NDM case study: News on the Tweet

News on the Tweet

1) Why are respected news brands good news for Twitter?

They like to follow the news as it happens; allowing the news to be broken on Twitter so that they both enjoy Twitter and the news at the same time. They also like, having debates and discovering like-minded people who share similar values and ideologies as yourself. The presence of news brands provide an important service such as, 61% f Twitter users state they like to follow news as it happens, News breaks on Twitter than anywhere else and also, 56% say Twitter gives the audiences a chance to join in on the debate and share their points. 

2) Why in turn is Twitter good for respected news brands?

Twitter is a platform where professionals and youngsters can deliver straight to the point messages and is a good way of getting content across through to the trending isle using the hashtag button. This is one of the reasons why Twitter is good for respected news brands. It allows stories to go more viral and read by millions of Twitter users as well as it being ab platform to actually interact with fellow customers/the fan-base. 

3) The report suggests that old and new media “are not, in fact, in direct competition, but often work extremely well together to enhance both the media eco-system and the consumer experience”. What evidence do they provide to support this idea? Do you agree with it?

I do agree to some extent, but it is more of a competition rather than a good thing for news companies. I agree with the fact that their is a lot of revenue combined from both print and online when consumers take in the news. However, it doesn't block out the fact that online is harming print and is continuing to do so. This gives off an everlasting affect that the online world has done more bad than good when it comes to news corporations. 

4) On page 24/25 of the report, the focus turns to 'gossip' or 'banter'. What example tweets from journalists are used to illustrate this? 

5) Do you think the increasing amount of 'gossip' or 'banter' is harming the reputation of news and journalists?

I do believe that gossip and funny jokes are things that can harm journalists. The problem doesn't necessarily mean it is Twitter that is at fault, it is the media platform- the internet. Any post be it a typo or wrong information will leave its digital footprint which in turn can act as a way to ruin the reputation of any news brand and has done so in the past

6) What does the report say about trust in Twitter and journalists (look at pages 34-39)?

7) Do you think new and digital media developments such as Twitter have had a positive or negative impact on traditional newspapers?

I believe that there has been both a good and bad impact. The reasons why Twitter has become a good platform from traditional news paper companies is because it is the only appropriate social media site that actually allows users to interact with them and actually be notified when a post has gone up. It gives a safety for the number of people who are going to read their latest story as it has been sent to their subscribers account. On the other hand, Twitter has had some negative impacts on news corporations such as complaints. People who have a complaint or demand answers from these institutions essentially have more power and authority over them when using Twitter as they are viewed by other fellow Twitter followers who follow the same institution. This essentially can instigate a matter and turn it really badly.

8) Finally, how can we link this report to the vital current debate regarding fake news and Facebook? Do traditional news brands need protecting to ensure there are sources we can trust?

I believe that the more sources that are trust worthy, it will be a good way of helping new brands in the future when creating stories or publishing them. Currently, Facebook isn't currently a safe place for news brands to collect stories or information in general. Sites like social media need to be much safer and only then can the protection be lifted to allow news corporations to take use of these sites.

NDM News: end of unit index & NDM Stories

Updated Index Page & Stories

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


NDM Stories: 

# 1   NDM one:   Ant and Dec's £ 30 million deal

# 2   NDM two:   Snapchat TV

# 3   NDM Three:   Windscreen smashing caught on video

# 4   NDM Four:   $ 1 million investment in YouTube creators

#5 DNM five: Phones changing the way we shop

# 6   NDM Six:   Social media portrayal online

#7 NDM seven: Kim Kardashian changing her online portrayal after robbery

# 8   NDM Eight:   England manager scandal

# 9   NDM Nine:   Netflix dodging UK tax

#10 NDM ten: Clown craze all over the world

# 11 NDM eleven: Print Sales Hold Steady

# 12 NDM Twelve: Journalism on the Rise 

# 13 NDM thirteen: sexting and Teenagers

# 14 NDM fourteen: Government spying

# 15 NDM fifteen: Telegraph paywall

# 16 NDM Sixteen: Digital Evidence Importance

# 17 Seventeen NDM: Google Fake News

# 18 NDM eighteen: Social Media Banners

# 19 NDM nineteen: Ending Violence Against Women

# 20 NDM twenty: Obama and Fake News

# 21 NDM twenty one: Blogger turned fashion brand

#22 NDM twenty two: Casey Neistat sells business to CNN

# 23 NDM twentythree: Defriend everyone on FB

#24 NDM twenty four: New Zealand needs journalists

NDM News: Globalisation and fake news

Fake News and Globalisation

The Guardian & the global problem of fake news

1) What similarities do you notice between the different countries outlined in the article and their problems with fake news?

The main similarity seen amongst those countries in terms of fake news, is that it is believed. There has been a rise in fake news all over the country, for example, Germany had an instance where a 13 year old girl was legibly 'raped' by middle eastern immigrants. This was later shut down by the police of Germany, however the point is, is that these countries have been hit hard with such fake news that it is believed as the case study mentioned previously had resulted in riots taking place.


2) Is fake news an inevitable consequence of the "culture of freedom and innovation" that the internet has brought with it? Is there a way to stop it?

I do believe that to a large extent the internet will provide an inevitable leeway for people all over the world to share their values and ideologies through the content they publish. The internet has given audiences so much power, that it has been exploited to such an extent that people wish they never had the internet. Although the internet has provided us with nothing but more information/consumption and production, it has ultimately created a new form of cons. People simply because they have the 'freedom' to do it, will take advantage of this source and use it. And I believe the one way to stop such content is for Google to hire companies to motorise each post, fact checking them before they go on to the web. This will essentially make the internet a much reliable place than it currently is and people will have no choice but to stop posting false info.


New York Times and the creation of fake news

1)  Which fake news stories were particularly successful for Beqa Latsabidze, the 22-year-old student in Tbilisi, Georgia, who tried to make money from web articles on Trump? 

The one news story/agenda that soared views and ad revenue was stories related to the US presidential election. Not just any news about the election, news that specifically targeted Donald Trump and making stories about what he'd do if he 'won' the election. This student had essentially hit a 'goldmine' of things to talk about regarding his 'fake news' even John Egan had been faced with the desire to do the same. With the use of wider knowledge the student knew that the US election and particular Donald Trump were the 'hot topic' on every ones mind and any news that came with that regard would receive tremendous coverage by audiences and institutions. By taking what people are sensitive to, and creating stories based off of them, he essentially made money through his fake news scheme. 


2) How much can Facebook and Google be blamed for this global rise in fake news?

I do not believe that these 'big' institutions are to be blamed for any of these large atrocities of fake news flourishing. They are simply the network, they create a pathway for people to get the information, not to directly produce information and give it out. Ir is essentially a platform for us, to share our views and values. However, this 'freedom' has been exploited and rather it being the platform itself being blamed (which in this case is FB and Google), the blame should be on the users who use the option to share content but don't proof-read their work. There are so many users on both platforms that it will be difficult to monitorise each and every post made in order to check if they are all factually correct. I do believe that it is less of the institutions fault and is more of the users fault as they are the ones essentially who are creating this content and publishing it for the whole world to see.

Mest 3 Essay: Learner Response

Learner Response & Feedback

Feedback:

WWW: This is a more than solid response that shows critical autonomy, research and some relevant examples. You’ve clearly covered both sides of the argument and explored the impact on audiences and institutions. 

EBI: One initial point – you’ve made a couple of errors that you need to revise and ensure you don’t make in future. Firstly, when you say ‘Society was under the influence of Marxism’ that is misleading – it suggests people believed in Marxism which is certainly not the case. I think you mean that traditional institutions had the power so a Marxist would say this is an example of the elite controlling society. Secondly, the Daily Mail does not have any kind of paywall – were you thinking of the Telegraph? You need to get these things right!

Learner Response: Create a list of key revision topics from our new/digital case study work this term based on your essay and feedback above. Revise these topics over Christmas for your January MEST 3 Section B assessment.

- Write at least one more well-developed paragraph on the question above as part of your revision.

Question: The development of new/digital media means the audience is more powerful in terms of consumption and production. Discuss the arguments for and against this view

One reason why the development of new/digital media has made audiences more powerful in terms of consumption and production is because of the many doors the internet has opened for consumers to do the same things, if not, better than what institutions have been doing for years. The ability to share and challenge views made by institutions content is something that hasn't had an effect till now. People would generally believe that the news and powerful institutions are truthful and their content is 'real'. What new and digital media has done, is broken that barrier of false reality, and allowed consumers to live in an age where they are not being spoon fed countless and fake information like they previously would. Institutions would exploit their power by putting their ideologies (politically)b in their news stories in order to make their readers value and share that same perception. What digital media has done above all, is it has given consumers the chance to be producers of content rather than just being active consumers. Platforms such as YouTube, Vimeo and Facebook are all part of the same concept, to create content for other people's enjoyment, similar to how a large and powerful institutions would do their content. In addition, consumers have broken the wall of staying passive, as the internet has made researching far more convenient than ever with a simply click of a button. Why is this important? Well, consumers have access to the World Wide Web (WWW), which intern allows them to view other sources and if they come across one piece of news they can quickly see if what they have been reading is true. This makes audiences very powerful in terms of consumption as they have become more active simply because information and data is only one click away.

Chosen Topics:

• Globalisation
• Citizen Journalism
• Decline in News Paper Industry
• Marxism and Pluralism
• Hegemony

NDM: Why New Zealand's journalists should push for a new form of ownership

Why New Zealand's journalists should push for a new form of ownership

Link: https://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2016/dec/07/why-new-zealands-journalists-should-push-for-a-new-form-of-ownership

Summary:

This article shows the need for journalists in News Zealand than anywhere in the world. Kiwi had tried to sell off its assets, however they decided to re-format themselves in hope that they receive more retained sales. They then decided to merge with radio and e-commerce businesses to create a unified media company called NZME.

Statistics:

• single business controlling 90% of the daily newspaper market
• he second highest concentration of print media ownership in the world, behind only China

Own view:

I do think that the examples shown in the article about Kiwi trying to change their brand identity to appeal to the new information-esk market is what exactly is happening all over the world. Businesses are trying to change from being a broadsheet newspaper to a more e-commerce media institution which is exactly what the big name institutions for news have done. 

NDM: Defriend everyone on Facebook if you really want to see the world as it is

Defriend everyone on Facebook if you really want to see the world as it is

Link: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/dec/04/facebook-creates-political-apathy-shake-things-up-defriend-everyone-who-agrees-with-you

Summary:

The article is about a man who talks about his experiences using Facebook. He goes talks about how he had made friends with people who share the same ideologies and values as he does, so that he can relate to them more. The main point of the article is for people to have a mixture of friends on social media and not the same people who have similar opinions as you do. 

Statistics:

N/A

Own view:

I believe that there is a need for everyone to experience having friends and be around people who do not share their same view point. That is essentially is the 'real' world, where there are many people from different experiences communicating with each other.If you do not have these experiences you are essentially living in a virtual world where there is no reality, as reality is completely different to the online world. 

Globalisation

Media Magazine: Globalisation case study

1) Why was Google Glass controversial?

The major thing that made Google Glass controversial was the fact that users/customers were afraid that the glass's (due to their 5 megapixel camera) were recording everything they were looking at, their locations and invading their privacy. Furthermore, it is said that the device has the capability to record the user's conversation, meaning it can record conversations (can be without the user's consent) which will be breaching privacy policies.


2) What are the positive elements to Globalisation that the article highlights?

One of the major positive elements is the fact that wider audience can have access to the internet. For example, Google had launched various balloons which had internet antennas attached to them, what this did was it gave some parts of New Zealand (which do not have internet access) the ability to access the internet for the first time. Another positive factor is that it will allow individuals to make informed decisions.3) What are potential negatives to Globalisation?

There will be way too much competition on the online servers, that smaller companies who have the intention to break that barrier, cannot simply do so due to the more dominant firms taking majority of the market share. For example, companies such as Amazon or Ebay are businesses that dominate the shopping market in the online world, making it nearly impossible for smaller firms to compete with them due to the stronger branding and powerful publicity the internet can offer.


4) What is a techno-panic? How does it link to moral panics?

Issues with the privacy of the device has risen some concerns. The device has the ability to record ones voice and sound nearby as well as record the movement of the user. What is worrying, is that firms such as Google are now trying to invade peoples privacy with the new products their create. This is clearly evident with the Google Glass product, as it has the camera qualities and sound recording mode.


5) What is your opinion on the privacy debate and major corporations being able to access large 
quantities of personal data?

I believe that us consumers have to be aware of this technological crisis and need to tackle it in a suitable manor. For example, boycotting the product (and has seen to be quite successful in the past) where the business is inclined to listen to the views of the users and take that forward. Its quote common that privacy invasion has occurred ever since the internet was born, and with every new and fresh technology device, comes a new way of breaching privacy policy for example, finger print scanning. Or even GPS data, these are all things that are 'good' in the eyes of the consumers, but is valuable for the big institutions. 

Media Factsheet: Globalisation and capitalism

1) Who coined the phrase 'a global village' and what multinational companies illustrate this?

The Global Village concept was developed by Marshall McLuhan and is where countries become interconnected  and independent especially in economic terms. An example of multinational companies that illustrate this idea of 'global village' would be news paper organisation such as the BBC. These online newspapers have had a tremendous impact on the print paper institutions making them shut down rapidly.


2) What role does Slavoj Zizek suggest the media plays in global capitalism? How can you link this to our previous work on Marxism and Hegemony? 

Capitalism is when there is no free movement of goods and service's with other countries, and 'only' occurs within the country keeping its domestic businesses safe and money within the economy. The reason this links to Marxism is the fact that big named institutions are exploiting the liberal classes in the West by drawing up a perception of helping the 'endangered world' through their brand image. This is clearly linked to Marxism as the powerful ones at the top of the chain want to control the minds of the lower class and gain revenue from it.

3) What does 'capitalism with a conscience' mean? 

Global media has raised awareness about social issues, but in order to sustain (to keep hold of) Western capitalist dominance, institutions have created a marketing campaign that construct this idea of 'capitalism with a conscience'.


4) What is the (PRODUCT) RED campaign? 

it was created to engage the private sector in raising awareness and funds to help eliminate AIDS in Africa.

The RED Brand is not a product in itself, rather it is a brand licensed to partner companies such as Nike, American Express (UK), Apple Inc, Starbucks, Converse, Bugaboo, Penguin Classics (UK & International), Gap, Emporio Armani, Hallmark (US) and Dell.

5) Based on what you've read in the Factsheet, what is YOUR opinion of the (PRODUCT) RED brand? Is it a positive force helping to fight AIDS in Africa or a cynical attempt to make multinational companies look more ethical than they actually are? 

I believe it is a good way of trying to tackle diseases such as aids, however does have elements of where it is trying to build this 'capitalism with a  conscience-esk' theme. The idea of aiming at all these big name institutions really delivers a message that, that's who they ultimately want to partner with, and not any of the lower charity organisations. It may be that they want to ensure that big corporations play their part in sharing their profit for better change, but their is that side of the argument where it can seem as a cynical way of trying make the institutions seem more ethical by slapping the charity brand over their sponsors.  

NDM News: Globalisation

Globalisation and news

1) Is our news influenced by American cultural imperialism? Give some examples arguing for or against this perspective.

• Agree: The way news is presented e.g. 24 hour news (first developed by CNN)
• Disagree: American T.V has ratings whereas British TV doesn't
• Disagree: Clickbait is being adopted by British institutions such as the BBC (celebrity articles)
• Agree: News and institutions are owned by a few billionaires (influencing their ideologies/values)
• Disagree: British news is world wide coverage whereas American is national
• Agree: Stories such Brexit being similar to American election (in terms of value and significance)

2) Has the increased globalisation of news improved the audience experience? How? Why?

• Agree: People can get more news stories (from around the world)
• Disagree: Create moral panics (Donald Trump)= American politics is world politics (affects everyone)
• Disagree: Come at the cost of local news e.g. Ealing Gazette 

3) Has globalisation benefited or damaged major news institutions? How? Why?

• Negative: Google/Facebook has tarnished news institutions, taking their revenue
• Benefit: Free content for institutions= citizen journalism
• Negative: citizen journalism can be fake
• Negative: citizen journalism is the loss of control
• Benefit: Can get content online (no need for staff). They can cover the world cheaper due to technological advances 

Pluralist paragraph

Pluralist Perspective Paragraph

However, a pluralist perspective would argue that we live in a classless society. One where there is no control made by the elite, and is simply in the hands of the people within the society. The creation of the internet has allowed the spectrum to shift for a Marxist society to a pluralist society as the people have a voice to go up against those at the top. As Briggs and Burke said "the most important medium of the twentieth century". This is absolutely right as it is thanks to the internet that society now has a voice, a bigger voice to challenge big institutions and figure heads in the media. New and digital platform has brought about change of authority and has made the audience more dominant. That is why there has been a significant shift in the Marxist perspective because the elite are being challenged and can no longer inflict their ideologies to keep society under control. In fact, it is the opposite way now, where it is the elite who are losing control and are losing the ability to maintain society. For example, figure heads have now developed from society let alone the elite such as, YouTuber's. These are people who interact with other people by creating videos and generally reach over 5 million active followers. These single people can have a major influence on institutions. If they have a problem, or have experienced injustice, they can call out the elite have a major impact on them. This shows how pluralism is more of the dominant in today's society as there is little, if not, any prejudice towards different classes because it simply does not exist anymore for people to care about.

NDM: Chiara Ferragni – how a ‘crazy blogger’ turned her life into a shop window

Chiara Ferragni – how a ‘crazy blogger’ turned her life into a shop window

Link: https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2016/nov/29/chiara-farragni-blogger-the-blonde-salad-socia-media-style-posts-multi-million-pound-business

Summary:

Chiara Farragni, also known as The Blonde Salad has started blogging in 2009, documenting camera-ready personal life etc. 7 years later she has received over 7.3 million followers via Instagram, 1.2 million likes on FB and 14 million page views per month on her website. She is now selling everything from suitcases to stilletos designed by herself. There is even custom boots that have also been designed by Farragni which includes her signature logo.

Statistics:

• 7.3 million followers via Instagram
• 1.2 million likes on Facebook
• 14 million page views per month on her website

Own view:

New and digital media has created another pro for itself. It goes to show, that this new media platform can also offer career opportunities to the users who use it. There have been many successes via the internet where dozens of people have gotten successful via YouTube or even just viral videos. It actually creates a figure head who can become just as powerful (if not even bigger) than other organisations. One person on the internet can have access to over 1.2 million, whereas a business with over 2,000 outlets can gain over 1.2 million customers. It goes to show that the digital age has given the ability to users to not only consume the news they like, but also create their own, they can be the voice of the people and can actually pose a threat to big institutions, which is why they are a target for a partnership deal.    

NDM: YouTueb Star Casey Neistat has been bought by CNN

YouTube Sensation Bought by CNN for $25 Million 

Link: http://www.highsnobiety.com/2016/11/28/casey-neistat-cnn-partner-project/

Summary:

YouTube sensation Casey Neistat had previously created his own social media-esk app, called BEME. It is essentially an app where followers (and the general public) could share a video for a certain amount of time, by simply holding down the censor on the phone to record. Since Casey had reached a large audience that institutions (to this day) still cant get a grip of; the youth. Casey's prime audience is the young generation and CNN- in order to attract this audience has partnered up with Casey by buying his social media business for $25 million in hope that they will create their own media brand which will target and attract the young demographic.

Statistics:

• Sold BEME for $25 million
• Has over 5 million YouTube subscribers

Own view:

I believe this seems like the future for institutions. New and digital media platforms has created the gap in the market to obtain the young generation; something that can grasp hold of their attention and actually entertain them rather than giving them something that they should watch. There have been many partnership's with YouTuber's by big named institutions in order to help them gain the audience that these 'figure heads' have. Another example, is Fouseytube. Yousef has had the pleasure of starring in his own Hollywood film. This wasn't simple a random pick. The institution looked at his audience with under 10 million subscribers. 

Marxism & Pluralism Essay

Marxism & Pluralism Essay

Q: The development of new/digital media means the audience is more powerful in terms of consumption and production. Discuss the arguments for and against this view.

New and digital media has created a range of opportunities to the public and to businesses. It has brought not only media potential, by togetherness within the world. However, new and digital media platform has brought about changes, changes that seemed impossible to attain until now and this will be discussed within this essay.

Audiences have become more powerful in terms of consumption and production to a large extent. This is because, big institutions can no longer inflict their dominance and power over audience members as they used to. Institutions such as businesses and media organisations used to manipulate audience members to purchase a product or consume a piece of news without having the time to challenge them. For example, a news institution like The Sun could inflict their own ideologies regarding politics and it will simply be consumed by passive consumers. However the tables have turned to such an extent, that there has essentially been a power reversal. Audience members have the ability to speak out, and not to be the passive consumers that they once were and institutions have realised this. In fact, institutions who abused their power by inflicting their ideologies upon their consumer base has left a tremendous impact on their survival as an industry as a whole. Audience's trying to gain news about the outside world seemed to be a necessity, something that they must obtain, now they can access news for free and can essentially continue to get what they want without even demanding for it. This has lead to a tremendous deduction in power from institutions in to the hands of the audience member. A Marxist would argue that there would have been the elite at the top of the chain who were the ones trying to dumb-down audience members in order to attain their power. And to a large extent it is true. Society was under the influence of Marxism, where rich powerful men/women would use their power and products in order to keep control of society and that they remain at the top. However, this has no changed, with audience members now gaining a voice to argue against certain values and interpretations that are given out.

In addition, the creation of citizen journalism feeds in to the fact that audience are now active producers rather than passive consumers. The birth of the digital age has widened the opportunities and availability for the audience to interact and participate in news. Over the years, citizen journalism has boomed starting with the first ever encounter; the Rodney King case. This was an offence done by the police of LA who would have gotten away with treason, by creating a false story. However, it was thank to this citizen journalism of recording the event, which brought the world, including the government the realisation that there is corruption upon its justice system. There has been many more encounters where citizen journalism has seen to be even more important than the Daily Mail reporting "cat climbing trees". It show that citizen journalism have given news organisations something to investigate, something to report on. In a way, citizen journalism has proved that individuals who interact with digital media, can be as important as journalists are simply due to the information they are reporting on key events.  

On the other hand, audiences may have become the least powerful (still) even after the introduction of the new and digital media platform. This is because although over the years, these institutions have been trying to dumb-down their audiences, they have gained a loyal market full of customers who are loyal to the brand. What has happened essentially is that customers want to receive their news by a certain institution because they have built a strong relation with it for numerous years and the brand loyalty can take control of them than the internet can. Institutions such as The Daily Mail have created a strong brand and image to customers, that over the years they will have so many loyal customers they cant really be challenged due to this loyalty. Institutions do take advantage of this for example, The Daily Mail has decided to go under a pay wall where there will be a 10% premium news available to those who subscribe. They wouldn't just add an extra 10% of news if they felt that they wont get anyone to subscribe. The fact is, is that they are well aware of their consumer base, and they know that there are a lot of loyal customers who use their site as a number one source for new, therefore compelling them to subscribe. This example is recent, and shows that there is still even to this day power in the hands of institutions. 

Finally, the main problem with the digital age is that, users (society) have become so active they are simply reporting on things that are unnecessary or just are simply degrading news quality. One of the prime reasons for the internet's creation was the allow people to connect to one another from a greater distance. But, it has advanced tremendously since then, where the digital platform allows people to hare their views and ideologies on the web where other people can read them. Although this is innovation we all demanded (a voice), it has brought about many problem. Like Andrew Keen once said "web pages and blogs are like a million monkey's typing nonsense". This is clearly the problem today. We (the audience/consumers/producers), have been so caught up with the idea that the internet allows us to do virtually anything, but we don't stop and think about misleading others with the content we publish. The internet is made up of many people's views and values, and therefore there is bound to be a few hundred who will read the post and believe it. This is degrading news, and powerful institutions have tried to tackle this by showing their significance. By building an 'illusion' of truthful news. There are now websites such as the BBC which are one of the most used web pages currently online, simply due to the trust it has developed in the users. This goes to show that although the internet makes the public all more powerful, it also creates an opportunity for the power institutions to re-brand themselves whilst a 'internet war' is occurring.    

Overall, I believe that it is the audience that have gained the power to consume and create their content rather than institutions. New and digital media has brought more power towards the people rather than institutions. It is the big name media organisations that have been hit the most due to new and digital media, with profits staggering low and getting lower by the month just show that they are no longer relevant to consumers as they can get what they need elsewhere via the internet. Audiences have had the ability to comment on stories they offend them, they can look at other sites for proof. These are all things that didn't exist before new and digital media. Some would say tat we live in a pluralist society, where there is a classless system. I believe this to be true as institutions are now wary on how they deliver news and are more cautious when giving news. They fear the power the audience members have and want to maintain this sense of loyalty amongst them.  

NDM: Here's the truth: 'fake news' is not social media's fault

Here's the truth: 'fake news' is not social media's fault

Link: https://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2016/nov/23/heres-the-truth-fake-news-is-not-social-medias-fault

Summary: 

Before, there used to be news that would be challenged by the peoples views and ideologies, now we have news trying to battle these fake news articles that people on the internet have created. This article shows how the demand for a platform to help give the consumers a voice, was not a good idea after all as it is seen to have done more bad than good. It states that these 'fake news' were not only advertising heavy, but were propagandistic, one example is the US election. 

Statistics: 

• 500 students at a university had banned The Sun, Daily Mail and Daily Express from entering the school grounds

Own view:

This article shows another flaw in the new and digital media spectrum. When people ask for something that has never happened before, it will become exploited and used for their own gain similar to the way the 'fake news' stories have come about. People have become so obsessed with this 'power' that they are ready to abuse it for entertainment and misleading purposes. 

NDM: Journalists win 'ending violence against women' awards

Journalists win 'ending violence against women' awards

Link: https://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2016/nov/25/journalists-win-ending-violence-against-women-awards

Summary:

There is an award that praises people who prevent violence upon women known as, "Ending Violence against Women and Girls Media Awards". There was more that 150 entries that were considered for the award. The awards are to symbolise the breadth of contemporary journalism in this field.  

Statistics: 

• Over a 150 entries were considered for an award

Own view:

This award is more than just an award for those who support and aid those who have been abused. It highlights the importance of journalists and that they do more than just report on news, they actually help people. This furthers the point that journalists should be known for the work they do and people should pay them for the hard work they put in to saving other peoples lives, whether it is through paper or in person. 

Marxism & Pluralism: Alain de Botton on the news

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 agree to a large extent on Alain's view of the news. The fact that the two possibilities of keeping control of the population is very fascinating. First possibility is, to stop all news from being given to the population to ensure that they have no idea about the out-side world they they won't care for it anymore. The second one (which is what still happens in today's society), give the audience so much news that they will forget about it. This is something that still is in use today, as there will be so many news headlines the audience member will find it hard to keep track of what they just read a few hours later.


2) How can you link Marxism and Hegemony to de Botton's criticisms of the News?

News corporations are very much trying to control and influence the consumers by the content they give out. This links in with the Hegemony theory as the news tires to inflict its power amongst those below it, be it the lower class etc.


3) How could you use Pluralism and new technology to challenge de Botton's views on the News?

With the birth of new technology such as the internet, it has given more freedom to the consumers and they are not as passive as they once were. What de Botton argues is that the consumer is very passive in today's society due to the overflow of news being given to them all at once. However, there wasn't a lot of reflection on the other side of the argument. That digital media has allowed audience members to challenge those views.Things like blogs and comment sections allow the audience to give their opinion on a news story and if a particular issue is found, it can quickly raise awareness than it previously wouldn't have had.


4) 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. 

News story: De-railed train

The story of the train that de-railed in England was a story that was quite significant locally, but was a story that the majority of society had forgotten. Stories such as Andy Murray's number 1 ranking was one of many stores that week that overflowed this stories significance. Even as a consumer myself, I had completely forgotten that this story even existed as there was so much news being pumped out that it was hard to remember what had even happened yesterday. So much news is being reported, that there will only be 30% that we will remember the next day and will probably forget the next week entirely.

News story: US election

This was a story that again was covered in so much detail that it made the consumers sick and tired if learning more about it. News coverage of the candidates for the election was non-stop for the last 6 months leading up to election day. so much coverage, although it got people knowing about the event, it made people (including US citizens) uninterested in learning more about the election as they had been fed too much of it. 

NDM News case study: index

NDM News 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

NDM: Social media alternative attracts users banned from Twitter

Social media alternative attracts users banned from Twitter

Link: https://www.theguardian.com/media/2016/nov/17/gab-alt-right-social-media-twitter

Summary:

This article is about a new site called 'Gab' which has segments from Twitter and Reddit combined in to one new thing. This site is like a social media site and it allows users to post updates without any character limitations, with memes, links and gifs. There have only been a few people who can get in as a member, and currently it holds tens of thousands of people on its waiting list. Many of these accounts are people who have been banned from twitter and users are making friends with 'exiles ghosts'. Since the election, Twitter has risen the ban hammer of alt-right accounts who are prominent. 

Statistics:

• 10,000 and more users are on the waiting list

Own view:

I believe that it is completely unnecessary to do a ban wave when no actual harassment data has been proved to have happened. The right way is the handle the situation in detail as an uproar from the fan-base will occur and this is something that Twitter can no longer tolerate especially when they go rid of their most successful app known as 'Vine'.   

NDM: Fake news clampdown: Google gives €150,000 to fact-checking projects

Fake news clampdown: Google gives €150,000 to fact-checking projects

Link: https://www.theguardian.com/media/2016/nov/17/fake-news-google-funding-fact-checking-us-election

Summary:

Google has given 150,000 euros to three UK organisations to go through their engine to fact checking to help journalists. This has lead to public people to avoid fake news from Google's engine. This story as risen suspicion for other social media sites such as Facebook whether they are too spreading fake stories to consumers. 

Statistics:

• Google has given 150,000 euros to three UK companies to fact check
• The money is from a £20.5 million round funding from Google's digital news initiative
• Full Fact will be receiving 50,000 euros
• Another 50,000 euros goes towards Factama
• There was also another fact checking organisation in Italy which received 45,000 euros

Own view:

I believe that these organisations despite being 'dominant' compared to news organisations, they are trying to destroy themselves if this error doesn't get fixed. Everybody (majority) use the internet for advice and help, and if what they consume is incorrect it will lead to disloyalty amongst audience members whom may go back to using print platform. This could be the break that the print organisations have been waiting for. This is because news on print is, if ever, wrong and this can result in news organisations gaining customers back due to all these 'false' news stories.