A proposal for the classification of immersive journalism genres based on the use of virtual reality and 360º video

Abstract

Introduction: The use of virtual reality and 360-degree video technologies in the field of journalism has led to the emergence of new lines of research, like the one addressed in this article. Objectives: This study focuses on the exploration of the different issues related to the production of pieces of the so-called immersive journalism and examines how the narrative elements of traditional journalism are reformulated in these immersive pieces. Methods: The study is based on the analysis of 2,178 pieces of immersive journalism produced by Spanish and international media companies, between 2012 and 2017. Results and conclusions: This analysis has allowed us to develop an innovative proposal for the classification of immersive journalism genres, which has not been done before. This typology is based on the analysis of the reformulation of the narrative elements of news storytelling within immersive journalism.