record interviews, dictate stories, create on-the-go images with text for social media (or use Facebook Live) – and get it all to editors and readers as quickly and cleanly as possible. Trainer Jean Hodges is senior director of content for GateHouse Media.

1. Mobile for Journalists: Six takeaways
OVERVIEW: Our phones are amazing tools for reaching audiences
with immediacy. We will focus on ways we can improve processes to simplify the work.
As reporters, what do we do? There’s an app for that!
1. TAKE NOTES
Evernote:Great search functionality
Google docs: You can pre-write a background story on your computer and then add a
lead and a quote. Editors can upload to your content management system.
Notability: Records an interview or dictation while you’re taking notes, and then
matches them up afterward. There’s a cost, but reporters say it’s well worth it.
Notes app that comes with your phone: It’s free and convenient!
2. SHOOT PHOTOS
Use your phone app to shoot photos. Once you have them, add them to a short video,
add them to social media, or make a composite with this app:
Collage Maker / Collage Factory: Great for multiple mugshots or other groupings.
3. SHOOT VIDEO
Assemble a kit: Microphone, tripod, battery pack, WiFi hotspot. For recommendations
on products and other tips, check out robbmontgomery.com
Why? You need great audio and a steady shot.
Shoot short: You can use it raw or edit it together
YouTube:Or whatever you use to host photos
Facebook Live:Be where your audience is. Download from FB, upload to your CMS
4. EDIT VIDEO
Try these apps: Splice, iMovie, PowerDirector Bundle
5. AUDIO
Whether you are dictating notes or recording an interview, here are options:
Audio app on your phone: Most of our reporters use this
Notability: It has a record & notes function
Rev or TapeACall: You can record calls, but be sure to tell the person you’re recording
6. COMMUNICATE
Google Hangouts: Send notes, photos, video, have calls
Slack: Send notes, photos, video. Editors can set up alerts. Make a breaking news
channel.
JEAN HODGES
SENIOR DIRECTOR OF CONTENT, GATEHOUSE MEDIA
jhodges@gatehousemedia.com| @jeanhodges | #NMNewsTrain