TikTok is the new Twitter, and reporter Olivia Krauth is one of the journalists who has perfected the craft of melding traditional journalism and video-first coverage.
I first met Krauth first when she and Mandy McLaren wrote a big piece about school integration efforts in Jefferson County Public Schools for the Courier Journal.
Since then, she switched to politics and left the paper. But her video-first journalism has grown only stronger.
Above: Some of Krauth’s most popular videos have been videos of protests or other news events.
There are obstacles to getting started, Krauth acknowledges — including an entirely understandable disinclination to put oneself on camera and the burden of keeping at it week after week.
But video-based reporting can be rewarding and instructive for local education reporters to try — even if it’s just posting footage from events, press conferences, and public testimony.
“I think there is a lot of room to at least try it,” says Krauth. “TikTok is something a lot easier that you can try out and do yourself and build into your existing engagement strategy.”
No commentary or on-camera presence is required!
Krauth and I also talk about why freelance reporters should start a Substack first (hers is called The Gallery Pass) while newsroom-based reporters should start with video, the importance of reporters adding context to the coverage, and the need to avoid amplifying misleading statements or phrases.
In a rush? Here’s a rough transcript.
Previously from The Grade
Why I finally joined TikTok (and you probably should, too)
Make room for non-traditional education journalism!?
Urgency, experimentation, and expansion at The Baltimore Banner
Mandy McLaren, the education beat's TikTok star
Public radio’s Deepa Fernandes on community-based solutions
Why most education reporters are sticking with Twitter
Remote reporting doesn't work, either.
Pulling back the curtain on desegregation in Louisville
Covering the debate on teaching race in schools
'Report what you know.' 4 key takeaways for education reporters covering protests
