NEWSPAPERS: THE FUTURE OF JOURNALISM!

 

NEWSPAPERS: THE FUTURE OF JOURNALISM:

Part 1: Clay Shirky lecture

Why does Clay Shirky argue that 'accountability journalism' is so important and what example does he give of this?

Believes it is crucial for holding those in power accountable. For an example the Watergate scandal exposed political misconduct through investigate reporting by journalists Woodward and Bernstein.

What does Shirky say about the relationship between newspapers and advertisers? Which websites does he mention as having replaced major revenue-generators for newspapers (e.g. jobs, personal ads etc.)?

Shirky discusses the traditional relationship between newspapers and advertisers and how it has influenced the content and operation of newspapers. He argues that newspapers have historically relied heavily on advertising revenue, which has influenced their editorial decisions and content. However, with the rise of digital platforms, Shirky mentions websites like Craigslist and Google that have replaced classified ads and search advertising as major revenue generators for newspapers. This shift has had a significant impact on the financial sustainability of traditional newspapers.

Shirky talks about the 'unbundling of content'. This means people are reading newspapers in a different way. How does he suggest audiences are consuming news stories in the digital age?

Shirky suggests that audiences are consuming news stories in a more fragmented and personalized way in the digital age. With the unbundling of content, people have the freedom to choose specific articles or topics of interest rather than reading a whole newspaper. They can access news from various sources, follow specific journalists or topics, and receive personalized recommendations based on their preferences. This shift towards individualized consumption allows people to curate their own news experience and access information that aligns with their interests and viewpoints.

Shirky also talks about the power of shareable media. How does he suggest the child abuse scandal with the Catholic Church may have been different if the internet had been widespread in 1992?

If the internet had been widespread in 1992, Shirky suggests that the child abuse scandal with the Catholic Church may have been different due to the power of shareable media. The widespread use of the internet would have allowed for the rapid dissemination of information and the sharing of personal stories and experiences on a much larger scale. This could have potentially amplified the voices of survivors and brought attention to the issue much earlier, leading to increased public awareness and pressure for accountability. The ability to share information and stories online can have a significant impact on raising awareness and sparking conversations about important social issues.

Why does Shirky argue against paywalls? 

Shirky argues against paywalls because he believes that they limit access to information and hinder the potential for widespread sharing and engagement with news content. He suggests that in the digital age, people have come to expect free access to information online, and paywalls can discourage readership and limit the reach of news organizations. Shirky believes that news organizations should focus on finding alternative revenue models that embrace the digital landscape rather than relying solely on paywalls.

What is a 'social good'? In what way might journalism be a 'social good'?

Journalism is a 'social good' because it benefits society by providing information, promoting transparency, and holding those in power accountable. It empowers individuals and contributes to a more informed and engaged society.

Shirky says newspapers are in terminal decline. How does he suggest we can replace the important role in society newspapers play? What is the short-term danger to this solution that he describes?

Shirky suggests replacing newspapers with new digital platforms and citizen journalism, but acknowledges the short-term danger of misinformation.

Look at the first question and answer regarding institutional power. Give us your own opinion: how important is it that major media brands such as the New York Times or the Guardian continue to stay in business and provide news?

In my opinion, it is crucial for major media brands like the New York Times and the Guardian to stay in business and continue providing news. These brands have a long-standing reputation for journalistic integrity, rigorous fact-checking, and in-depth reporting. They play a vital role in holding those in power accountable, uncovering important stories, and providing a trusted source of information to the public. Without them, we would lose a valuable source of reliable news and a crucial check on institutional power.

Part 2: MM55 - Media, Publics, Protest and Power

Media Magazine 55 has an excellent feature on power and the media. Go to our Media Magazine archive, click on MM55 and scroll to page 38 to read the article Media, Publics, Protest and Power', a summary of Media academic Natalie Fenton’s talk to a previous Media Magazine conference. Answer the following questions:

What are the three overlapping fields that have an influence on the relationship between media and democracy?

• Political 
• Economic 
• Journalistic 

What is ‘churnalism’ and what issues are there currently in journalism?

'Churnalism' is when news articles are mostly just rehashed press releases. Current issues in journalism include misinformation, financial sustainability, bias, and corporate/political influence.

What statistics are provided by Fenton to demonstrate the corporate dominance of a small number of conglomerates? 

Fenton provides statistics that highlight the corporate dominance of a small number of conglomerates in the media industry. These statistics show that a handful of companies control a significant portion of media outlets, including television networks, radio stations, newspapers, and online platforms. This concentration of ownership can have implications for media diversity, independent journalism, and the variety of perspectives available to the public.

What is the 'climate of fear' that Fenton writes about in terms of politics and the media? 

The 'climate of fear' that Fenton writes about refers to the atmosphere created by the media and political discourse, where fear and anxiety are used as tools to manipulate public opinion and maintain control. It involves the sensationalization of issues, the amplification of threats, and the constant portrayal of danger. This climate of fear can shape public perceptions, influence policy decisions, and have long-lasting effects on society.

Fenton finishes her article by discussing pluralism, the internet and power. What is your opinion on this crucial debate - has the internet empowered audiences and encouraged democracy or is power even more concentrated in the hands of a few corporate giants?

The internet has given us access to diverse voices, but there are concerns about power concentration in the hands of a few corporate giants.