NDM News case study: index

1) Institution: the impact of Google on the newspaper industry
2) Ofcom report: how news consumption has changed
3) The future of newspapers: Build The Wall analysis
4) The decline of newspapers: the effect of online technology
5) The future of journalism: John Oliver and Clay Shirky
6) The decline of newspapers: Media Magazine case studies
7) Citizen journalism and hyper-reality: Media Magazine article and questions
8) News Values: theory and updating them for digital media landcape
9) Marxism & Pluralism: Media Magazine article and questions
10) Alain de Botton on the News: lecture and questions
11) Full NDM essay including paragraphs on Marxism and Pluralism
12) Globalisation and news: cultural imperialism
13) Globalisation: taking it further (Google Glass case study and capitalism)
14) Fake news and globalisation - Guardian and New York Times articles
15) News on the Tweet

Marxism & Pluralism: Alain de Botton on the news

1) To what extent do you agree with Alain de Botton's views on the News?
I do agree with Alain de Bottons views regarding news, and mainly agree with the point he made regarding audiences coming across the same type of news more frequently. 
I also agree with the point he made about audiences getting an overload of news which therefore makes it harder for people to make out what is more important and what isn't. 
Alain de Botton believes you can either give people no news at all or give them an overload of what is going on around the world, and right now at the moment we are still trying to figure out what we should do, as he states we're still trying to figure out what to do with news.

2) How can you link Marxism and Hegemony to de Botton's criticisms of the News?
During the interview, Alain de Botton shows us the value of economic news and links it to hegemony. He also states that there's a sort of bias feel in the news and believes that audiences should be able to view and hear both sides of a story, but however, states that the ruling bodies are the ones who decide what gets published and what doesn't. 

3)How could you use Pluralism and new technology to challenge de Botton's views on the News?
As an audience we could argue that with technology becoming more advanced, this has given audiences an opportunity to have more of an opinion and say on what they want published and get to comment on the content that is published. Furthermore, de Botton argues that due to the media overloading audiences with news, they've become reluctant to reading news.

Choose two news stories from the last six months - one that supports de Botton's views and one that challenges his belief that the News is used for social control.

• https://www.theguardian.com/media/2016/nov/20/barack-obama-facebook-fake-news-problem - challenges 
• https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/nov/20/indian-train-derailment-kills-dozens-and-injures-over-100 - supports 

NDM: Marxism, Pluralism and Hegemony

1) Research the Ian Tomlinson case. What would the traditional, hegemonic view of the police be in a case like this? How did new and digital media create a different story? What does the police officer's subsequent acquittal suggest about the power of new and digital media?
Ian Tomlinson was killed after being hit by a police officer during the 2009 G20 summit protests in London. The police would be viewed as the criminals in the case as they abused their power and in a result killed someone. The footage of the tragic event conveys to the audience that the police were lying to the public and therefore reinforces the view of the police being seen as the ones at fault. 
New and digital media managed to create a different as the footage that was captured was taken by an ordinary bystander and therefore a different approach was taken. 

2) What does the author argue regarding whether hegemony is being challenged by Web 2.0? 
The author talks about the internet giving opportunities to audiences to publish what they want. The author also talks about audiences now having the opportunity to challenge the idea of hegemony. 

In your opinion, does new and digital media reinforce dominant hegemonic views or give the audience a platform to challenge them?

In my opinion, I think that the media has allowed audiences to challenge the hegemonic views as audiences have more of a say in what they want published and having more opportunities to debate on the certain things that get published and voice their opinions.

Do recent world events such as Brexit or Donald Trump's election in the US suggest dominant hegemonic ideologies are being challenged or reinforced? There are arguments for both sides here - explain your opinion and why

Both events in my opinion, reinforce the hegemonic ideologies. In both events, audiences had a right of say, and therefore reinforces the dominant hegemint ideologies. 

week 9 - Media for development: does good journalism promote transparency?

Does press freedom promote democracy or the other way round? Martin Scott considers the influence of the media

One of the aims of World Press Freedom day in May was to encourage us to reflect on the value of an independent media. This is something I've been thinking about a lot recently while writing a new book on media and development and co-producing the video below. How exactly does good journalism promote transparency and accountability? What role can technology play in enabling ordinary citizens to promote good governance

The media have multiple, overlapping roles which are fundamentally shaped by local contexts. Pretending that they don't leads to bad project design and policy making. It also fuels the mistaken belief that access to technology alone is enough to solve problems.

The point here is not that the media doesn't matter for development. It does. Increasingly. The point is that efforts to highlight the importance of the media should exist alongside, rather than seek to obscure, recognition of the complexities of the media's role. Ultimately, it's not helpful to pretend that the media always have a direct and positive influence on development.

In my opinion, I agree with Martin Scott and his final statement of media not always having a positive influence and it not solving our problems. I believe that sometimes media can effect us negatively.

week 9 - Hidden digital ads pushing children to eat fatty food, health experts warn.

This article is about digital ads, influencing kids to consume fatty foods through digital ads.

LONDON, Nov 4 (Reuters) - Children in Europe are bombarded with hidden digital advertising and marketing promoting fatty, sugary and salty foods that is damaging their health and adding to the region's obesity problem, World Health Organization experts said on Friday.

The researchers called for policymakers to do more to protect children from junk food advertising messages on networking sites, games - known as "advergames" - and other social media.

"Our governments have given the prevention of childhood obesity the highest political priority, (yet) we consistently find that children - our most vulnerable group - are exposed to countless numbers of hidden digital marketing techniques promoting foods high in fat, sugar and salt," said Zsuzsanna Jakab, the WHO's regional director for Europe.

She said in the absence of effective regulation of digital media in many countries, children are increasingly exposed to persuasive, individually tailored marketing techniques that parents may underestimate, or be unaware of.

"Often, parents do not see the same advertisements, nor do they observe the online activities of their children; many therefore underestimate the scale of the problem," said the WHO.

About two-thirds of children who are overweight before puberty will be overweight in early adulthood, and an estimated 25 percent of school-aged children in Europe are already overweight or obese, said the report.

Digital marketing can engage children in emotional, entertaining experiences and encourage them to share these experiences with their friends, it said, describing this as "a dubious cocktail when used to promote unhealthy foods". (Editing by Andrew Heavens)

In my opinion, I don't think kids would be influenced into eating fatty foods through 'digital ads'. However, at the same time it doesn't push them into eating healthy either.

week 8 - Should children ban their parents from social media?

Parents from Shanghai to Chicago are proudly putting pictures of their children on social media.

It might be taken for granted - but no previous generation of children will have had the experience of having their entire childhoods intensively and publicly documented in this way.

In the UK, the average parent with a social media account has posted 1,498 photos of their child online by their fifth birthday, according to a survey by domain name company, Nominet.

This might be a global phenomenon for proud parents - but what about the children, who will have been too young to have any choice in the matter.

But the very first people to have had some of their childhood pictures posted online are now reaching adulthood. And they are not always happy about their formative years being preserved in digital aspic.

• "When I was 12 or 13 I started realising there were things [on Facebook] that I thought were a bit embarrassing," said 16-year-old Lucy, from Newcastle, whose dad has been posting pictures of her on the social networking site since she was seven.
• "I asked him to take them down and he was happy to, but he didn't quite understand why. If I had been asked [at the time], do you want these photos out there for all to see, I would've probably said no."

'De-tagging' her past

Even those who were pleased to be on social media as children are less sure about it now. Dana Hurley, 20, from east London, said that as an 11-year-old she was happy for her parents to post photos of her on Facebook.

"At the time it was exciting… I liked attention. Now it's kind of weird because you look back and think, this was for everyone to see," she said.

In my opinion, I don't think parents should post pictures of their children on social media, due to children not really being aware of what their parents are uploading, I do think it is unfair. Furthermore, most of the time once children are at a certain age they do regret taking certain pictures and allowing their parents uploading the pictures. 

week 8 - Computers 'do not improve' pupil results, says OECD

Investing heavily in school computers and classroom technology does not improve pupils' performance, says a global study from the OECD. 

The think tank says frequent use of computers in schools is more likely to be associated with lower results.The OECD's education director Andreas Schleicher says school technology had raised "too many false hopes"

The report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development examines the impact of school technology on international test results, such as the Pisa tests taken in more than 70 countries and tests measuring digital skills.

It says education systems which have invested heavily in information and communications technology have seen "no noticeable improvement" in Pisa test results for reading, mathematics or science.

• "If you look at the best-performing education systems, such as those in East Asia, they've been very cautious about using technology in their classrooms," said Mr Schleicher.
• "Those students who use tablets and computers very often tend to do worse than those who use them moderately."

In my opinion, I disagree with the statement of computers not improving pupils results. Yes, it may distract pupils. However, computers also benefit pupils, as it allows them to reach and search certain information that may not be able to be accessed through books etc. Therefore, computers to benefit pupils, to an extent. 

NDM: News Values

Come up with a news story from the last 12 months for each of the categories suggested by Harriss, Leiter and Johnson:

• Conflict:  Tension or surprise - War, e,g. Syrian Conflict 
• Progress:  Triumph or achievement - Politics - US Elections.
• Disaster: Defeat or destruction - Natural - Italy Earthquake.
• Consequence -Effects on individuals or community - 
• Prominence 
• Novelty

1)What example news story does the Factsheet use to illustrate Galtung and Ruge's News Values? Why is it an appropriate example of a news story likely to gain prominent coverage?

The story of the war in Afghanistan, is used to illustrate Galtung and Ruge's News Values. The news story talks about the unfortunate death of the British Soldier. This is an appropriate example of a news story that is able to gain prominent coverage due to a British audience viewing the soldier as 'one of their own'. Furthermore, it would be more likely to gain prominence due to it being a female soldier.

2)What is gatekeeping? 

Gatekeeping is the process of separating information prior to dissemination. This is usually done by the editor. However, this process doesn't just consist of the editor picking one story of another, it can also consist of how questions for journalists are created and the overall decision of how information/news is presented to audiences.

What are the six ways bias can be created in news?

1. Bias through selection and omission
2. Bias through placement
3. Bias by headline
4. Bias by photos, captions, and camera angles
5. Bias through use of names and titles
6. Bias by choice of words

How have online sources such as Twitter, bloggers or Wikileaks changed the way news is selected and published?

Online sources such as Twitter, Bloggers or Wikileaks have changed the way news is selected and published by almost going against the way the media 'gateways' news. Furthermore, bloggers aren't seen as reliable in comparison to other forms of media.

Give an example of a news story from the last 12 months that was reported as a result of online technology - Twitter, Wikileaks or similar.

One example of a news story that was reported due to online technology was the Hyde Park Riots. The riots were first shared and reposted on Twitter, which allowed the Met Police to become aware of the event.

Complete the task on the last page of the Factsheet regarding Sky News and Twitter:

“The Twitter phenomenon continues to explode. A photo with an eyewitness in Lahore yesterday came to us through Twitter. Last night’s breaking story on the death of a Briton in the Alps came to us from Twitter. The first phone on the Buffalo plane crash came from Twitter. The first photo of the Hudson River rescue came from Twitter. Convinced?”

• What does this reveal about how Sky views Twitter as a news source?

It reveals that audiences are more likely to post information on social media sites, such as Twitter, rather than institutions like Sky News.

 

• What does it say about how news is being produced?

It shows that institutions are relying more on social media sites, rather on journalists. It also shows that audiences are now the source of news.

• What role does the audience have in this process?

They are now the ones providing the news and information for big institutions and almost replacing the roles of journalists. 

• Why might this be a problem for journalistic standards?

This may be a problem for journalists as their positions may be replaced and could be at the risk of losing their jobs. 

Final tasks

In your opinion, how has new and digital media technology changed Galtung and Ruge’s news values? 

In my opinion, I don't believe new and digital media technology has completely changed Galtung and Ruge;s news values. However, there has been some change due to there being no gateway to determine what gets published or not. Furthermore, there's the threat of journalists losing their jobs.

How would you update them for 2016? Choose SIX of Galtung and Ruge's news values and say how each one has been affected by the growth of new and digital 

technology.

E.g. Immediacy is more important than ever due to news breaking on Twitter or elsewhere online. However, this in turn changes the approach of other news sources such as newspapers as the news will probably already be broken so different angles might be required. Newspapers now contain more comment or opinion rather than the breaking story.

• Unambiguity: Is the information published reliable or not?
• Familiarity: With the use of online news, audiences all around the world are able to be updated and informed with news. Online platforms such as, Twitter, Instagram and Twitter allow this. 
• Balance: Audiences now have the privilege of being able to read what the want and have the option of even discussing/debating with other people about certain events, through the use of social media. 
• Surprise: Audiences may often come across disturbing or shocking posts, this is due to there being no 'gatekeepers' being able to control what gets published or not, and therefore results in audiences being able to view anything they want. 
• Frequency: Certain posts/stories may be viewed frequently by audiences as they create a high amount of attention from audiences. Furthermore, due to many news stories being published online through social media apps, this allows audiences to view a story more than once.
• Predictability: Social media creates the sense of unpredictably, therefore, new and digital media has made it easier for audiences to predict the posts they may view. 

NDM News: Citizen journalism and hyper-reality

The rise and rise of UGC
Sara Mills explores the rise of the citizen journalist and considers the impact of user-generated content on news stories, the news agenda, and the role of the professionals.

• Examples:

- Rodney King was an  African American, who was beaten up brutally by four Police Officers from Los Angeles. He was involved in a chase, where he was tasered and beaten up with clubs. This tragic event was filmed by an onlooker, the video made prime time news and was viewed by many. 

- The Asian Tsunami, this natural disaster was recorded by citizens who were nearby and saw the incoming waves.

- London Bombings of 2005.

- Mumbai Bombings. 

- Hudson River Plane Crash. 

• Theories:

Benefits to institutions:

-Institutions benefit from this, as their viewers would increase due to having more, first hand footage.

-Journalists wouldn't have to go to places in order to capture footage and record.

-Institutions seen as reliable for having exclusive footage. 

Benefits to audiences:

-Audiences are able to record and share what they want.

-They are able to inform other people about what is happening. 

-Content recorded and published has more of a realistic feel.

Wider issues and debates:

-Allows people to be exposed that are in the wrong.

- UGC allows audiences to voice their opinions and beliefs. 

SHEP:

Social - audiences voices and opinions are allowed to be expressed through UGC, without the intrusion of gatekeepers. 

Historical - Rodney King, a black African american who was brutally beaten up by four police officers.

Economical - many big institutions were effected due to audiences focusing more so citizen journalism. 

Political - Political or even racial events were easily recorded and shared. 

What is meant by the term ‘citizen journalist’? 

The term 'citizen journalist' is used when normal/everyday record and capture footage using phones or cameras, and make it to news.

 What was one of the first examples of news being generated by ‘ordinary people’?

One of the first examples of news being generated by 'ordinary people' was the Rodney King case.

List some of the formats for participation that are now offered by news organisations.

- Message rooms

- Chat boards

- Q&A's

- Polls

- Blogs

What is one of the main differences between professionally shot footage and that taken first-hand (UGC)?

Professional shot footage is more clear and the quality is better. Whereas the quality of citizen journalism is more shaky, realistic and the footage isn't as clear.

What is a gatekeeper?

A gatekeeper is someone who mediates the news, deciding whether or not the piece of news should be published or not. 

How has the role of a gatekeeper changed?

The role of the gatekeeper has changed, as the audience has the power of being able to publish whatever they want.

What is one of the primary concerns held by journalists over the rise of UGC?

One primary concern held by journalists is that their jobs can be lost if user generated 

content increases.

Offer your own opinion (critical autonomy) on the following:

• news stories:

Despite the quality of the footage not being so professional, it creates more of a realistic feel with less editing and more stories.

• the news agenda (the choice of stories that make up the news)

News industries are almost dependent on the content citizens manage to capture. 

• the role of professionals in news

Professionals need to ensure that the content they publish looks legit. 

Hyper-reality and the digital renaissance

1) The article was written in 2009. Offer three examples of more recent social networking sites or uses of technology that support the idea of a 'digital renaissance'.

-Twitter

-Snapchat

-Instagram

All three of these apps support the idea of 'digital renaissance'. Firstly, Twitter allows audiences to voice their opinions and express not only social views, but political views as well. Instagram allows audiences to post pictures and videos, along with snapchat. Through this, audiences are able to represent the way their society is shaped.

How do live streaming services such as Periscope or Facebook Live fit into the idea of a 'digital renaissance'? Are these a force for good or simply a further blurring of reality?

In my opinion, I think these services offer more of realistic view of society and what people are actually getting up to. As it's 'live' streaming it can't be edited and therefore shows what is actually happening. 

How can we link the 'digital renaissance' to our case study on news? Is citizen journalism a further example of hyper-reality or is it actually making news more accurate and closer to real life?

Citizen journalism is a way for the audience to feel more connected and intrigued with the content that is being showed, as it's raw content, that hasn't been edited or shot professionally. Therefore, it is more accurate and closer to real life as it hasn't been edited. However, one may argue that the people who are recording and publishing content, could be publishing biased content and therefore, may not always be accurate.