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.