The video I described below is a perfect example of an effective video story, but this video, Chapter One of a series by PBS “Poisoned Waters” or “Imperiled Chesapeake Bay,”  shows how the same effective storytelling can be applied in a journalistic sense.

It’s part of a larger documentary on how the way humans live is dramatically affecting  our largest neighboring ecosystem: the ocean. Not only is the ocean full of vital natural resources, but it is home to nearly one million species of living creatures; creatures that are innocent of any reason for us to be killing them.

The narrative voice certainly provides the viewer with facts such as a news article would, but the imagery really allows one to see the impact that humans are having on more than 4/5 of the earth’s surface.  The videographers went to great places and great lengths to acquire these moving images, and for a purpose. This story truly shows what is happening to part of our world’s diverse ecosystems in Chesapeake Bay, which is reminiscent of what is happening to many other bodies of water.

The video makes sure to give enough facts and statistics to remain objective, yet there are few conclusions to draw.