This week in the lecture, commercial media was fore-grounded. In our tutes, we did lots of exercises on interview questions for factual story-telling, including formulating interview questions appropriate for an interview candidate, we learnt about the importance of asking open-ended questions. Also, Carmel described how to go about creating a very colourful, fleshy report when factual story-telling.
We needed to find a way to draw the audience in and capture attention, via factual story-telling methods. We formulated questions and discussed interview techniques. These techniques encourage interviewees to divulge information. They will answer with open ended questions, in turn helping with fleshy, colourful, formulation of the story. Bruce also did an over-view of the last few weeks, including quite a comprehensive look back through the lecture's. This included the inverted pyramid, photographic journalism, and the importance and relevance of text. Points discussed in the lecture, included,
How and why does commercial media exist? What is Commercial Media? I took note of each point.
Commercial media is profit-driven media production and is Not government funded (or license funded)
Additionally, It survives or fails on business success. Its business is generating ‘audiences’
Commercial Media Creates audiences to generate profit through selling advertising to them.
In all this, Bruce spoke mainly about commercial media in Australia, although ownership world-wide was also discussed.
Thus, why does commercial media exist, and what it is and what is its future were all key questions.
The relevant media company's of each media outlet were also outlined and information was given for each type, including Win, Southern Cross and ABN and also what they produce. Competition between these media giants was also addressed. This was both helpful and informative.
So, What is Commercial Media's role in a democratic society?
"Can commercial media deliver on both commercial (profit) and social (‘public trust’) functions? (or is it really just about the mighty $ dollar?)" (Redman, 2012, SJC)
It is interesting to note the main thing commercial media is used for. In keeping with my opinion, I would like to include a link to follow that I found very interesting. This was an add placed on my facebook, as has been happening with discussion in the tute today, specialised ads continue popping up, attempting to entice you with products advertisement researchers feel might spark interest.
This is relevant to both commercial media and photographic journalism and is an epic example of what both forms of media and journalism are used for.
"THE PHOTOSHOP LIE" the title of this article read.
I watched it and was enthralled at its power and truth. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=H4E-LmnVbEE#t=15s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=H4E-LmnVbEE#t=21s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4E-LmnVbEE
This video was similiar,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=qcVTLyefWKw
and as one viewer commented,
"I don't know how u look like, if you don't think she's beautiful.." This comment made me sad with it's truth. People are not understanding their true worth.
And yet another "Her eyebrows looked better before." which I agreed with fully. ha ha
Surprsisingly, it links strongly with a front page article in the Courier mail on Sunday. This article was entitled Culture Shifters, and too focused on the love of God and was portrayed the media last Sunday.The team consisted young Christians, reach out to those on the street and shopping centres. It seems a human need to belong and be accepetd has surfaced repeatedly lately, with an article being disucssed in tutorial in week 7, which carmel mentioned. An article which highlighted the way Commercial free-to-air television programs were creating a sense of awareness and belonging, especially to their female fans and viewers. Namely, Sunrise.
As one woman said, she arrives early and "spends time looking through the glass", enjoying the homely atmosphere. She appears on the show and Sunrise hosts even give viewers a chance to write in and share their story. This gives them a sense of validation and worth, and as this woman states, she very much looks forward to sharing her thoughts and stories with the nation. Thus, the program works. This short clip portrays the sense of family the show emanates strongly. It is about how to survive a home renovation. I love it because it depicted so well the values the show stands for and what the article is proclaiming. It is typical of the nature of the show and it's stories.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DITnC_46f4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DITnC_46f4
Commercial ia advertising and sales, while social includes editorial.
‘The public sphere’ (Jurgen Habermas)
Where people have freedom of speech.
The media exists to rid monopoly. Thus, it introduces competition and exposes option and debate between many firms and companies and will always shout the truth. It is a powerful avenue for beliefs, purpose, life, love, hope, politics, violence, spocial jutsice, gives the public an avenue into life, sets the bar, creates life and shows the way. Thus, it is very inetsnely a sphere of influence which can either be dominated or do the dominating. it is a life of freedom or bondage and has the pote can either create this or and can create this for its readers and the public. Its influence will never die and as long as it exists it will be very influential in people's worlds and themes and lives and values. Its ability to so infiltrate and be wlecome and alive and for people tp so willingly allow it into their world, allows it gives it a tactic and avenue and pull not avaiavble to tits degree or the same extent in any other arena, world-wide, media or otherwise, socilaly, politically, justly or finacially. Thus, it exists to influence and it is for these reason that it is worth it to be a journalist. This has been clearly shown and evidenced to us through out the lectures and tutorials. Although I found this all very interesting, My true journalistoic heart desires to report on unjust situations and so I have sourced a few articles and newsorthy cases which I found deserving or worthy of greater poublicity and chose to publish them on my blog.
I am part of a chirtsian young adults group and we have throughts and feelings about the world.
I have been posting about issues and raising awareness also among ignorant people who are unaware of what occurrs in the lives of countless young individuals, treated unfair;ly and used and abuse around the world. it is not right. Justice must be won. Although Kony 2012 had children living in such inhumane conditions that were probably not comparable to many other nations, I felt it informative to post a link to Destiny Rescue's website. I believe it explains itself.
http://www.destinyrescue.org/aus/
I think many more attempts need to be made at rescuing these children, and doing something for the state and torture and horror and situation they live in. It is sad and unnecessary.
Also, legal requiremnts of the media were discussed.
All in all, the lecture was very educational, enjoyable and informative.
I found this article on Kony 2012. I have included a link to the article, which I feel displays journalistic structure and is a relevant representation of commercial media today.I have been following this strongly and have found it has been something that has definitely peaked my interest. This is a video created to raise awareness contiually about the horrific treatment of children in Uganda. This video which I sourced has been made in response to criticism last month after the film went viral. It is an attemtp to encourage the arrest of Ugandan warlord Joseph Kony. It Ugres action on April 20. Words cannot express my rage at Kony 2012 and the situation in Uganda outlined as the warlord treats the precious children of their nation with such horror and cruelty.
http://www.news.com.au/technology/kony-2012-invisible-children-release-follow-up-documentary/story-e6frfrnr-1226320489547?from=igoogle+gadget+compact+news_rss
Invisible Children uses film, creativity and social action to end the use of child soldiers in Joseph Kony's rebel war and restore LRA-affected communities in East and Central Africa to peace and prosperity.
This picture is both heart breaking and sad as it relays the sense of loss and separation the children suffer.
I will be going to a Kony 2012 rally at 1pm on 22 April. It should be good.
This can be related back to the media monster of Newscorp, who's companies and hegemonic power, control over 30% of the world media. what a horrific place we find ourselves in, when such horror is occurring overseas, yet because of the media monosply by media conglomerate newscorp, we receive limited knowledge. Leader Rupert Murdoch, ensures it is filtered through their system of what will make them more money and it is unfortunately this information we receive. It severaly limits our scope of what is happening in scoety and around the globe.
As another source says, international relations in journalism has a darker side and can become quite nasty. It is such a shame and an injutisce to the human race, that when a company sucH as Newscorp has so much money, with a profit of over 33 billion dollars a year, it drops its ethics in a heartbeat for the sake of greater profit, when stories such as Kony are hidden for lengths of time.
Tycoon is right.
Newscorp, sadly uses its influence to manipulate rather than lead or guide. this creates a hegemony and without any political companies powerful enough ti break this, fearing harm to these companies which support liberal ideologies.
I see the great problem with hegemony. I feel it is an issue worth looking into. Does Newscorp then create a false world for its viewers. is it willing to compromise so much that it will report unfactual and untrue information.Thus Newscorp news is based on money making, profit and viewer satisfaction. When people are not aware that they are being fed only half the truth, they become like robots, accepting what is presented throuhg media which is controlled largely by one person/one compoany. While discussing this concept of one world media with a fellow student, the idea or theme of the matrix came to my mind. Although not on such a large scale, are we being co-erced? Are we being fed half truths which foster a sick, sluggish lazy type of compliance. Are we being are manipulated without freedom of choice.
According to my source, Rupert Murdoch even manipulates the Justice system- cos if got rid of Him, no news..therefore tourism would suffer, and with law graduates charging over $1000 an hour on his side, with Murdoch happy to pay, he could pay and offer anything to get his way and have influence and pull. Thus, he is able to have almost full control of many decisions made in media which controls much of human thought, perception, desire and opinion. the fact that he can and does do that and that this is widely accepted by numb individuals who don't know they have the power to decide and change and think at their will, that they have a greater cause in them deep down than what someone else tells them or what others want them to be for the sake of their own gain, is knowledge that needs resurfacing for sure.
The issue remains and is one of power, influence and authority.
He requested he remain nameless but a former journalism stduent who dropped out of his phd half way through due to his moral and ethical stance against requiremnts of Newscorp to remain money-focused f, violated what he felt were his core values and freedom of rights, speech and ethics. To have this declined in the name of greed is sick and sisgusting and while Murdoch sits smugly with the world at this stage, wrapped around his finger it will not always be that way..."Vengeance is mine, and i will repay." (Romans 10...) wow cool
Why do people not weigh up the cost of their comfort and complacency? They are content to stay silent, for fear of what will ensue if they speak up, daring to question the unanswered questions.
Noam Chomsky investigated the issue of public media sphere influence and its extent, only to be shouted down by the media conglomerate, clamouring to maintain its hegemony, only to be attacked with accusations of both lies and insanity.
The Zeitgeist movie investigates. Please watch this short clip. It is heavy with symbolism and indication. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Z9WVZddH9w&feature=related
An image from the Zeitgeist movie.
' SHE UNDERSTOOD THAT THE NAME OF THE GAME IS TO AQUIRE'
This is so wrong!!
So it doesn't individual but affects populations, which is on a greater scale..all have same ideologies and viewpoints of world…cos then just like robots…which is what they want? So that we don’t question anything, so we just get fed listen to what they say and don’t ask any questions? Why don't we ask questions. So essentially, very much you against the media, Newscorp, whats people would think….New World order…that’s what they want- the aim will be to not have anyone ask questions nor draw absolute conclusions , controlling every aspect, we are in Matrix? This is onbviosuly a very far-fetched representation but is it closer to the truth than we care to think? Citizen journalism, media has set that up…put us in Matrix position..that we either be controlled or do something…but then people will not bother so easier to just conform. The media has swayed everyone to think a certain way, without doing something, its easier for them to conform, ignorance is blisS. If one has chosen the hard road, you must be in it for the long haul, sink or swim. It's about deciding what you stand for and living for the cause. There can be no compromise. Murdoch's whole life is one big compromise. So what he has money. Money is power, it shouldn't be, but sadly it is.
Do people not want to see change in society? Do people not want the world to be different? Why do citizens put up with second hand thoughts, thinking and ways of life, I have just recently found out, fed to us through the media, we widely accept the portion of news we are given, yet we are the ones who are required to take steps toward change.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guXirzknYYE this link goes to a complete clip of the film Zeitgeist. follow it for an interesting view.
Hegemony- those in power, say who has power because they have power
Citizen journalism is key and I, for one, am mad.
I also came across this flyer for human rights around the uni which I found fascinating. It is interesting to note the passion and willingness to change exhibited by Dr Schloenhardt. It is called the human Trafficking Working Group.
Groups such as these always catch my attention and I don't understand why more is not done to raise awareness about these groups.
"Educating the public on human trafficking is crucial in preventing this heinous crime."
Dr Andreas Schloenhardt.
TC Beirne School of Law Associate.
The groups goal for 2012 is to launch an education awareness campaign to provide accurate information and correct common misconceptions about human trafficking. The campaign uses film, posters, postcards and presentations and will be launched mid-year.
Additionally, refugee action collective presents:
DARWIN CONVERGENCE REPORT-BACK MEETING.
This flyer caught my attention. It stated, Refugee activistsfrom all over Australia converged on Darwin (the detention capital) over the Easter weekend to expose the cruelty of the mandatory detention of asylum seekers (including children). The flyer invited the public to come and hear their stories, see their photos and view other exhibits and ask your questions.
Thus sadly, there is a lot of injustiuce in the world.
Although this is not all highly relevant to commcercial media, it does highlight some issues within issues, which I feel are a major concern.
http://www.news.com.au/world/its-all-over-the-webs-but-what-is-a-kony/story-e6frfkyi-1226292956990
Bruce also discussed challenges and the media's future. We were informed that when we return from mid-semester break, we will be looking at public media.
Now to reflect on an article I found more than worthy of a mention and discussion as being very helpful and interesting. It is soft and humane and draws the reader in to the scene, establishing the nature of the program and allowing for greater movement within the viewers mindset to be adjusted to see that they are in fact, accepted and do belong somewhere, at least- they do on Sunrise. Why, they belong on Sunrise. The viewer is clearly a part of the Sunrise family and this is portrayed through many aspects of the shows set, costume, hair, make-up and content. People want to be right there. As a viewer, the decor and scene draws you in and I for one was drawn in, merely reading the article. It was delightful.
The reading for the week, "The Content Makers- Understanding the Media in Australia" By Margeret Simons, is colourful and alive, providing interest and painting a colourful, moving picture of what a set might be like in media reporting. The story pulls you in, thoroughly engaging the reader, making you want to be thoroughly involved in the media world. The picture is a sunny one with plenty of joking, laughter and comical behaviour by all parties on the set and a keen rapport between work colleagues is highly evident.
This quote sums up the article well. "The content makers gives a visceral understanding of how modern media works. The content makers seeks to create hope and purpose for them, and their audiences in the future. It looks at new media also, giving a plain language explanation. It pinpoints faults and errors in each channel, and seeks ways to rectify this. The article focuses on audience's satisfaction with content and the way and/or extent that the program or channel promotes audience involvement. Channel 9's Sunrise provides for through audience involvement. As one women stated, she is part of the Sunrise family. She sees it free-to-air, live and is able to send in suggestions for show stories and is on camera daily behind the shows star's Kochie and Mel. This was very informative as it gives a glimpse into the real-life, colourful world of journalism and is very engaging to the audience. "I'm on t.v too" she said.
I was interested to note that in the tutorials this week, the article was picked up as being interesting by someone else also. My tutor, Carmel also noted in the tutorial today for week 7 that sunrise was very much a family show, collaborating with my above observation about the woman who was a guest on the show, stating she was part of the Sunrise family! I was shocked that Carmel noticed this too! I thought I was the only one to appreciate such a sense of belonging and home and family values the show provides for anyone craving a warm sunny morning at home with family. What a way to start the day! Sunrise clearly recognize this innate need ot belong or have a sense of beloning and work hard to emulate this and create a safe haven for viewers to watch and be incorporated into their family culture as they view and interact. Sunrise creates a sense of belonging for its viewers, which is a very very powerful tool, for gaining an audience making for repeated and effective viewing.
"Mel and kochie are an unlikely duo, but the partnership works well, as they work together to foster and create a sense of family, building a sense of belief and belonging around the show.' this quote from Carmel in the tutorial highlights the above mentioned observation of the woman who felt extremely included on the program, looking forward to her time to shine on T.V and longing to bring her stories to share to the table.
I knew the article was interesting prior to the tute and was surprised to hear it mentioned.
It was satisfying to discover that someone else appreciated the article and saw what I saw straight off in the article. I was definitely and immediately and strongly drawn to its family appeal and the sunshine portrayal of life the show invites its viewers to share with it in the mornings.
Portraying a sense of family and belonging is a very powerful tool in creating and keeping fans and viewers, because everybody likes and needs to sense and feel that sense of belonging. I noticed this was what they were doing, and Carmel re-iterated this. I felt this was the case already.
Creating this for viewers through a program, such as sunrise and presenting a sunshine ray to wake to. Clearly Sunrise has seen success from the avenue or aspect they have taken of attempting to foster and create a family environment....
I find this links to what i mentioned above earlier- it seems commercial media is rife with making people feel comfortable, loved and accepted. I found it very interesting to note that Carmel also noticed the article and thought it was interesting. I picked up on the family orientation and nature they were trying to create.
THE BOOK IN WHICH THE ARTICLE IS FEATURED
There is much analysis in the article between different channels. The article is descriptive and clear. I have focused on this alot. However, I drew much information and enjoyment from the article. "People are interested in the issues that lie behind the news", (Willis, p.103, Content Makers, Penguin Books) the article states, where as once it was crime which people were interested in. The articles contrasts channels coverage of different stories. i found it interesting to note that today, in a later tutorial, Carmel picked up on the article "The Content Makers." which I had liked also.
Simplicity in writing and telling a story is highlighted and the fact that people like things which are relevant to them. The article states that people are most interested in things of everyday life. (Simons, p 102, 2007) Willis is quoted in the article as stating that people trust journalists to tell them if the piece of news is really important. I found this to be an accurate explanation of our job as a journalist- to gain the audience's trust so that they can trust what you are telling them, whilst making it an enjoyable, engaging informative read. We were taught about the importance of upholding one's ethics in journalism practice and upholding best practice when writing, always reporting fact and truth, not just writing to please the crowd nor giving the audience what they want to hear.
Holding this type of conviction is very important for any journalist.
Willis states that Television cannot campaign in the way that newspapers can. (Willis in Simons, p. 103, 2007) I felt that I agreed with all this and could see it's relevance to journalism and reporting. The article detects the sight of blood as a turn-off for audiences. speaks of what works and what doesn't work and creates meaning from text. It also highlights in the text between channels and speaks of story order.
It is about competition, high human interest, and battle between stations. More than any other, this story has captivated me. I have included a link therefore to the pdf file of the article for viewers reference.
The story disects journalism. It not only speaks about the basics of journalism on paper, but it really gives insight into the hands-on human aspects which are tackled in the industry. It describes the day to day experience and gives thorough inside information into the world of journalism.
It is about theory and practicality.
This week also, I was fascinated to follow a front page article in the Courier Mail entitled "Culture Shifters". This article told about a young crowd who visit chopping centres weekly in order to pray for people. They see healings and have had people receive back their sight, among other miracles. See link for a clip from the mail on Sunday. It is a short video taken from dteailed article in the mail on awesome healings on Sunday. Very impressive, personal testimony of healing as seen in the Courier Mail on Sunday.
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/breaking-news
Another interesting factor to note regarding coimmcercial media were the phrases TSL (time spent listening) and TSW (time spent watching for t.v). The longer a prgram or station can keep a viewer or listener spending time in the show or porgram, the more advertising they can expose the viewer to.
Commercial media is a profit driven prduction. It is driven by audience ratings and advertising, subscriptions, sponsors and subsidies.
Least important