From the very first lecture, the JOUR1111 course gave me a brilliant insight into the contemporary world of journalism. It clearly identified aspects of journalism that I did not know existed, and gave excellent pointers on how to communicate effectively.
Much of the course's analysis of new media platforms such as Web 2.0, 3.0, twitter, blogging and so many more, taught me that journalism is an ever evolving field, catering for a broad range of interests.
The lectures focussing on photo and audio journalism made me realise what kind of skills are needed to become a journalist. As our world is evolving, and technology is mush easier to access, journalists must become skilled in many areas in order to lead a successful career.
When it came to defining public media and commercial media, I found that I came to respect the ABC and SBS much more as media outlets. Their aims in providing quality content for their audience seemed much more sincere to me, than those outlets which are commercially funded such as Ten and Seven.
The Ethics and Agenda setting lectures made me realise how powerful the media can be in influencing the way people think, and how content can have certain affects on particular audiences. Ethic's was a hard idea to wrap my head around, however, it is clear that as journalists, we have to assess everything we write, photograph or film in order to present the right message.
News values was practical in defining what the contemporary audience expect in their everyday newspaper, and Investigative Journalism took that idea one step further, explaining that sometimes journalists must look further than just the plain story to find a deeper truth.
I particularly liked the guest speakers Skye Doherty and Steve Molk, who introduced fresh perspectives of the world of media, and defined what they thought was most important in modern journalism.
Finally, the assessments. I felt all the assessments gave me a hands on introduction to journalism. The media use diary was interesting in assessing how young adults utilise technology and access current news, which further reinforced the need to familiarise myself with new technologies and media platforms. The factual storytelling exercise was fun, and even though I didn't get the marks I wanted, it was interesting analysing what stories people find interesting or unusual in Australian society today. I also enjoyed writing the annotated bibliography, which further taught me how to critically analyse contemporary news.
This blog was a learning experience I definitely won't take for granted. I fully understand the need for budding journalists to try differing media types in order to sharpen their skills and get a head-start for their career. Although sometimes unmotivated, the constant requirement to blog allowed my to re-asses what I have learned in this course, and appreciate journalism much more as a powerful and necessary part of our society.
Saturday, 9 June 2012
Monday, 28 May 2012
Steve Molk
Guest speaker Steve Molk's main idea in his lecture today, was that it is possible to say what you want on social media, and get recognised, as long as you work at it. He discussed how we, as journalism students, should start learning how to use all kinds of social media, and constantly work on our writing style, in order to give ourselves a head start for our future careers.
He discussed how twitter is now a major source for finding news, and that many public figures that use these types of media are now more accessible than ever before. Even as budding journalists, we have the power to speak our minds, and speak to those of importance on order to get our own questions answered.
Steve also mentioned that 5 years ago, blogging as a social media outlet, was nowhere near as popular as it is today, which proves that it is growing in both popularity, and acceptance as a recognised media outlet.
Opportunities for careers related to blogging are becoming more common, and the ability to write a blog is becoming a more sought after skill. He mentioned blogs such as his own http://molkstvtalk.com/, which started as simply writing stuff about something he liked, and growing to a recognised blog, with many of his articles being published in well known newspapers.
The main points that I took away from Steve's lecture, were that as a journalists, we should maintain our own personal opinion, and not be afraid to voice it. In light of this however, we must also be willing to listen to other people's opinions, whether they relate to ours or not, to stay level headed, and to keep writing.
He discussed how twitter is now a major source for finding news, and that many public figures that use these types of media are now more accessible than ever before. Even as budding journalists, we have the power to speak our minds, and speak to those of importance on order to get our own questions answered.
Steve also mentioned that 5 years ago, blogging as a social media outlet, was nowhere near as popular as it is today, which proves that it is growing in both popularity, and acceptance as a recognised media outlet.
Opportunities for careers related to blogging are becoming more common, and the ability to write a blog is becoming a more sought after skill. He mentioned blogs such as his own http://molkstvtalk.com/, which started as simply writing stuff about something he liked, and growing to a recognised blog, with many of his articles being published in well known newspapers.
The main points that I took away from Steve's lecture, were that as a journalists, we should maintain our own personal opinion, and not be afraid to voice it. In light of this however, we must also be willing to listen to other people's opinions, whether they relate to ours or not, to stay level headed, and to keep writing.
Wednesday, 23 May 2012
Annotated Bibliography
Annotated Bibliography
Much of what is broadcast in the media
relies on cultural, religious and social connotations to reinforce its significance.
Media relies on the public to experience specific reactions to certain instances
and/or images, which relate to contemporary issues of great importance. This
bibliography attempts to pinpoint instances in the media where religious and
cultural instantiation is perceived in relation to certain events of social
significance.
Hoover, S.M. (2011). Media
and the imagination of religion in contemporary global culture. European Journal of Cultural studies, 14 , 610-625. DOI:
10.1177/1367549411419980.
This article, written by Professor Stewart M.
Hoover, effectively examines how the ‘mediation’ of religion in contemporary society
has greatly impacted upon the way religion is communicated and conceptualized throughout
the globe. Professor Hoover, respected as
an expert on religion in the media at the University of Colorado, USA, skilfully
addresses key ideas on the media’s ability to ‘instantiate’ religions (Stewart M. Hoover, n.d.). He uses pertinent
examples such as the Bali bombings, 9/11 and the 2008 US presidential election
to successfully pinpoint the idea of religious power within the media, and how
instances are manipulated for certain effect. Hoover draws upon key
intellectuals such as academic Author Benedict Anderson to support his argument.
He intelligently utilizes Anderson’s “notion of ‘imagination’” to underline the
idea that media’s influence on religion and spiritual thought aids in disconnecting
traditional perspectives of religions from their true source (Hoover, 2011). He precisely
examines religious and political use of new media platforms, and how the
representation, and reception of religion is changing in our rapidly evolving society
of free speech and developing broadcasting technologies. He further stresses
the idea that this extension of religious and spiritual reach can be used for
both good and bad means, through the control of religious “symbols, values and
truth claims”(Hoover, 2011). This article is both relevant and well researched, which helps
in adding to the believability of Hoover’s claims.
Gregory,
David. Williams, Brian. (Writer). (2011, May 1) NBC News Special Report – Full Length – Osama Bin Laden Dead. [Television
Report]. United States of America: NBC.
This NBC coverage of the death of Osama Bin
Laden on 1st May 2011 was broadcast live throughout America. Throughout the broadcast, hosts David
Gregory and Brian Williams constantly discuss the past
efforts to capture or kill Osama Bin Laden, while awaiting the President’s
address. Much of this conversation is conducted with government officials and senior
journalists, who convincingly supply running details of present and past situations,
and what the death of Bin Laden will mean to America. Much of this pre-announcement
discussion however, is simply speculation as to how Bin Laden was killed, which
amuses the public, but does not provide any solid information. On the bottom right
of the screen, images of Bin Laden are displayed, which hold both religious and
cultural connotations that, as expressed in Hoover’s article, are used to symbolise
terror on America. These images are also followed with images of the aftermath
of 9/11, which again relates to Hoover’s comments on instantiation in the
media. The presenters refer to 9/11 and the American ‘humiliation’ often, in
order to reinforce the significance of Bin Ladens Death. Throughout the
broadcast, on the top right hand of the screen (directly on top of the images
of Bin Laden), remains a picture of the white house, which presents a powerful
image of American domination. This broadcast is entertaining and well researched,
but unfortunately reinforces cultural and religious stereotypes.
Griffin, Jennifer. Fishel, Justin. Associated Press. (2011, May 2). Usama Bin Laden Killed in Firefight With U.S.
Special Ops Team in Pakistan. http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/05/01/usama-bin-laden-dead-say-sources/
This web article
for Fox News written on the 2nd May 2011, delivers a concise account
of the death of Osama Bin Laden, as well as the reactions of the people and
reliable quotes from president Obama’s announcement to the American public. Fox
News—renowned to have a very patriotic view—presents the matter from a very
American stand-point in order to emphasise their great achievement and strength.
The large picture dominating the top of the article immediately places
religious and cultural connotations connecting religion and terror to Bin
Laden. These religious implications are addressed further down in the article
however, as the authors make it clear (aided by Obama’s speech) that “Bin Laden was not a Muslim leader. He was a mass murderer of
Muslims,”(Griffin, 2011). The information relating to
Obama’s speech presented in the article is reliable, and the information
regarding how Bin Laden died, and how his body is being treated, is attributed
to ‘Government Officials’(Griffin, 2011). The word ‘terrorism’ is used, along with 9/11, (which
both carry heavy cultural, emotional and religious undertones) to add
importance and fear to the report.
ABC News. (2011). Osama bin Laden dead. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-05-02/osama-bin-laden-dead/2697808
This group
of images on ABC News Australia’s website present a silent but powerful portrayal
of the significance of the death of Osama Bin Laden. The 29 images present a
less Americanised perspective of the effect of Bin Laden’s death, and represent
both American and Afghani people celebrating. The religious, cultural,
political and social symbolism in this particular media report is very
powerful, and can therefore speak for itself. This symbolism however, can be both positive and negative, depending on the individual's perspective. Pictures of Bin Laden are displayed,
as well as American Presidents Obama and Bush. There are also pictures of the
Twin Tower attack, Pakistani soldiers, pro-Taliban activists, mourning
Americans, American soldiers, and even the coffin of an Iriqi victim of an Al Qaeda
attack during November 2010. It is clear that in this piece, ABC is attempting
to present every side of this story as possible. The use of pictures to tell
this story is very effective, as the use of a visual replay of events is
instant, and has a more emotional affect on its audience. As raw evidence of
the events surrounding Bin Laden’s death, it is easy to believe these pictures
tell the truth, however, they are just as easily open for interepretation.
References
ABC News. (2011). Osama
bin Laden dead. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-05-02/osama-bin-laden-dead/2697808
Gregory, David. Williams, Brian. (Writer). (2011,
May 1) NBC News Special Report – Full Length
– Osama Bin Laden Dead. [Television Report]. United States of America: NBC.
Griffin, Jennifer.
Fishel, Justin. Associated Press. (2011, May 2). Usama Bin Laden Killed in Firefight With U.S.
Special Ops Team in Pakistan. http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/05/01/usama-bin-laden-dead-say-sources/
Hoover, S.M. (2011). Media and
the imagination of religion in contemporary global culture. European Journal of Cultural studies, 14 , 610-625. DOI:
10.1177/1367549411419980.
Stewart
M. Hoover. (n.d.) http://journalism.colorado.edu/faculty/stewart-m-hoover/
Thursday, 10 May 2012
Investigative Journalism
Our second last JOUR1111 lecture stated that most good journalism can be defined as investigative journalism. As all journalism involves an investigative process, the practice of 'investigative journalism' is more far-reaching than one would think.
The lecture stressed that there are five basic 'in's' of investigative journalism:
-Intelligent: the journalist must clearly know what they are talking about.
-Informed: must consider all the facts, factors, who they are, other people, "who is pulling the strings?"
-Intuitive: journalist (to some degree) much rely on their gut instinct to know what is right to do.
-Inside: to get the information you want, you have to be able to get the informant to trust you.
-Invest: no good journalist ever got anywhere without a little (or a lot of) effort.
Much of what is published as investigative journalism, goes deeper than the average news piece. It incorporates critical thinking, and an active and thorough approach to get to the facts. It aims to expose breaches in societies norms and morals, as well as "provide a voice for those without one, and to hold the powerful to account". Investigative journalism also aims to follow the standards emphasised in this quote by Sir Theodore Bray, editor-in-chief Courier-Mail (1965)": ‘Newspapers clearly have a function beyond mere reporting and recording – a function of probing behind the straight news, or interpreting and explaining and sometimes of exposing … The press lives by disclosure.’
It is clear that the future of investigative journalism is under threat from on-line news sources, which is not only unfortunate for investigative journalists, but also the educated public who want a deeper truth, not just the news.
As I have stated before, The Global Mail http://www.theglobalmail.org/ is an excellent website for investigative journalism, and a site I would be extremely sad to see become lost in a society of fast news and fleeting interest.
The lecture stressed that there are five basic 'in's' of investigative journalism:
-Intelligent: the journalist must clearly know what they are talking about.
-Informed: must consider all the facts, factors, who they are, other people, "who is pulling the strings?"
-Intuitive: journalist (to some degree) much rely on their gut instinct to know what is right to do.
-Inside: to get the information you want, you have to be able to get the informant to trust you.
-Invest: no good journalist ever got anywhere without a little (or a lot of) effort.
Much of what is published as investigative journalism, goes deeper than the average news piece. It incorporates critical thinking, and an active and thorough approach to get to the facts. It aims to expose breaches in societies norms and morals, as well as "provide a voice for those without one, and to hold the powerful to account". Investigative journalism also aims to follow the standards emphasised in this quote by Sir Theodore Bray, editor-in-chief Courier-Mail (1965)": ‘Newspapers clearly have a function beyond mere reporting and recording – a function of probing behind the straight news, or interpreting and explaining and sometimes of exposing … The press lives by disclosure.’
It is clear that the future of investigative journalism is under threat from on-line news sources, which is not only unfortunate for investigative journalists, but also the educated public who want a deeper truth, not just the news.
As I have stated before, The Global Mail http://www.theglobalmail.org/ is an excellent website for investigative journalism, and a site I would be extremely sad to see become lost in a society of fast news and fleeting interest.
Wednesday, 9 May 2012
Agenda Setting
Week 11's lecture on Agenda Setting focussed on how media platforms present information, in order to create particular meaning. How the public reacts to certain issues in the media, relies on how it has been treated in the past, and how it is being treated now. Many organisations and media outlets have agenda's which they communicate to the public through representation in the media.
This lecture stressed four "interrelated" agenda's that are communicated to the public:
"1) PUBLIC AGENDA - the set of topics that members of the public perceive as important.
2) POLICY AGENDA - issues that decision makers think are salient. (i.e. legislators)
3) CORPORATE AGENDA - issues that big business & corporations consider important.
4) MEDIA AGENDA - issues discussed in the media."
These agenda's are made prominent by the amount of media coverage they receive, which indicates to the public their degree of importance. e.g. an issue that an organisation thinks is very important, will receive much more media coverage than one that is not as important.
Similar agenda setting can be viewed in my annotated bibliography, relating to 9/11.
The way we perceive contemporary events and situations has a direct relation to how it has been represented in the media. Much of how we see things today has been influenced by the the way the media has represented it in the past.To gain a proper view of events, we must step back and critically evaluate what we are being told.
There are two theories relating to agenda setting:
1) That it focusses on what the public should focus on in the media.
2) That it focusses on how the public should receive an issue.
It is apparent that large media organisations set the media agenda. Issues that are published first by such organisations as the NY Times, are quickly gobbled up by smaller organisations, and broadcast throughout the world. This type of agenda setting is mainly for the public's benefit, and does not abide by political agenda's.
The 24 hour news cycle changes the way the agenda of the media is set. These news outlets must be constantly updated with information that is new, interesting and important.
Agenda setting changes the way the public perceives issues of importance in the media, which can be beneficial, although the public must also be aware that what they are reading is written for a particular purpose, and for a particular effect.
This lecture stressed four "interrelated" agenda's that are communicated to the public:
"1) PUBLIC AGENDA - the set of topics that members of the public perceive as important.
2) POLICY AGENDA - issues that decision makers think are salient. (i.e. legislators)
3) CORPORATE AGENDA - issues that big business & corporations consider important.
4) MEDIA AGENDA - issues discussed in the media."
These agenda's are made prominent by the amount of media coverage they receive, which indicates to the public their degree of importance. e.g. an issue that an organisation thinks is very important, will receive much more media coverage than one that is not as important.
Similar agenda setting can be viewed in my annotated bibliography, relating to 9/11.
The way we perceive contemporary events and situations has a direct relation to how it has been represented in the media. Much of how we see things today has been influenced by the the way the media has represented it in the past.To gain a proper view of events, we must step back and critically evaluate what we are being told.
There are two theories relating to agenda setting:
1) That it focusses on what the public should focus on in the media.
2) That it focusses on how the public should receive an issue.
It is apparent that large media organisations set the media agenda. Issues that are published first by such organisations as the NY Times, are quickly gobbled up by smaller organisations, and broadcast throughout the world. This type of agenda setting is mainly for the public's benefit, and does not abide by political agenda's.
The 24 hour news cycle changes the way the agenda of the media is set. These news outlets must be constantly updated with information that is new, interesting and important.
Agenda setting changes the way the public perceives issues of importance in the media, which can be beneficial, although the public must also be aware that what they are reading is written for a particular purpose, and for a particular effect.
Wednesday, 2 May 2012
News Values
In current society, it seems practical that media outlets follow what are known as 'News Values' when researching and distributing their news stories. News Values are those values that will guarantee public interest.
Monday's lecture showed that the most 'valued' news topics that gain the most interest in the media fall under two themes: "If it bleeds it leads" and "If it's local it leads". Globally, and in the Australian society, these values continue to produce front page news stories, though they differ slightly from culture to culture.
An example in today's media of a headlining story under the theme of "if it bleeds it leads", is this account of a mother being hit by a bus, which was a most viewed in the Sydney Morning Herald: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/the-child-rolled-or--was-knocked-to-the-side-investigators-try-to-piece-together-tragic-bus-accident-20120503-1y0bs.html
In the lecture, it was interesting to learn that news values can also differ within different news outlets. News values don't always fall under the two headings above, and journalists and editors must make the decision whether or not their stories will attract public interest based on their own instincts. Even academics have tried to determine which values make the most 'newsworthy' stories, though their ideas all tend to differ.
I believe the most accurate analysis of news values came from Murray Masterson (1995), who believed the most important news values are:
1.Significance – IMPACT!
2. Proximity – location plus emotional, historical,
cultural & social significance
3.Conflict – war, govt, celebs, sport, neighbours
4. Human interest – a bunch of stickybeaks
Murray Masterson (1995)
Newsworthiness: Another Thought?
The “Big 6” news values (descending order)
5. Novelty – ‘the unusual’ ‘Gee-Whizz!’
6. Prominence – high profile, famous for being famous.
(list from JOUR1111 slide)
These values are quite broad, and encapsulate what I find most interesting within the news in Australia.
Media outlets must follow and understand these news values in order to maintain interest, and satisfy the public.
Monday's lecture showed that the most 'valued' news topics that gain the most interest in the media fall under two themes: "If it bleeds it leads" and "If it's local it leads". Globally, and in the Australian society, these values continue to produce front page news stories, though they differ slightly from culture to culture.
An example in today's media of a headlining story under the theme of "if it bleeds it leads", is this account of a mother being hit by a bus, which was a most viewed in the Sydney Morning Herald: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/the-child-rolled-or--was-knocked-to-the-side-investigators-try-to-piece-together-tragic-bus-accident-20120503-1y0bs.html
In the lecture, it was interesting to learn that news values can also differ within different news outlets. News values don't always fall under the two headings above, and journalists and editors must make the decision whether or not their stories will attract public interest based on their own instincts. Even academics have tried to determine which values make the most 'newsworthy' stories, though their ideas all tend to differ.
I believe the most accurate analysis of news values came from Murray Masterson (1995), who believed the most important news values are:
1.Significance – IMPACT!
2. Proximity – location plus emotional, historical,
cultural & social significance
3.Conflict – war, govt, celebs, sport, neighbours
4. Human interest – a bunch of stickybeaks
Murray Masterson (1995)
Newsworthiness: Another Thought?
The “Big 6” news values (descending order)
5. Novelty – ‘the unusual’ ‘Gee-Whizz!’
6. Prominence – high profile, famous for being famous.
(list from JOUR1111 slide)
These values are quite broad, and encapsulate what I find most interesting within the news in Australia.
Media outlets must follow and understand these news values in order to maintain interest, and satisfy the public.
Thursday, 26 April 2012
Factual Storytelling
Down From the Cold and
into the Warmth
 |
| The Thomas Family In Australia 2011 |
Making the move from Scotland to Australia may seem a terrifying
transition, but for the Thomas family, fitting in is just another part of life.
Having lived in Scotland for 17 years, Sophie Thomas found settling into
the Australian lifestyle easier than anticipated. Sophie, her mother Nicki,
father David, and sister Hannah moved
to Australia in August 2010 and settled in to the coastal city of Cairns. Their
move, prompted by a change in David’s career which found him working on the
Great Barrier Reef, brought the family new opportunities, and a life very
different to that offered back home.
Apart from being over 14,000km
from Scotland, the family found moving to Australia a smooth transition. Upon
arriving in Australia, Sophie and her family were met by family friends, who
were kind enough to drop everything and help them settle in. The owners of their
new apartment were welcoming; everyone wanted to know where they came from and
why they had moved; and their friends would invite them over for social
barbeques to meet new people. The Cairns community seemed very warm, welcoming,
and helpful, a far cry from the cold atmosphere back in Scotland.
In 1993, David and Nicki Thomas made
the decision that their house in John O’Groats, in the North of Scotland, was
not a suitable place to bring up children. As a result, in 1994, they left the decrepit
old country house, and moved to the sheltered climate of Dunnet, 30 minutes
west. For five years the family lived a quiet life in Dunnet, while David skippered
the John O’Groats ferry, and Nicki juggled working at the hospital and looking
after Sophie and her younger sister Hannah.
Although the Thomas family were
born and bred Scotsmen, moving to a new village in Scotland was always a
challenge. The villagers in Scotland were generally weary of strangers, and
therefore the family seemed to encounter hostility from the Dunnet locals,
which made relocating difficult. This was clearly not just a small issue, as the
Thomas family were set to encounter further hostility from the villagers of John
O’Groats when they moved back in 1998.
As a child, Sophie understood
little concerning her family’s initial exclusion from the community, however,
even at the age of five, she knew something was wrong. The John O’Groats locals
were clearly wary of strangers and upon starting school, the divide between the
locals and Sophie’s family was obvious. She recalls standing with her sister
and mother as well as her cousins at the school bus stop, and witnessing a clear
physical divide between them and the local families. Although Sophie’s father David
had a distinct family connection to the village of John O’Groats, for at least
10 years after their arrival, the family were never really treated as locals. Without
this connection however, it was plain they wouldn’t have been treated as locals
at all.
John O’Groats was unmistakably a
proud community, and the locals were not willing to let strangers take their
life and work away from them. The other ‘new’ families to the village, who
(unlike Sophie’s family) had no ties to the community, were excluded by the
locals and left to make a living on their own. Life in John O’Groats was steady
and continuous. No one left, and hardly anyone moved in. On the odd occasion
that a family did move in, there were no smiling faces to help them settle in
and no barbeques to welcome the new neighbours. The villagers were stubborn;
their roots too deep to be budged by foreigners, and therefore they made no
attempt to make anyone new feel at home.
The steady environment of John
O’Groats, and Wick (where Sophie attended high school), gave life a certain
routine which residents found comforting. However, this consistency became
frustrating at times for Sophie and her family. For this reason, it was
unsurprising that as one of the ‘new families’, the Thomas’s broke with
tradition and decided to leave Scotland. In 2009, after waiting five years for
VISA’s, the Thomas family were finally able to leave the monotonies of
Scotland, and to the surprise of friends, they departed in 2010.
It came as a shock to Sophie,
just how easy it was to settle into the relaxed environment of Australia,
compared to the unfriendly atmosphere back home. As foreigners in a new
country, Sophie and her family were never excluded or treated differently. The
transient community of Cairns was accepting of new residents, and the locals worked
hard to help these people feel at home. When starting school in Australia, the
Principal went to great efforts to ensure that Sophie was fitting in fine, as
well as the other foreign students starting out.
The unwillingness of the John O’Groats
people to accept unfamiliar families frustrated Sophie. It seemed ridiculous
that her family found it so easy to fit into Australia as foreigners, while it
was so difficult to fit into a community back in Scotland, as Scotsmen. Those
family’s which displayed the most hostility happened to be those who had worked
their land through generations, and were too stubborn to accept that anyone new
could be of any benefit to the community. This unfriendliness is still a
problem in the small villages in Scotland, but little is being done to help integrate
families into the communities such as John O’Groats and Dunnet.
As a permanent resident, Sophie’s
life in Australia has opened her eyes to different ways of life, and opportunities
in education and sport that weren’t available back in Scotland. Although her
heart will always remain in Scotland, she has never regretted her family’s decision
to move to Australia, and has greatly appreciated the warmth shown to her by
the community of Cairns, and the people of Australia.
Photo courtesy of Sophie Thomas
Tuesday, 24 April 2012
Ethics
Yesterdays lecture was quite entertaining. It's interesting how important ethics is in the media, and how nothing is ever absolutely wrong or absolutely right. There are always varying levels of ethics involved in media, especially in advertising, which advertisers etc. must strive to be aware of.
I am very interested in advertising, especially the how adds are designed to manipulate people into thinking what the advertisers want.
Will Anderson's T.V program 'The Gruen Transfer' is definitely one of my favourite T.V shows, which investigates the reasons behind why advertisers do what they do, and how they convey their intended message.
The following clip is from a section of The Gruen Transfer called 'The Pitch' where an idea is presented to two advertising companies, and they both must create an add, trying to sell the idea:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ruj1h6WcJ34
This particular add was an interesting take on trying to sell a hypothetical 'buy nothing day'. I thought it was very cleaver and entertaining, though to some people it might come across as a little offensive, which is exactly what yesterday's lecture talked about. Everyone seems to have their own idea about what is good and bad, or what is ethical or unethical. It is important that companies follow their particular 'code of ethics' in order to make programs/advertising that is suitable for public presentation.
On a bit of a random note, this add, (which was aired on The Gruen Transfer) is one of my all-time favourite adds, simply because it's random and entertaining, I'm not sure it actually sold it's product though:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owGykVbfgUE
I am very interested in advertising, especially the how adds are designed to manipulate people into thinking what the advertisers want.
Will Anderson's T.V program 'The Gruen Transfer' is definitely one of my favourite T.V shows, which investigates the reasons behind why advertisers do what they do, and how they convey their intended message.
The following clip is from a section of The Gruen Transfer called 'The Pitch' where an idea is presented to two advertising companies, and they both must create an add, trying to sell the idea:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ruj1h6WcJ34
This particular add was an interesting take on trying to sell a hypothetical 'buy nothing day'. I thought it was very cleaver and entertaining, though to some people it might come across as a little offensive, which is exactly what yesterday's lecture talked about. Everyone seems to have their own idea about what is good and bad, or what is ethical or unethical. It is important that companies follow their particular 'code of ethics' in order to make programs/advertising that is suitable for public presentation.
On a bit of a random note, this add, (which was aired on The Gruen Transfer) is one of my all-time favourite adds, simply because it's random and entertaining, I'm not sure it actually sold it's product though:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owGykVbfgUE
Monday, 16 April 2012
Public Media
After today's lecture on public media, I appreciate the public media's 'major players', such as ABC and SBS, so much more for their effort in bringing the Australian public engaging news and entertainment. I've never really stopped to think about the fact that public media might operate on a separate set of guidelines than commercial media, which seems to be why their content and reliability differs. I've always been a 'news snob', and therefore I try to avoid news on commercial channels because it seems to be (coincidently) more commercialised, though I've never thought about why.
It seems that as a public service, public media is required to follow a certain criteria when broadcasting to the general masses which is as follows:
It seems that as a public service, public media is required to follow a certain criteria when broadcasting to the general masses which is as follows:
Broadcasting Research Unit 1985
In 1985 the Broadcasting Research Unit defined public service broadcasting as involving:- Geographical universality. Broadcast programmes should be available to the whole population.
- Universality of appeal. Broadcast programmes should cater for all tastes and interests.
- There should be special provision for minorities, especially disadvantaged minorities.
- Broadcasters should recognise their special relationship to the sense of national identity and community.
- Broadcasting should be distanced from all vested interests, and in particular from those of the government of the day.
- Universality of payment. One main instrument of broadcasting should be directly funded by the corpus of users.
- Broadcasting should be structured so as to encourage competition in good programming rather than competition for numbers.
- The public guidelines for broadcasting should liberate rather than restrict broadcasters.
(Broadcasting Research Unit 1985)
In order to interest the population as a whole, these media outlets have to supply programs or content which cover certain criteria as mentioned above. This criteria must also be followed in order for these outlets' media to be classified as public media.
Personally, I think these guidelines make ABC and SBS much better T.V. channels than commercial stations such as Ten, Seven and Nine. Their news is generally more serious, and they tend to offer a larger range of programs, especially for education, as well as provide better Australian drama's.
As public media's main goal is to serve the public rather than make money, I believe it is the most reliable source of news in Australia, and that it will remain that way.
Tuesday, 3 April 2012
Commercial Media
Mondays lecture for JOUR1111 focussed on commercial media. We asked what is commercial media? what are it's forms and functions? who are the major players? what are the styles? and what are the challenges that face commercial media?
In answering these questions, certain points caught my attention:
As commercial media is profit driven (and survives mostly on the audience it can generate) the media it delivers is tailored for high consumer use. Much of the information communicated on commercial media platforms such as 'Today Tonight' seems to be dumbed town to please the public audience. It is also apparent that in this industry; 'Tabloidisation' is common practice.
Commercial media organisations function as commercial, propaganda, and social outlets, which means they have the right to advertise or propagate for whoever they please. The social factor also allows them to reach a more localised audiences (for example: Southern Cross Ten broadcasts in regional areas such as the North coast and Northern River areas of NSW) and therefore broadcast localised news. This localised news however, can also be presented in such a way that caters for a wide ranging audience, meaning the news is often of a questionable standard. The following clip is an example of a local Southern cross news update, which runs some morally and intellectually questionable articles:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WcLS2GgFSU
I also though it was quite interesting that although commercial media organisations have the ability to present any kind of information they want, they must also present it in a way that gains their audiences trust. They must find a balance between gaining trust and making money.
In this lecture, we were instructed to check out The Global Mail which presents investigative journalism as opposed to quick commercial journalism. http://www.theglobalmail.org/ I think this site is going to be my next favourite.
In answering these questions, certain points caught my attention:
As commercial media is profit driven (and survives mostly on the audience it can generate) the media it delivers is tailored for high consumer use. Much of the information communicated on commercial media platforms such as 'Today Tonight' seems to be dumbed town to please the public audience. It is also apparent that in this industry; 'Tabloidisation' is common practice.
Commercial media organisations function as commercial, propaganda, and social outlets, which means they have the right to advertise or propagate for whoever they please. The social factor also allows them to reach a more localised audiences (for example: Southern Cross Ten broadcasts in regional areas such as the North coast and Northern River areas of NSW) and therefore broadcast localised news. This localised news however, can also be presented in such a way that caters for a wide ranging audience, meaning the news is often of a questionable standard. The following clip is an example of a local Southern cross news update, which runs some morally and intellectually questionable articles:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WcLS2GgFSU
I also though it was quite interesting that although commercial media organisations have the ability to present any kind of information they want, they must also present it in a way that gains their audiences trust. They must find a balance between gaining trust and making money.
In this lecture, we were instructed to check out The Global Mail which presents investigative journalism as opposed to quick commercial journalism. http://www.theglobalmail.org/ I think this site is going to be my next favourite.
Wednesday, 28 March 2012
Monday, 26 March 2012
Audio lecture
Today's audio lecture gave me a lot to think about.
I love to listen to radio (especially channels such as Triple J and ABC) because it is both relaxing and informing.
While listening to radio, I've never really thought about the fact that, as a presenter, it is so important to speak in a way that includes the audience. It seems obvious when you think about it; that the objective of radio is to entertain and therefore involve. However when you're listening to radio, you're too involved in what's happening to pick up how exactly the presenter is engaging you.
How does a stranger turn on the radio and soon become deeply involved in a conversation they're not physically a part of? I admire how radio presenters can connect to their audience and conduct a seemingly intimate conversation while in reality they are miles away.
I can see that radio presenters must have excellent communication skills - either natural or in Steve Austin's case; perfected over years - in order to conduct interview after interview and maintain their audiences interest. It is obvious presenting radio not an easy profession, however, according to Steve Austin and Richard Fidler, it is definitely a very rewarding one.
My absolute favourite radio show, was 'The Blow Parade' which was created by some of the boys from "The Chasers War on Everything" and aired on Triple J. http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/blowparade/blog/ships_log_may_05_05_2010.htm
My favourite episode was that about 'Egg Zagar'. It was clearly a history of a musical genius that did not exist, however it was so engaging, funny and original that I could not stop listening. I don't know how they managed it, but it hilariously mocked popular musical culture (past and present) in a way that was so close to the truth, that it was easy to imagine it could have actually been a factual account. I have not heard anything nearly as good as this since.
Here's a snippet of another (not as good) episode in the series about the 70's:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Zoky5bVYi0
I love to listen to radio (especially channels such as Triple J and ABC) because it is both relaxing and informing.
While listening to radio, I've never really thought about the fact that, as a presenter, it is so important to speak in a way that includes the audience. It seems obvious when you think about it; that the objective of radio is to entertain and therefore involve. However when you're listening to radio, you're too involved in what's happening to pick up how exactly the presenter is engaging you.
How does a stranger turn on the radio and soon become deeply involved in a conversation they're not physically a part of? I admire how radio presenters can connect to their audience and conduct a seemingly intimate conversation while in reality they are miles away.
I can see that radio presenters must have excellent communication skills - either natural or in Steve Austin's case; perfected over years - in order to conduct interview after interview and maintain their audiences interest. It is obvious presenting radio not an easy profession, however, according to Steve Austin and Richard Fidler, it is definitely a very rewarding one.
My absolute favourite radio show, was 'The Blow Parade' which was created by some of the boys from "The Chasers War on Everything" and aired on Triple J. http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/blowparade/blog/ships_log_may_05_05_2010.htm
My favourite episode was that about 'Egg Zagar'. It was clearly a history of a musical genius that did not exist, however it was so engaging, funny and original that I could not stop listening. I don't know how they managed it, but it hilariously mocked popular musical culture (past and present) in a way that was so close to the truth, that it was easy to imagine it could have actually been a factual account. I have not heard anything nearly as good as this since.
Here's a snippet of another (not as good) episode in the series about the 70's:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Zoky5bVYi0
Monday, 19 March 2012
SAY Cheese!!
Today's lecture (as you can probably guess from my lame title) was focussed on photography (no pun intended).
Discussing the history of "picture stories" was eye-opening, as we explored not only pictures in a contemporary society, but also those created thousands of years ago, such as Aboriginal cave art. It is clear that the aim of this section was to inform us that ALL pictures can and should tell a story.
We discussed what makes a good photo, and what makes a great photo. We looked at examples of famous great photography. My favourite was definitely, "Gun Play - Broadway and 103rd Street" by William Klein:
http://www.metmuseum.org/collections/search-the-collections/190016845 The moment this picture was taken just seems so perfect, and the twisted reality it represents really makes you question our world.
We also discussed the revolution of editing pictures, which brought up questions associated with the public's perception of beauty, and made me re-assess advertisements role in creating this idea of 'perfection'. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hibyAJOSW8U
Editing moving pictures was also discussed as an important factor in the news industry, and one that we as journalists must perfect in order to keep up with this demanding industry.
From this lecture, I gained an insight into the industry of photo journalism, an area which I would very much like to explore further. It is evident that within almost every media platform, the photo's accompanying the story are just as (or more) important that the spoken or written story. I would love to learn more about photo journalism as I see it as a creative outlet within the journalism industry.
Discussing the history of "picture stories" was eye-opening, as we explored not only pictures in a contemporary society, but also those created thousands of years ago, such as Aboriginal cave art. It is clear that the aim of this section was to inform us that ALL pictures can and should tell a story.
We discussed what makes a good photo, and what makes a great photo. We looked at examples of famous great photography. My favourite was definitely, "Gun Play - Broadway and 103rd Street" by William Klein:
http://www.metmuseum.org/collections/search-the-collections/190016845 The moment this picture was taken just seems so perfect, and the twisted reality it represents really makes you question our world.
We also discussed the revolution of editing pictures, which brought up questions associated with the public's perception of beauty, and made me re-assess advertisements role in creating this idea of 'perfection'. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hibyAJOSW8U
Editing moving pictures was also discussed as an important factor in the news industry, and one that we as journalists must perfect in order to keep up with this demanding industry.
From this lecture, I gained an insight into the industry of photo journalism, an area which I would very much like to explore further. It is evident that within almost every media platform, the photo's accompanying the story are just as (or more) important that the spoken or written story. I would love to learn more about photo journalism as I see it as a creative outlet within the journalism industry.
Sunday, 18 March 2012
JOUR1111 Lecture 1 and 2
The first lecture in my journalism course on the 27th of February, unsurprisingly jumped straight into the world of journalism. We learnt the specifics of what is expected from us as students, and taught the course philosophy which stated that we were the journalists. Granted, I was a little shocked that we were instantly perceived as journalists, but I am just as eager now as I was then to earn that title.
As contemporary journalists, we were informed of the challenges associated with journalism in our technological age: the horribly endangered newspaper slowly becoming extinct, as well as the need to not only convey information, but also make it entertaining! The former is a terrible concept to consider, as news outlets all over the world seem to be loosing revenue in the print industry, which is guiding them to consider digital printing options: http://www.journalism.org/analysis_report/search_new_business_model, and may potentially end the availability of buying a newspaper. The second point is similarly concerning as the need to entertain may, and most likely does, impact upon the morals of journalists, who tend to compromise truth for entertainment.
These were very interesting concepts to consider, and greatly increased my excitement in commencing this course.
The second lecture on the 5th of March focussed on the different types of news platforms. The first was explained as "Old Media". This type of media was defined as that which has been in production since before the new digital age; such as newspapers, magazines, and radio.
In the Digital Age however, media is separated into platforms in association with the Web, such as Web 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0.
Web 1.0 was defined as a promotional web, where companies could earn money from advertising on-line.
Web 2.0 was defined as the 'social media' Web, which is driven by the 'user' and much more interactive than the web was previously. This can be examined at: http://nms.sagepub.com/content/11/1-2/155.full.pdf+html
Web 3.0 can be defined as the "the semantic web" which refers to the idea that the web is a body of information which can be accessed and utilised as a social or scientific database. It can answer complicated questions, as well as target specific individuals in order to generate appropriate advertisement useful to them. T. Berners-Lee and J. Hendler note in association with web 3.0 that: "We are in the early days of a new web revolution, one that will have profound implications on web publishing, and on the nature of the web itself." http://www.citeulike.org/group/1584/article/782655. 'Hyperlocalisation' was discussed as a result of this rapidly developing media platform, as it can directly address local audiences or consumers. This result seems great for direct company advertising, but can potentially contribute to a smaller view of the world due to extremely localised media, and as a result: an ignorance of world media.
Again, the fear that newspapers may finally go out of print was discussed as a direct outcome of this rapidly developing web system, and consequently, the role of the journalist is jeopardised.
As I was previously unaware of the potential of these developing media platforms to 'kill' the print industry, I can now fully comprehend the need for journalists to learn and utilise these web frameworks on order to keep journalism alive, and directly address the evolving world audience.
As contemporary journalists, we were informed of the challenges associated with journalism in our technological age: the horribly endangered newspaper slowly becoming extinct, as well as the need to not only convey information, but also make it entertaining! The former is a terrible concept to consider, as news outlets all over the world seem to be loosing revenue in the print industry, which is guiding them to consider digital printing options: http://www.journalism.org/analysis_report/search_new_business_model, and may potentially end the availability of buying a newspaper. The second point is similarly concerning as the need to entertain may, and most likely does, impact upon the morals of journalists, who tend to compromise truth for entertainment.
These were very interesting concepts to consider, and greatly increased my excitement in commencing this course.
The second lecture on the 5th of March focussed on the different types of news platforms. The first was explained as "Old Media". This type of media was defined as that which has been in production since before the new digital age; such as newspapers, magazines, and radio.
In the Digital Age however, media is separated into platforms in association with the Web, such as Web 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0.
Web 1.0 was defined as a promotional web, where companies could earn money from advertising on-line.
Web 2.0 was defined as the 'social media' Web, which is driven by the 'user' and much more interactive than the web was previously. This can be examined at: http://nms.sagepub.com/content/11/1-2/155.full.pdf+html
Web 3.0 can be defined as the "the semantic web" which refers to the idea that the web is a body of information which can be accessed and utilised as a social or scientific database. It can answer complicated questions, as well as target specific individuals in order to generate appropriate advertisement useful to them. T. Berners-Lee and J. Hendler note in association with web 3.0 that: "We are in the early days of a new web revolution, one that will have profound implications on web publishing, and on the nature of the web itself." http://www.citeulike.org/group/1584/article/782655. 'Hyperlocalisation' was discussed as a result of this rapidly developing media platform, as it can directly address local audiences or consumers. This result seems great for direct company advertising, but can potentially contribute to a smaller view of the world due to extremely localised media, and as a result: an ignorance of world media.
Again, the fear that newspapers may finally go out of print was discussed as a direct outcome of this rapidly developing web system, and consequently, the role of the journalist is jeopardised.
As I was previously unaware of the potential of these developing media platforms to 'kill' the print industry, I can now fully comprehend the need for journalists to learn and utilise these web frameworks on order to keep journalism alive, and directly address the evolving world audience.
Monday, 12 March 2012
Words are Power
The study of words as communicators... every single word written on a page influences what the reader thinks and how they react. In this afternoons lecture by Skye Doherty, TEXT was addressed as THE most important element of journalism. Brief is the key, and if it doesn't interest the public then what is the point?
Journalism seems to be an ever evolving industry, and what interests the public defines what we as journalists do. NEWS VALUES refine what is broadcast around the world, and what we can say about current events is dependant upon the WAY we say it.
Rhetoric is important, efficiency and flare are important: why write 10 words when you can write 5 super exciting, informative words?
Especially on-line, journalism is evolving. As journalist T.S.Elliot comments, we are constantly "distracted from distraction by distraction", meaning no one wants to read great chunks of information on the internet when there are so many other things they could be doing.
http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac;jsessionid=5485FF4AF7A523513F1A2E214818370B?page=1&sy=nstore&kw=digital&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=1month&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=100&rm=200&sp=nrm&clsPage=1&docID=SMH11040227D6R231Q8J
In discussing the relevance of written journalism, one question springs to my mind: If our duty as journalists is to produce what people want, what will happen to linear journalism in the future if we continue to condense what we have to say in order to please the masses? Are we revolutionizing or crippling journalism?
Journalism seems to be an ever evolving industry, and what interests the public defines what we as journalists do. NEWS VALUES refine what is broadcast around the world, and what we can say about current events is dependant upon the WAY we say it.
Rhetoric is important, efficiency and flare are important: why write 10 words when you can write 5 super exciting, informative words?
Especially on-line, journalism is evolving. As journalist T.S.Elliot comments, we are constantly "distracted from distraction by distraction", meaning no one wants to read great chunks of information on the internet when there are so many other things they could be doing.
http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac;jsessionid=5485FF4AF7A523513F1A2E214818370B?page=1&sy=nstore&kw=digital&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=1month&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=100&rm=200&sp=nrm&clsPage=1&docID=SMH11040227D6R231Q8J
In discussing the relevance of written journalism, one question springs to my mind: If our duty as journalists is to produce what people want, what will happen to linear journalism in the future if we continue to condense what we have to say in order to please the masses? Are we revolutionizing or crippling journalism?
Friday, 9 March 2012
Vintage vintage vintage!
Loving the recycled vintage shoes showcased in 'Peppermint' magazine this month!!! http://peppermintmag.com/ I love when brands have the guts to create classy and original pieces out of vintage materials, especially these sneakers which have been crafted from "vintage scarves sourced at Italian markets"! (Peppermint, issue 13, page 15) Ten stars for Judari and Russy Valenki!!
A further thumbs up to the 'oh deer vintage' online shop, whose ability to scout beautiful vintage pieces is unbelievable!! I want to buy everything!!!
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