Out of Africa

While not exactly a blog (yes, I have expanded the 'Blogging Africa' feature to encompass wider elements of the web), the New York Times'  slideshow and video features are one of the best ways to get an informative, compelling look into the continent. Or anywhere else, for that matter.

With a handful of reporters (that's a lot) strewn across Africa and a dizzying array of video and audio interfaces to present their work, the Times is easily the most comprehensive and innovative North American news outlet that covers the continent. They also use tools such as interactive graphics and photo galleries to augment their traditional text-based coverage. With their print version becoming ever-more obsolete, the newspaper has been in the vanguard of transitioning to a more multimedia, interactive news outlet. Exactly what it will have to do stay relevant amongst increasingly demanding online readers.

This slideshow, on the most recent instability in Chad, presents the situation in a unique way. Pausing on each image allows for a greater absorption than video footage, but the audio moves the narrative along smoothly, making for a more compelling experience than flicking through a gallery by yourself.

As web technology continues to rapidly advance, I look forward to watching how the Times will continue to streamline its excellent content - the key to keeping peoples' attention, whether online or in print - from newsprint to computer screens and beyond.