Journalism's Strands Converge
1. I think a lot of training and preparation would be needed before media companies can expect their journalists to work in converged news rooms. However, "the idea of journalists trying to be all things to all media at once is a fallacy" (Conley & Lamble, 2006, p. 300). I personally think that convergence can be done, as it has done with Media General, successfully. Convergence allows for a huge range of possibilities for journalists. However, some people may not feel comfortable working in a broadcasting media, and prefer print or newspaper reporting. This would put a lot of pressure on staff. However, many journalists already are working in a convergence media, although this generally applies to similar mediums such as newspaper and online.
2. I think the likely outcome would be that the person would either accept their situation, and try to learn the skills needed for television reporting, or would resign and find a non convergence media company. However, I think in this situation, if the person felt extremely uncomfortable, then it would be silly to push them and in turn lose a good employee. There is nothing wrong with becoming a specialist in one media format. By pushing someone into a format they are not comfortable with, the medium will suffer.
3. I am unsure about this question as some new technologies having really taken off, and some have not. Convergence media will generally only be available to the mega media companies, as they will have the resources to support the huge conglomerate. In terms of low-scale convergence, I think many media formats may consider converging with one other, as many have already done with print and the web, or Radio and print. For example, Triple J radio station releases a 'J Mag', a monthly magazine. Or Sydney Morning Herald Online and the newspaper.
4. More relaxed cross-media ownership laws will most probably only result in more publications going online. Nearly every company, or even person, has a web site. The text book states, "If the keep giving away their news free on the web ... they will go broke" (Conley & Lamble, 2006, p. 312). I disagree with this statement. I always look at the ABC news website, and this does not deter me from watching the ABC news broadcast or purchaing a newspaper.
5. I think all mediums will still hold their value among society. All mediums have their own place, their own positives and negatives, and have tailored themselves to suit their mediums. Perhaps the only difference would be that everything would be personally sent to a mobile phone-like device whenever you wanted it. The web will always continue to grow and grow.Who knows with technology. I know that I would personally be very disappointed if even one of the mediums was not around.
6. I think the universities are already promoting a certain level of multi-skilling. In the journalism course at Newcastle University, broadcast journalism, magazine journalism & print journalism are all offered. There is always the option of an elective, opening up a whole new level of possibilities.
7. I think society is very reliant on computers, technology and the web, but I do not think they are getting to the point where they could not survive without it. The web offers so much information that would never be available to us without it. It is a huge technological advance, and should not always be looked at in a negative light. Society has adapted to the technology and is using it to their advantage. Ever if society did reach the point where they could not live without it, I do not think this is such a dramatic issue. Points concerning socialisation and interpersonal skills are highly valid, but I am addressing this question from a professional point of view, not a social.
PERILS OF DEFAMATION
1. I think in a situation like this it is of great value to seek professional legal help. I think in this case you should also contact your editors or senior work colleages. A defamation civil case is something to avoid at all costs. The text states that a newspaper should, "offer the defamed person a chance to put their side" (Conley & Lamble, 2006, p. 422). I think in this case what the person requires is a little more extreme then just putting their side across. Maybe you could have a meeting with the person and come to some sort of agreement that allows for an article to be published, but not an extravaganza. This would be too costly for the newspaper.
2. No, I think everyone should abide by the same laws and have to deal with the consequences. Giving different people different powers would never work. Having a universal defamation law in Australia is sufficient. Even though these public figures are often role models, and do have a responsibility in society, they should not lose their defamation rights.
3. This is a difficult situation. If you report your whistle blower, you are going against your journalistic code of ethics. However if you do not then the newspaper will be sued. There is also the issue of withholding information. If you have taken clear, accurate notes of your source, then these may be used in a courtroom.
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Hundreds protest Puerto Rican 'pet massacre'
Posted Mon Oct 22, 2007 10:00am AEST
Hundreds of people, angered over an alleged "pet massacre" in Puerto Rico's north-west town of Barceloneta, joined in a protest march from the island's Supreme Court to its Capital.
Many in the crowd of about 500 brought dogs and wore T-shirts reading, "I'm an animal lover" or "I love mutts." Others held signs with slogans like "Stop animal abuse" and "Justice for the pets of Barceloneta."
The October 8 and October 10 raids, in which authorities seized around 80 pets from their owners at three public housing projects in Barceloneta, stirred widespread anger.
Residents say many of the animals were later thrown off the 15-metre Paseo del Indio highway bridge outside the town to their deaths.
"I'm here because we have to stop the abuse against dogs and other animals," said dog owner Mari Luz Santiago.
Fellow protester Ramon Martinez added, "If what they say is true, that's an action that's unfitting for any civilised country."
Mayor Sol Luis Fontanes ordered the raids after instituting a no-pet policy at the projects, though commonwealth and federal housing officials say they had no rules barring pets.
Forty-five residents filed a $US22.5 million federal lawsuit on Friday against the town, the Public Housing Administration, the owner of an animal control company and several others.
The suit claims at least 50 of the pets were beaten, drugged and then thrown to their deaths from the bridge.
Animal Control Solutions President Julio Diaz, whose company was contracted by the municipality, said municipal officials delivered the pets to his firm, which then euthanised the animals humanely.
Mr Diaz said many pet corpses below the bridge were decomposed and probably killed before the raids, but some residents told of rescuing pet survivors and identifying bodies.
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This article is very upsetting for me. All I can hope is that President Julio Diaz is correct, and that the animals were enthanised humanely.
This raised the question of, why were these pets taken away in the first place? Was it the people living in the public housings' fault? Or was it over a dispute? Either way, it is very wrong for innocent animals to suffer.
As an animal lover, I think that animals deserve to die with dignity. Throwing an animal off a bridge is a serious offence. Hopefully Animal Rights groups will be able to assess the situation in Peurto Rico, and take action.
The fact that there was a huge protest leads me to believe that an ill action was taken, and that there is geniune need for such measures to be taken. I am not sure how effectively animal owners would be able to identify decomposed bodies, but if they are able to then this is a complete outrage.
This raises other issues concerning the rights of animals, such as animal testing. This is a very tough subject, however I do applaud companies that actively dismiss animal testing, such as The Body Shop or Red Earth. These natural products are, in my opinion, much better.
Each state and territory has different laws governing the welface of aniamls, however animal testing is not illegal.
The Body Shop Link
The Body Shop
Act Now Animal Testing
Act Now
Puerto Rico protests (watch without the sound)
Monday, October 22, 2007
Friday, October 12, 2007
Week 12 - Broadcast Journalism: The world's town crier
Broadcast Journalism: the world's town crier
1. I think the ABC should not become privatized. The poll in 2004, in Conley & Lamble, showed that the ABC is the second most trusted organization in Australia. As long as Australia remains in public hands it will continue to be accountable to no one but its own staff.
"As long as politicians control funding, the ABC probably always will be perceived to be under some form of government pressure" (Conley & Lamble, p. 269). This statement is very true. Although, as with John Howards act of cutting 10% of ABC funding after a debate against the opposition was hosted by Kerry O'Brien, I wonder if this was more damaging to Howard's approval ratings than to the ABC.
2. I think I would interview both applicants and decide on who had the most passion for the job, however I am swaying towards the female candidate. It is wrong to, "value beauty over brains in its journalists" (Conley & Lamble, p. 288). As the female is more experienced, she will most probably be a better news reporter, yet once this also hinges on how passionate they are and how comfortable they are in front of a camera.
3. Radio - A Negative aspect is that it is frequently claimed by media critics to be 'over the line into entertainment'. Stories sometimes unable to sink in.
Positives is that radio is a warm, emotional medium of the imagination. Often can be the first to release a story.
Television - A Negative is that sometimes it is viewed as only providing the 'tip of the iceberg' of news stories. Another is that stories are sometimes unable to sink in. Stories may be rejected because they are "video poor".
Positives is that it can show footage and has strong, lasting qualities. Can seek 'common denominators' that appeal to most viewers.
Newspaper - Story is able to sink in. Can fully cover a story.
Negative is that it is always a day late.
Web - Stories can often be "just in" or the first to broadcast
Can be seen as lacking in credibility
I think the best communicators are either newspaper or television, even though all formats hold their own values. When reading a newspaper, I am able to think about the words on the page and form opinions and questions in my mind. I am able to receive a lot of information concerning the incident. However, television is a very strong medium with the cutting edge in timeliness over newspapers. Television is also able to show footage.
4. The last federal campaign, or I will concentrate on this campaign, is focusing more on personalities rather than issues. Each side tries to personally cut down the other, to the extent of airing information concerning Kevin Rudd's heart operation many years ago. Really, voters should be listening to their policies and debates rather then looking at the faces of the parties.
---------------------------------------------------
Little change for DOCS in child deaths review
Posted Wed Oct 24, 2007 10:08am AEST Updated Wed Oct 24, 2007 10:20am AEST
The New South Wales ombudsman's annual report confirms there has been little change in the number of children who have died after concerns about them were reported to the Department of Community Services (DOCS).
A spokeswoman for ombudsman Bruce Barbour has confirmed this year's report, due to be released on Friday, will show the office has reviewed more than 100 child deaths.
The report will come on the same day a memorial service is held for Dean Shillingsworth, the two-year-old whose body was found dumped in a suitcase in Sydney's south-west.
DOCS admitted earlier this week it knew of Dean's family and the department is now being investigated to see if it could have acted differently.
Opposition community services spokeswoman Katrina Hodgkinson has seized on the figures, saying it is evidence of the NSW Government's failings.
"It follows on from the previous year where 109 deaths were occasioned for children who had been notified to the Department of Community Services that they were at risk," she said.
"It continues to be a trend and it's unacceptable to the people of NSW that this trend continues."
Last year's investigation into reviewable child deaths found most had a history of contact with DOCS.
Dean's father released
The father of Dean Shillingsworth has been released from jail in time for his son's memorial service.
Paul Shillingsworth has been in Junee prison in the state's south-east after breaching parole.
The NSW Parole Board met yesterday and decided to release Mr Shillingsworth.
It is understood Mr Shillingsworth will travel to Sydney after being collected by relatives.
There are reports both sides of the boy's family are fighting over where his funeral should take place.
----------------------------------------------------------------
It seems no matter what DOCS do, they are always wrong.
Before I began my studies of communication, all I wanted to be was a social worker, most probably working for DOCS. My mother actively discouraged me from following this career path saying that I would be unable to leave my job out of my personal life. And right now, I can see I made the right decision.
DOCS is overloaded with so many cases, they are constantly struggling. To use a tragic situation, such as that of the young boy who was found murdered in a suitcase, to try and attack opposing governments is appauling.
I agree in that it is unacceptable that the trend continue, so perhaps some more power could be installed to the social workers at DOCS. At present, if they act on a situation they believe is unacceptable, they are crucified by both the public and the media for breach of privacy and can be charged. If they are successful in rescuing children, they have such little power that the child will often be returned to the incompetent parents. I know this personally. If they do nothing, it is even worse.
Society and the media need to get behind DOCS, they deal with terrible situations every day. They are doing a job that many people would dread doing. I have a lot of respect for them.
Link to DOCS website:
DOCS Website
1. I think the ABC should not become privatized. The poll in 2004, in Conley & Lamble, showed that the ABC is the second most trusted organization in Australia. As long as Australia remains in public hands it will continue to be accountable to no one but its own staff.
"As long as politicians control funding, the ABC probably always will be perceived to be under some form of government pressure" (Conley & Lamble, p. 269). This statement is very true. Although, as with John Howards act of cutting 10% of ABC funding after a debate against the opposition was hosted by Kerry O'Brien, I wonder if this was more damaging to Howard's approval ratings than to the ABC.
2. I think I would interview both applicants and decide on who had the most passion for the job, however I am swaying towards the female candidate. It is wrong to, "value beauty over brains in its journalists" (Conley & Lamble, p. 288). As the female is more experienced, she will most probably be a better news reporter, yet once this also hinges on how passionate they are and how comfortable they are in front of a camera.
3. Radio - A Negative aspect is that it is frequently claimed by media critics to be 'over the line into entertainment'. Stories sometimes unable to sink in.
Positives is that radio is a warm, emotional medium of the imagination. Often can be the first to release a story.
Television - A Negative is that sometimes it is viewed as only providing the 'tip of the iceberg' of news stories. Another is that stories are sometimes unable to sink in. Stories may be rejected because they are "video poor".
Positives is that it can show footage and has strong, lasting qualities. Can seek 'common denominators' that appeal to most viewers.
Newspaper - Story is able to sink in. Can fully cover a story.
Negative is that it is always a day late.
Web - Stories can often be "just in" or the first to broadcast
Can be seen as lacking in credibility
I think the best communicators are either newspaper or television, even though all formats hold their own values. When reading a newspaper, I am able to think about the words on the page and form opinions and questions in my mind. I am able to receive a lot of information concerning the incident. However, television is a very strong medium with the cutting edge in timeliness over newspapers. Television is also able to show footage.
4. The last federal campaign, or I will concentrate on this campaign, is focusing more on personalities rather than issues. Each side tries to personally cut down the other, to the extent of airing information concerning Kevin Rudd's heart operation many years ago. Really, voters should be listening to their policies and debates rather then looking at the faces of the parties.
---------------------------------------------------
Little change for DOCS in child deaths review
Posted Wed Oct 24, 2007 10:08am AEST Updated Wed Oct 24, 2007 10:20am AEST
The New South Wales ombudsman's annual report confirms there has been little change in the number of children who have died after concerns about them were reported to the Department of Community Services (DOCS).
A spokeswoman for ombudsman Bruce Barbour has confirmed this year's report, due to be released on Friday, will show the office has reviewed more than 100 child deaths.
The report will come on the same day a memorial service is held for Dean Shillingsworth, the two-year-old whose body was found dumped in a suitcase in Sydney's south-west.
DOCS admitted earlier this week it knew of Dean's family and the department is now being investigated to see if it could have acted differently.
Opposition community services spokeswoman Katrina Hodgkinson has seized on the figures, saying it is evidence of the NSW Government's failings.
"It follows on from the previous year where 109 deaths were occasioned for children who had been notified to the Department of Community Services that they were at risk," she said.
"It continues to be a trend and it's unacceptable to the people of NSW that this trend continues."
Last year's investigation into reviewable child deaths found most had a history of contact with DOCS.
Dean's father released
The father of Dean Shillingsworth has been released from jail in time for his son's memorial service.
Paul Shillingsworth has been in Junee prison in the state's south-east after breaching parole.
The NSW Parole Board met yesterday and decided to release Mr Shillingsworth.
It is understood Mr Shillingsworth will travel to Sydney after being collected by relatives.
There are reports both sides of the boy's family are fighting over where his funeral should take place.
----------------------------------------------------------------
It seems no matter what DOCS do, they are always wrong.
Before I began my studies of communication, all I wanted to be was a social worker, most probably working for DOCS. My mother actively discouraged me from following this career path saying that I would be unable to leave my job out of my personal life. And right now, I can see I made the right decision.
DOCS is overloaded with so many cases, they are constantly struggling. To use a tragic situation, such as that of the young boy who was found murdered in a suitcase, to try and attack opposing governments is appauling.
I agree in that it is unacceptable that the trend continue, so perhaps some more power could be installed to the social workers at DOCS. At present, if they act on a situation they believe is unacceptable, they are crucified by both the public and the media for breach of privacy and can be charged. If they are successful in rescuing children, they have such little power that the child will often be returned to the incompetent parents. I know this personally. If they do nothing, it is even worse.
Society and the media need to get behind DOCS, they deal with terrible situations every day. They are doing a job that many people would dread doing. I have a lot of respect for them.
Link to DOCS website:
DOCS Website
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