As you are probably well aware, your smartphone is a pretty powerful tool. With all of the capabilities of a computer, TV, digital camera and high definition video camera, smartphones give you much of the same power as an entire news van filled with reporters, technicians and equipment. This relatively recent development has given rise to a new kind of journalism called mobile journalism, or MoJo for short.

Mobile journalism can best be defined as journalism that can be done from start to finish on a mobile device, often by a single individual. A mobile journalist can tell a story from beginning to end, handling every step along the way - filming, photographing, writing, editing, broadcasting, publishing - completely independently. The word “mobile” thus refers both to the use of mobile phones, and to the journalists newfound ability to be mobile and autonomous.

Should you consider becoming a mobile journalist? Well, that’s fully up to you. But ask yourself first: do you consider yourself a journalist? Do you enjoy reporting and sharing stories with your community, or your city, or the rest of the world? If you answered yes, then ask yourself this: What is holding you back? If it’s reasons related to finances or accessibility to journalistic tools and equipment, then you should consider mobile journalism. Take a look at the many many benefits of becoming a mobile journalist:

• It’s Affordable. When you add up the costs of all the heavy duty equipment that’s needed to be a journalist, it can start to get very expensive. Being able to capture high-quality pictures, video and audio with your phone without any additional cost is a huge money-saver. Even with added costs of supplementary apps and equipment, it’s still a much cheaper way to tell a story.
• It’s Flexible. Taking away all of the heavy duty equipment, in addition to the team needed to operate it all, means you’ll be much more flexible. You won’t be held back by a van filled with cameras and other people - it’ll just be you and your phone. You can move at your own pace, going wherever you want, whenever you want, without being held back.
• It’s Empowering. With all that newfound flexibility and mobility comes independence. Working on your own means you get the freedom to choose what story you want to tell. Your phone empowers you to control every aspect of production, meaning you get the opportunity to make your voice heard.
• It’s Discreet. Reporting a story can mean having to go places where you’re not wanted. Oftentimes, a large camera and camera crew will have trouble getting access to specific locations, events or venues, but you can take your mobile phone with you virtually anywhere you go.
• It’s Safer. Journalism can be a risky business. Whether it’s covering a natural disaster or reporting from a war zone, covering a story can be dangerous. Doing it from a mobile device can allow you to be more mobile, and to not draw attention to yourself when in these riskier situations.

If you think mobile journalism is for you, you’ll probably need some solid gear to help you out. Having a functioning smartphone is the obvious and important first step. Take a look at some gear that will help to enhance your storytelling experience:

Becoming a mobile journalist isn’t easy work, but with a bit of effort, there’s room for anyone to make a path for themselves. Learning the basics and finding yourself some quality gear are a big first step to having you on your way to being a mobile journalist. For more history on mobile journalism, tips, and apps to use, read our full guide here. Good luck!