October 2012: Seven functions of Twitter for journalists

A veteran researcher asks if journalists are making the full use of Twitter and looks at the possibilities in The Convergence Newsletter. The 6-year-old Twitter platform has become a staple of journalistic routines and offers a range of ways to inform and engage with readers. Newsletter founder Augie Grant suggests a typology of functions for reporters and researchers to consider. Read the article, then join the conversation below or on Facebook or Google+.

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September 2012: Nonprofit news sites face a different set of challenges

As the Great Recession accelerated the decline of traditional news operations in the U.S. and some other countries, the number of nonprofit news ventures has increased to fill the reporting void. In a new article, two veterans of nonprofit startups explore the different set of challenges nonprofits face. Read the article, then join the discussion below or at The Convergence Newsletter's Google+ or Facebook pages. 

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Agenda Set for 11th Annual Convergence Conference

The agenda for the 11^th Annual Convergence and Society Conference features two days of research and panels exploring the conference themes: advancing business journalism and convergence. The conference opens with an evening reception Wednesday, Sept. 26, then continues with two full days of sessions Sept. 27 and 28.

In addition to a full set of panels exploring the latest research, practices, and teaching issues related to convergent journalism, the conference features five sessions addressing business journalism. Keynote speaker Linda O’Bryon, co-creator of PBS’s “Nightly Business Report” and president of South Carolina ETV, will address the increasing importance of business journalism. Other speakers addressing topics related to business journalism include the University of North Carolina’s Chris Roush and Reynolds Business Professor Pam Luecke from Washington and Lee University. Veteran journalists Gabriella Stern, global news editor at Dow Jones/Wall Street Journal, and investigative reporter Mary Fricker will discuss lessons for students and educators after the 2008 financial crisis.

Conference registration is open. Complete details and registration information can be found on the conference website. For more information or answers to questions about the conference, contact Co-Chair Augie Grant, augie@sc.edu.

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May 2012: A new definition of convergence must include business

Digital convergence has reached beyond news departments into the business office, suggests Augie Grant, The Convergence Newsletter's founding editor. As a result, journalists must learn the basics of business to thrive in the changing environment. Read his analysis in the May edition of the newsletter, then join the conversation below or on Facebook or Google+. 

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August 2011: Lessons in convergence from two perspectives

It falls to us as educators to help students discover the best ways to tell a story, but what happens when we are not sure of the best way to do that? What if the curriculum is entrenched in the status quo?

The theme of this month's newsletter is convergence in the classroom. Sometimes, rigid credit-hour guidelines limit what we can do to integrate convergence on both the program and classroom level. Even as the 10th Convergence and Society conference approaches (agenda now available), we still are looking for new ideas to prepare the journalists of tomorrow.

In this issue, Annemarie Franczyk looks at things from a program perspective while Jennifer Cox offers some insight at the classroom level. Also in this issue, Convergence and Society conference chair Augie Grant briefs us on the upcoming conference.

To read the August issue, click here.

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December 2010: Convergence and Society conference recap

Augie Grant of the University of South Carolina looks at the unmistakable presence of convergence in media and education as one theme of the 10th annual Convergence and Society Conference.

To read the entire article, click here.

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April 2010 Convergence Newsletter

In looking at convergence and the myriad ways it affect us, it is easy to forget the rest of the world is not far behind - or in some cases ahead - of North American media. From the economics of convergence as well as initial application of the idea, the international community is moving forward in exploring convergence as a function of news.

To read the entire article, click here.

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November 2009 Convergence Newsletter

Given the speed with which digital media have become part of our lives and the accompanying publicity, it's easy to understand how we might forget that such convergence is not necessarily widespread throughout all social strata.

A Knight Foundation-funded program headquartered at Newsplex, BGTIME, looks to bridge some of that divide when it comes to senior citizens. R.J. Kraft explains how BGTIME is using students to help older members of the community with technology -- the ultimate result being a richer civic dialogue for all.

Augie Grant also has a recap of the Convergence and Society Conference co-sponsored by the University of South Carolina and hosted by the University Nevada, Reno the first week of November. After two days of presentations, he concludes that social media are affecting journalism as much as the current economy is, only in a good way.

To read the entire newsletter, click here.

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November 2009: onference highlights challenges, opportunities in convergence

University of South Carolina Professor Augie Grant gives a first-hand look at the highlights and emerging challenges in the field of convergence represented at the eight annual Convergence and Society conference.

The conference, which took place on November 5-6 at the University of Nevada, Reno, highlighted some of the issues materializing in the field that will be contested in the future.

To read the entire article, click here.

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September 2009 Convergence Newsletter

With each innovation, fewer technical obstacles prevent us from reaching the apex of media intertwinement.

This month's issue will address the areas of HD video streaming and the upcoming University of South Carolina "Convergence and Society" conference at the University of Nevada, Reno. These two insightful pieces by Edgar Huang of the University of India - University of Purdue, Indianapolis and USC's own Augie will surely make for good reads.

Please feel free to contact us at convedit@mailbox.sc.edu with your thoughts and article proposals.

Click here to read the entire newsletter.

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Septemer 2009: The Biggest Little Conference In The World

University of South Carolina Professor Augie Grant gives a preview of the 2009 "Convergence and Society" conference, which will be heading to the University of Nevada, Reno.

The theme this year is “The Changing Media Landscape.” Almost four dozen submissions have been juried and whittled down to a two-day conference that explores the rapidly evolving state of journalism and mass media in general. The conference includes theme sessions on the nature and impact of the multitude of changes including consolidation, economic challenges, globalization, and regulatory change.

Click here to read the entire article.

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April 2009: Book Announcement – Understanding Media Convergence: The State of the Field

Bringing together theoretical and research perspectives from a wide range of convergence researchers and commentators, Understanding Media Convergence: The State of the Field, edited by August E. Grant and Jeffrey S. Wilkinson, is now available from Oxford University Press.

Click here to read the rest of the announcement.

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November 2008: The Duality of 'The Participatory Web'

As the organizing force behind USC's annual Convergence Conference, Dr. Augie Grant has, as much as anyone, been witness to the broad changes that have taken place in the study and practice of convergence over the years.

In our November, Grant offers his reactions to this year's conference and lessons learned.

Read the full article here.

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August 2008: Convergence Conference Agenda Released

Some exciting changes are in store for the 7th annual Convergence Conference at USC. Dr. Augie Grant, conference chair, discusses some of the innovations he says will increase participation and help attendees better synthesize the ideas on offer.

Read the full announcement here.

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May 2008: Convergence Conference at USC

The call for papers deadline for this year's annual Convergence Conference at the University of South Carolina is June 15. USC's Dr. Augie Grant provides details for those who may be interested in submitting. Also included is a call for participants on a panel dedicated to convergence education.

Read the full article here.

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April 2008: Book Announcement - Principles of Convergence Journalism

Dr. Augie Grant announces the publication of a new practical textbook for teaching convergence. Principles of Convergence Journalism, from Oxford University Press, takes a step-by-step look at reporting across platforms, using new media, and a host of other tools of interest to the convergence journalist. TCN Executive Editor Doug Fisher and past newsletter contributor Dr. Jeff Wilkinson are co-authors.

Read the full announcement here.

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November 2007: Beyond Definitions

Dr. Augie Grant has been around the convergence block a few times. As the chairman of the annual Convergence Conference (and former executive editor of The Convergence Newsletter, no less), he gets a pretty good look at what people are studying and talking about when it comes to convergence, and which direction things are headed in the industry and in academia.

For November's issue, Dr. Grant offers something of a "conference wrap up," and gives some perspectives on where this whole notion of convergence has been and where it may be going.

Read the full article here.

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