Reading Diary Week 8: Researching Cultural and Media Industries

This week’s final topic looks into researching media and cultural industries. Researching cultural studies is important as it can answer many questions of debates such as, what power does PR hold over journalism? Or what role does technology play into journalism? Thus, why it is important to study media and cultural studies to be able to answer these questions. I read ‘How to do media and cultural studies’ (Stokes, 2003, Chapter 4) and ‘Media Culture: Cultural studies, Identity and Politics between the Modern and Post-Modern’ (Kellner, 2003).

Media and cultural studies can be defined as ‘its main function the production, or distribution of art, entertainment or info’ (Stokes, 2003, p.101). Stokes and Kellner both look at how Marx’s work looks into cultural industries. For example, media culture shapes class, race, ethnicity as Marx’s work highlights the social structure reflected in culture.

Kellner definition is that ‘media culture has emerged in which images, sounds and spectacles help produce the fabric of everyday life’ (2003,p.1). Unlike Stokes, Kellner argues that media and cultural studies indicate the idea of power, success, un-powerful and unsuccessful. I do agree with the point made by Kellner as media and cultural industries have made organisations powerful, but also some have become unsuccessful. For example, Rupert Murdoch is a significant example of being powerful due to the media and cultural industries. However, small traditional newspaper companies have fallen victim to cultural and media  industries and have become less powerful and unsuccessful, due to rise of the digital age. Kellner and Stokes both argue that media culture can be seen a technology culture, due to the advancement of the digital age.

Both readings proved to be useful, however Stokes went into detail how to research cultural and media. Whereas, Kellner gave examples of social media power in cultural and media industries.

To investigate this topic further, I would conduct research into how journalism industry has changed due to technology, by analysing primary and secondary sources. I would conduct and rhetoric analysis.

Bibliography:

• Kellner, D (2003 ). Media Culture: Cultural Studies, Identity and Politics Between the Modern and the Post-modern. 2nd ed. London: Routledge
• Stokes, J (2003). How to do media & cultural studies. London: SAGE

Reading Diary Week 7: Poltical Economy of Journalism

This week topic focuses on political economy in journalism. Political economy can be defined as a study to show how economic and political factors shape social and cultural life. Mosco defines political economy as ‘the study of social relations…which constitute the production, distribution and consumption of resources’ (1996). To enhance my understanding of political economy of journalism, I read ‘The Political Economy of ‘New’ News Environment’ (Freedman, 2010) and Media Studies: Texts, Production, Context (Long and Wall, 2012, Chapter 5, p.168-185).

One of Freedman’s main arguments is that traditional news is facing a crisis. Freedman uses theorist Wolff to help support his argument, as he argues that newspapers, magazines and news channels ‘are in danger because younger audiences are deserting them’ for the ‘interactivity of the internet’ (Wolff, 2007).  The advances of the digital age make me questions the economic strains  journalists face because of this.  For example, many choose to consume news through online platforms as it is free, accessible and quicker, rather than paying a magazine or newspaper. Traditional newspapers and magazine update their content weekly or monthly, whereas the internet is soon as new news breaks it is reported. In the reading it is further suggested that traditional news has lost their right in delivering ‘the world to their audiences’ (2010,p.35), as internet has surpassed traditional news outlets.

I also read a chapter from Long and Wall which focuses on the approaches of political economy. Long and Wall and Freedman highlight the competition in journalism as Long and Wall argue ‘media organisations compete with each other for audience’ (2012, p.173). This is true as traditional news outlets are competing with online journalism for audience.  Freedman, however reinforces the challenges faced by newspapers, unlike Long and Wall, as Freedman suggests that newspapers are ‘forced to adapt and evolve’ due to the digital age (2010, p.48).

When comparing the two readings, I found the reading by Freedman to be more helpful and of use to me when enhancing my knowledge of political economy on journalism. The reading looked at the economic strains faced by traditional newspaper outlets due to the advancements of the digital age. I found that the reading by Freedman was easy to understand and was explained well. The reading by Long and Wall was helpful in some ways, as it highlighted competition in journalism, but it could have focused and explained more about political economy, so I preferred the reading by Freedman more.

To investigate further, I will conduct an analysis on how political economy has improved online journalism platforms.

Bibliography:

• Freedman,D (2010), The Political Economy of ‘New’ News Environment’ in Natalie Fenton, (ed) New Media, Old News. London: Sage Publications

• Long, P and Wall, T (2012) Media Studies: Texts, Production, Context, 2^nd edition, Routledge, New York pp.305

Reading Diary Week 5: Political Communication and News Management

Political communication is significant in society, as we are constantly surrounded by it in the media, through press conferences, news media coverage and political speeches. Swanson and Nimmo define political communication as ‘the strategic use of communication to influence public knowledge’ (1990). To enhance my understanding I read ‘Spinning the war: How PR Made the First Gullf War’ (Tynan, 2011, p.147-152). I also read ‘Political Communication in Media Society’ (Habermas, 2006, p.411-423).

Tynan highlights the importance of journalism and PR on modern warfare and limitations faced by journalists. During the war in Saudi Arabia, Tynan highlights the tight restrictions faced by journalists. Journalists weren’t allowed to report on ‘number of troops, planes, supplies’ and ‘future plans’ (2011, p.150). There are still some restrictions in journalism now in warfare, as journalists still can’t report from frontline. This affects news management, as journalists are restricted to what they can report, thus viewers are only aware of certain information which has been reported on. Another main point from the reading was the emergence of press pools during Vietnam. Press pools allowed a ‘small number of reporters are given access to gather information’, which is then ‘shared with other members of the pool’ (Tyran, 2011, p.148).

Habermas argued that politicians, political parties and pressure groups are ‘shaped by mass media’ (2006, p.415). This is true through the forms of propaganda and political campaigns. One of Habermas key arguments is that political communication is ‘driven by the power of media’ (2006,p.415), which shapes and presents messages to audiences. For example, messages conveyed through party political broadcast messages or through news media such as Sky News. Thus Habermas suggesting political communication is a powerful force in the media.

When comparing the two readings, Habermas and Tynan both argue political communication is powerful and is ‘carried on by an elite’ (Habermas, 2006, p.416). I found both readings to be useful in my understanding of political communication. However, Habermas didn’t focus on news management, so I preferred the reading by Tynan as it helped me to understand both political communication and news management and how journalists were restricted and affected.

To investigate this topic further, I will look at how news management affects journalists and the ways in which they try to gather information through restrictions posed on them, I will conduct a rhetorical analysis. I will analyze news media coverage and I would possibly follow 2 or 3 journalists to find out this information. I will analyze their tweets, what stories they cover by analyzing news articles.

Bibliography:

• Habermas, J (2006) Political Communication in Media Society, onlinelibrary.wiley.com (viewed 26.3.15)
• Tynan, L (2011) ‘Spinning the War: How PR Made the First Gulf War’ in  Bainbridge, J. et al (eds.)Media & Journalism, 2^nd edition, S. Melbourne: Oxford University Press,

Reading Diary Week 4: Promotional Culture

 

The topic of focus this week will discuss promotional culture and how it is relevant in journalism and PR. Promotional culture can be defined as a ‘cultural phenomena’ which ‘communicates a promotional message’ (Wernick, 1991). I read ‘Public Relations’ (Miller, 2010, p.120-139) and ‘The Toxic Sludge’ (Stauber, 1995), to help me understand promotional culture in the media.

Miller looked at the issues around PR strategies such as promotional culture. The use of public relations and promotional culture highlight the importance of public opinion. The reading suggested that marketing techniques are used in politics, such as propaganda and party campaign posters. Miller argues that ‘media strategies have helped to sell government policies’ (2010, p. 130). I instantly think of political party broadcasts, propaganda and posters, this would be a form of PR and not journalism.

Stauber also looked at promotional culture in media and focused more on public relations like Miller. Stauber points out that ‘PR has become a communications medium in its own right’ (1995, p.2). Thus suggesting, the increase amount of promotional strategies in our society from promoting political leaders and promoting movies through posters and reviews. A high amount of promotional culture affects our society and as Staube suggest alters perceptions.

The readings were helpful as they explained the use of promotional culture, but not through journalism. When reading the two texts, I was able to get a clear insight how strong promotional culture is. We are constantly surrounded by images, signs and symbols, which in some way or form try to influence us to either buy something, vote or watch. It alerts me how much advertising ethos there is in the media. I personally believe that this high use of promotional culture can come across borderline manipulation. This is because we are surrounded everyday signs and images trying to sell us something. Sometimes, we may not be fully aware of this to notice.

I will investigate this topic further by analysing Total Film Magazines film reviews and how promotional strategies used to influence readers to watch a film?

Bibliography:

• Miller, D (2010) ‘Public Relations’ in Daniele Albertazzi and Paul Cobley (eds.) (2010) The Media. An Introduction. Harlow, Essex: Pearson.
• Staube, J (1995) ‘Toxic Sludge is good for you:lies,damn lies and the public relations industry, United States, Common Courage Press, 1^st edition

Reading Diary Week 3: Impact of digital media on Journalism

I read The Future of Journalism: Networked Journalism, (Castells et al 2012) to enhance my understanding of the impact digital media on journalism. I also read a report conducted by Oriella PR Network, which looked at digital journalism (2013).

Castells et al sets to find out why journalism is in crisis, even though technology has brought on positive changes such as the use of online tools. The key points made by Castells et al, are that media companies need to be innovative and change with the times in order to remain profitable. For example, newspaper companies need to produce online content as well, as audiences consume internet more than print, as online allows easier, quicker access which is free.  Castells et al seems to focus on the pressures and crisis faced by journalists due to technology, whereas that report shows that journalists find technology useful in helping them to build their online profiles, get news out quicker and to gather sources.

The report which surveyed over 500 journalists looked at the impact and role of digital media in journalism. The report didn’t seem to portray the digital media as a crisis to journalists, unlike the reading by Castells et al. The report looked at how print newspapers are adapting to technology, such as The Independant, who publish online content. One of the results from the survey conducted by Oriella PR Network was that 51% of journalists use platforms such as Facebook ‘to gather news stories’(p.6, 2013). This makes me think that there is a possible decline quality of writing, which is highlighted by Castells et al, due to heavy reliance of the internet.  The report made me question how technology will further improve and the new forms of interactive journalism.

I found the report to be more useful in my understanding of digital media’s impact on journalism, as statistics were used and the journalists were surveyed. I was able to get a clear insight on how digital media has impacted the journalists’ ways of working. I found the reading by Castells to be useful in a way, as I was able to see the ways the journalists gathered information and possible crisis faces. However, I found it to be too negative on journalism and not focus on the advantages as well.

To investigate further, I would conduct research into finding out how the digital media has affected PR companies.

Bibliography:

• Manuel Castells et al. (2012) ‘The Future of Journalism: Networked Journalism’, International Journal of Communication 6, http://ijoc.org
• Oriella PR Network Study (2013)

Reading Diary week 2: Power in the media

 

This week focused on the role of power in the media. The texts that I looked at were ‘A compromised fourth estate?’ (Lewis et al, pp. 1-20, 2008) and (Long and Wall, 2012, chapter 10). Lewis et al looked at the pressures faced by journalists, as they rely on ‘pre-packaged’ sources provided by the PR industry. This leads me to question the quality and independence of journalists, as they are relying on ‘PR-isation’ instead of scrutinizing facts and finding the information. From the text, I gathered that Lewis et al main point of argument was that there is no longer journalism, as stories are being ‘churned out’. Thus, suggesting the idea of blurred lines between factual reporting and narrative.

To further my understanding of power I read a section from Long and Wall, who argue there are 2 forms of power ‘physical force’ and ‘force of ideas’ (2012, p.346). They also suggest that the media can make you powerful. A well known example of this would be Rupert Murdoch, who owns Sky and News International. When reading, I noticed Long and Wall put forward different theoretical approaches of power such as Marx, who suggests the elite ‘exercised its own power in oppressing those required to maintain its status’ (2012, p.354). Thus, Marx relates power to social class rather than people.

When comparing the 2 readings, Long and Wall looked at Gramsci and Althusser’s understanding of power, in an attempt to look at power in a broad scope in terms of political and economical power in the media, compared to Lewis et al. For example, Grmasci’s theory of hegemony outlines political power, as ‘the oppress accept’ (Long and Wall, 2012, p.354). I also noticed when comparing the 2 readings that Lewis et al didn’t mention new media power and discourse of power, unlike Long and Wall. I found the reading of Long and Wall more useful and engaging as they looked at power in many ways such as political and economical. They also used key theorists such as Marx, Foucault and Althusser, which I proved to be helpful.

To investigate further, I would look at how power affects print and online journalism. I would use relevant theorists and primary, secondary sources such as articles, websites and interviews to help me conduct this research.

Bibliography:

• Justin Lewis et al. (2008) “A Compromised Fourth Estate? UK News Journalism, Public Relations and News Sources” Journalism Studies, Vol.9, Issue 1 pp. 1-20

• Long, Paul and Wall, Tim (2012) Media Studies: Texts, Production, Context, 2^nd edition, Routledge, New York pp.305

Reading diary week 1: Journalism and PR relationship

We as media professionals must be able to understand the turbulent relationship between journalists and PR practitioners and understand the challenges they face when getting stories into the news.

I read 2 texts to try and improve my understanding of the relationship between the 2 industries. Firstly, News journalism and public relations: a dangerous relationship (Moloney, Jackson and McQueen, 2013, p.259-276). The text offers an insight into the relationship between the two professions. Moloney et al talked about the challenges journalists’ face, such as finding news that ‘retains critical distance from its sources’(2013, p.259).  Journalists result to ‘churnalism’, where press releases are lifted and published to make news. Another challenge faced is newspapers are losing trust from its readers, as Moloney et al argues this is due to the Leveson inquiry and phone hacking scandal.

In comparison, I also read Public Relations and Journalism: Truth, Trust, Transparency and Integrity (Davies, 2008, p. 2-19). Similarly, the main focus was on the relationship between journalism and PR. Davies and Moloney et al use the term PR-isation. Moloney et al uses the term ‘Pr-isation’ as another example to show how significant journalists rely on PR material. This leads me to question the role of journalists. Journalists are meant to scrutinize and find facts, however they aren’t able to do this if they are resulting to ‘churnalism’ and ‘Pr-isation’. It also leads me to think that journalists are lazy due to heavy relying on PR sources.  Davies and Moloney et al highlight the growth of the PR industry.  PR practitioners are seen as ‘paid mouth and spin doctor intent on promoting clients interests’ (Davies, 2008, p.2).

I found the reading by Moloney et al t to have been more negative towards journalism and made me think differently about how journalists do their job. I found Moloney et al to be favourable to the PR industry. I was engaged more in Davies’s reading as I found soft and hard journalism and Pr interesting and made me think more about the relationship between the 2. Moloney et al failed to mention soft and hard journalism and PR.

To investigate further, I will look at how does churnalism and pr-isation strain the relationship between journalism and PR? I will conduct a rhetoric analysis and use primary sources such as press releases.

 

Bibliography:

• Davies, F (2008). Public Relations and Journalism: Truth, Trust, Transparency and Integrit, Linoln, University of Lincoln
•  Moloney, K, Jackson, Daniel and McQueen, David (2013). News journalism and public relations: a dangerous relationship, 1^st edition, Bournemouth, Centre for Journalism & Communication Research