Citizen Journalism

What impact are these changes (Citizen Journalism) having on:

News Stories
Citizen Journalism have an impact on news stories as consumers can now produce their own content. For example, the Rodney King incident is a example of Citizen Journalism as the individual is taking the footage on his mobile phone. As a result, this led to a rise in user generate content as people around the world was able to access the video through social networkings sites such as YouTube. In contemporary society, majority of people are citizen journalist or accidental journalist as they film incidents on their phones and upload the videos on social networking sites for people to produce a discussion and socially interact.

News Agenda (the choices of stories that make up the news/news worthy)
Citizen Journalism has an impact on News Agenda, as if a incident is filmed by a individual and results to a moral panic, news providers are more likely to cover that topic as consumers would watch it. As a result, this story will become news worthy as there would be a large mass of audience watching the news. This is because, the audience would want to watch news which is relevant. Notably, if the news agenda is popular amongst the audience, then they are likely to post it on social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter which would create a user-generate content. Galtung and Ruge analysed international news stories to find out what factors they had in common, and what factors placed them at the top of the news agenda.

The role of professional in news
As a result of citizen journalism, which has caused a revolution of UGC, means that there would be a fewer amount of trained staff at news organisations. This conveys, that there would be a small staff who have to manage and process UGC from the citizen journalists, which is known as crowded sourcing and therefore there is likely to be a decline in a role of professional in news. Furthermore, there has been concerns held by journalist over the rise of user-generate content about the decline in mediators and moderators. This raises concerns, as without moderators sites can be overrun by fools and if there will be few jobs for trained journalists.

Citizen Journalism Examples

1. Rodney King

The Rodney King beating is an example of a Citizen journalist as an individual was filming the footage from his window apartment and therefore it is first hand footage of the incident. This footage clearly highlights how aggressive the Los Angeles police officers are towards the American- African victim Rodney, as they are going against their role to protect society. The police officers have now been in charged for assault as they used excessive force; however, in 1992 they did not get charged even though there was clearly proof of them being violent against him. As a result, this led to a riot in Los Angeles which caused 53 people to die and 4000 were injured. This is significant in relation to citizen journalism as without George Holliday (person who filmed the footage) King's beating would just be a hidden incident and therefore there would of been no consequences for the officers. As a result, this caused a rise in developments in technology as now consumers can film videos through their phones and therefore create their own content. 

2.7/7 Bombing

This footage was caught by CCTV of the 7/7 bombing which focuses the attackers actions as they enter the underground station. The attack took place in Aldgate station at approximately 8:51am; however, 15 seconds later a third bomb occurred in a Tube tunnel near Russel Square. Notably, on 7th July 2005 the four main terrorists; Germaine, Mohammed Siddique Khan, Shehzad Tanweer and Hasib Hussain killed themselves and 52 others in this horrific terrorist assault on London. Moreover, this gave citizens journalists the opportunity to influence the mainstream news which highlights the concept of user-generate content as they are producing the information. Furthermore, some of the footage which people have filmed on their phones was first hand view which makes it raw, hard hitting and emotive. This is significant in relation to citizen journalism as those individuals was able to post it publicly on social networking sites such as Facebook or Youtube which then resulted to a moral panic. This highlights the concept of user generate content people around the world began to connect with one another or watching all of the live footage's. 

Mumbai Terrorist Attack

The Mumbai terrorist attack took place in Indian on the 26th November 2011 which devastated the entire country as in total 164 people were killed and at least 308 were injured. The attackers used a variety of chemical bombs and AK-47 rifles; however, luckily one of the attackers was Ajmal Kasab caught by the police and an eyewitness. However, the rest of the attackers fled from the scene and shot at citizens also killing eight police officers. Furthermore, the Mumbai attackers were directed by the Lashkar-e-Taiba militant in Pakistan and there was ten young armed men trained and sent to Mumbai but had directions from people in Pakistan through mobile phones and VoIP. This clearly highlights that the developments in technologies allows individuals across the world to connect with each other; in this case it was used for a negative and harmful purpose. Furthermore, this is significant in relation to citizen journalism is because as the footage was live from a reporter it allows the world to be up to date with the media coverage. Also, the citizens of Mumbai were tweeting and posting messages on social networking sites such as Facebook and twitter; as a result this produces a moral panic as it allows millions of users to interact with one another which highlights the concept of user-generate content.

Asian Tsunami

The natural disaster occurred on the 26th of December 2004 which affected many countries such as; Indian, Thailand, Indonesia, Maldives, Somalia, Sri Lanka and Malaysia. This disaster was devastating and horrific as it killed over 10,000 people in southern Asian. For instance, Indonesia is the worst hot country in the region as it killed a approximately of 4,185 people. Whereas, in Sir Lanka over 3,500 people have died and more than one million of people have become homeless. Furthermore, hundreds of individuals are missing in the Southern Indian coast and witnesses have reported seeing bodies being washed away by the sea. Moreover, due to this devastating disaster health experts claim that there might be a high chance of that many people who have survived can die due to diseases rapidly spreading like typhoid, cholera and malaria. Additionally, this is significant in relation to citizen journalism because the footage provided was a on-the-spot witness from a citizen journalist and therefore it was accurate. This is significant to the relation of citizen journalism as the individuals who had this footage posted it on social networking sites for the world wide audience to have a watch. Similarly, this also helped victims of families to contact with one another and allowed victims to share their experience through forums.

Virginia Tech Shooting

The Virginia Tech shooting happened on the 16th April 2007 in Virginia Polytechnc Insititute and State University. The attacker Seun-Hui Cho who was a student at the university shot and killed 32 people an attacked 17 others. Notably, Cho has previously been diagnosed  with a serve anxiety disorder and after this horrific attack he was claimed to be mentally ill and was ordered to get treatment done.The incident caused Virginia Commonwealth elected official to re-examine gaps between state gun purchases laws. This incident is significant to the relation of citizen journalism as the individual who has filmed this has got a on-the-stop witness of the event and therefore it gives the world a true picture of what happened. As a result, individuals can post these footage online especially on social networking sites such as Youtube for people to keep up to date with the events, which again conveys the power of user-generate content.

Hudson River Plan Crash

The Hudson River plan crash happened on January 15th 2009 as it lost engine power and ditched in the Hudson River off midtown Manhattan. All 155 individuals were evacuated safety by ferries and watercraft. Notably,  the USA aircraft took off from LaGuardia airport in New York to North Carolina, with 100 passengers and five crew on board. Now the Hudson River is a memorial for people to thank god for the survival of all the passengers in the plane. Furthermore, this is significant in relation to citizen journalism because if the individual did not film the crash we would not of known what really happened. This shows, that it gives a true picture of what happened and therefore as it has been uploaded on Youtube individuals around the world can access the video. This highlights the concept of user-generate content as individuals across the world can connect with one another about this accident or view more videos associated with it.

Developments in new digital media test results

Developments in new digital media mean that audiences can have access to a great variety of news and values. To what extent are audiences empowered by these developments?

WWW

• Very comprehensive answerers.
• A lot of examples
• Ranged of theories
• Balanced approach

EBI

• Style of writing - more formal and shorter paragraphs

Grade: B- 39/48

Weekly NDM : Media need to stop portraying women simply as 'touchline totty'

The Guardian

http://www.theguardian.com/media/media-blog/2013/sep/19/media-portraying-women-sports-sexism

The article above focuses on how female athletics are represented in the media and how this has impacted or encouraged females to become more sporty, which means breaking the barriers of dominate female stereotypes. The article questions the role that the media coverage has on this as in some newspapers there is no coverage of women's sporting events. One could argue, that sports is not a typical activity for females as it is stereotyped as being a leisure activity for men and therefore newspapers want to carry on with this tradition, ignoring women. However, even though there is not enough media coverage of women sports in newspaper it does convey to the readers that women are breaking the barriers as they are challenging the stereotypes by taking on male roles and therefore it is more likely to see a female reporter in a football or rugby game. For example in the Gazette newspaper of top 50 sport journalists 2012 only two were females and for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year the entire nominees were males. This conveys, that the mainstream media promote an image of women to have a set of femininity ideas which makes it seem that sports is part of the male domain. Furthermore, another way in which  successful female athletics are being treated unfairly is due to the fact that they are not getting the same status as other male athletics such as David Beckham or Tiger Woods. This clearly highlights that the media are sexist against women as they are taking the traditional view that women should be taking on women should be taking on feminine activities and not going against their female domain. However,The Nation Union of Journalists have made two statements to the MPs committee to stop this inequality which are; untill the back pages of newspapers recognises female athletics and journalists women sports will remain abnormal. Also they argued that sexist views on femininity are not challenge female athletics will not be accepted as being a positive role model for girls.

Overall, in a great extent I agree with this article on how the media coverage of female athletics is unfair and sexist. From reading this article it clearly highlights that we are still living in a society where women are still facing inequality, which in this case is their choice on leisure activities. Furthermore, the newspaper do need to recognise successful female athletics and to give them the equal status as males, as this would positively encourage teenagers  to take on sports and not to be afraid of going against their female domain. 

The rises and rise of UGC

What is meant by the term ‘citizen journalist’?
This is when individuals make the news themselves which has been caused through developments in technologies such as video phones  and therefore highlights the concept of UGC as the consumers (audience) create their own content.

What was one of the first examples of news being generated by ‘ordinary people’?
The first example of news being generated by ordinary people were video cameras. This is also known as citizen journalist, grass root journalists and accidental journalist.

List some of the formats for participation that are now offered by news organisations 

• Message boards

• Chat rooms

• Blogs

• Social networking sites

For example, the natural disaster of the Asian Tsunami 26/12/2004 links to the idea of UGC as most of the footage of events was provided from citizen journalists or accidental journalist which provided a on the stop witness of the events occurring. 

What is one of the main differences between professionally shot footage and that taken first-hand (UGC)?
The main differences between professionally shot footage and the taken first hand is: Professionally shot footage is a on the stop witness of the events occurring such as the Asian Tsunami as it provided as witness account for a world wide audience; whereas, first hand UGC is when the footage provided is raw and uncompromising, therefore it is more hard-hitting and emotive.

What is a gatekeepers
The gatekeepers refers to individuals who control the news such as journalists and editors and therefore they are responsible in deciding what is news worthy 

How has the role of a gatekeeper changed?

The role of a gatekeeper has changed due to UGC which has caused a revolution as the audience have more control in expressing their views on a certain topic. As a result, there would be a fewer amount of trained staff at the news organisations and therefore the small staff with have to manage and process UGC from the citizen journalists; this is also known as crowed sourcing. 

What is one of the primary concerns held by journalists over the rise of UGC?

One of the primary concerns held by journalists over the rise of the UGC is that they believe there will be a decline in  mediators and moderators. This raises concerns as without moderators sites can be overrun by fools and if there will be few jobs for trained journalists.

Key Points from the article

• New technologies mean that the audience are no longer passive as they have more control. This conveys that the audiences have become ‘users’ and as a result of this they have become publishers. This highlights the concept of UGC as they are creating their own content.

NDM Story: Plan to block payments to websites that allow children to view pornography & Sun on Sunday's Tony Parsons: why I left 'dying' Daily Mirror

The Guardian: Technology
http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/sep/20/websites-pornography-block-cash

This article focuses on the easy access to Pornography sites for teenagers which the Government wants to change. The article states that the Government proposal for this issue is to block payments to websites that allows children to view pornography. Some individuals may be pleased with this as it protects children from viewing explicit things which may sexualise them even more; however, other individuals may disagree. Notably, some websites do ask for users age but many offer free and "unrestricted access" to all their videos which is inappropriate for young children to watch. For example, "Ofcom fined Playboy with £100,000 for falling to to protect children from" "harmful pornographic  material" as they did not check if the users were aged 18 or over. Furthermore, to help protect children from viewing pornography easily the ministers are trying to  encourage the internet industry to develop ways in which they can verify the age of the users who want to view the website. However, Pete Johnson argued that it would not be right to block all of the pornography websites which provide free access as this material is lawful for adults to view. 

In some extent I do agree with this article that pornography sites which provide a free access should be changed into making users vertify their users age. This is because, young children can access it for free otherwise and as a result it may cause them to become addicted  sexualise them more or even cause objectification of women. However, some children may still lie about their age to access it and as the article states "it is lawful" for adults to view this material and therefore it should not be banned for them. 

The Guardian 

http://www.theguardian.com/media/2013/sep/13/sun-tony-parsons-dying-daily-mirror

This article above focuses on Tony Parson who used to work for the Daily Mirror as a journalist but left after 18 years of working there  as he "felt uncomfortable with his work being given away free online". This clearly highlights that print media is in decline as consumers (audience) can access news or any other information online rather than buying a newspaper. Notably, Parson reveals that "as much as I love my old old newspaper, I felt t was essentially over. I felt it was dying" which conveys that the developments in new digital media is taking over print media and therefore some people are losing their jobs as print companies are losing money. Furthermore, he tweeted that "he feels more more tune politically with The Sun than the mirror".as he felt uncomfortable with the Daily Mirror giving his work away for free. 

Key Quotes/Statistics/Data
None.

To conclude, after reading this article, I do agree with Parson view that print is in decline due to new developments which has caused individuals to read news online rather than buying newspaper, magazines etc; this is also known as the online revolution . From Parson perspective this has caused a conflict between the Daily Mirror as they have been giving away his work for free and causing many Journalist to lose their jobs.

How today's audience receives the news

Examples from each platform:

E-Media 

One way in which audiences can receive their news is through the Youtube channel Sourcefed which focuses on contemporary issues around the world. For young teenagers news can be quit boring and less interesting; however, Sourcefed uses the convention of humor to make the news more enjoyable, interesting and of course funny to appeal to the young generation. Notably, all of the presenters in the videos keep the news short but reveal the important issues and facts which is beneficial because it will not make the audience bored. However, they engage the audience even more through their body language as the presenters use gestures such as their hands and feeling relaxed which is effective as it would make the audience feel relaxed as well and appealed. In comparison to BBC news or ITV the presenters body language is very serious, dress formally and cover a lot of issues; whereas on Source feed this is the complete opposite which would make it more engaging for the audience to watch. Moreover, as it is broadcast on YouTube the setting for Source feed videos are different to other news providers such as Channel 4 and BBC as it is set in a studio and they include quotes from important people as they can not get live converge from some one across the world. Additionally, the primary audience of Source feed would be teenagers/ young adults between the age demographics of 15-21 year olds. This is because, some teenagers are unlikely to watch the news regularly compared to the old generation because it does not interest them as much and therefore Source fed would engage teenagers due to their humor. Furthermore, at the end of every video they promote Sourcefed through twitter or Facebook and wants the audience to follow the channel as it would them more popular worldwide and therefore they will get more viewers. This highlights the concept of user generate content as they audience can interact and be connected to the channel, thus conveying that the target audience are teenagers as they are more likely to use social networking sites. The impact of new digital media is it highlights the society is become more advanced as people are making their own Youtube channels and broadcasting videos about contemporary issues and creating humor, therefore more individuals, especially teenagers are likely to watch it on Youtube than news providers such as BBC.

Broad Cast
BBC (Terrestrial Channel)



Another way in which audience can receive their news is through BBC. The BBC is a non commercial channel and is setup by the Act of Parliament and therefore it is publicly owned and does not have shareholders. BBC role is to entertain, educate and entertain the audience. Notably, the news reporters always dress formally to represent them as being sophisticated and educated but also to make the company look good as well. Another convention would be that it is always set in the studio and the news reporter to speak formally in order for the audience to understand them. Moreover, their body language is usually of them sitting down and speaking directly into the camera or interviewing an expert on a certain issue. Furthermore, from the opening of the news the non diegetic theme song is played along side with a moving image of the world. In addition, the primary audience for the BBC is likely to be adults between the age demographic of 25-45 year olds as they are more likely to keep up to date with temporary issues compared to young generation of teenagers. Furthermore, the social demographic could be middle class  individuals are they known to be educated and are likely to interested by the news. Using Katz and Blulmer Uses and Gratification theory, by watching the News that audience are receiving surveillance as the news is informing them about issues around the world. The impact news and digital media has on this is that audience can now watch the news online rather than TV which highlights that e-media is now popular.


Print
Daily Mirror (National Newspaper)















The audience can access the news through buying a newspaper such as the Daily Mirror. The Daily mirror covers a variety of news including sports and showbiz (focusing on celebrities). One of the conventions of the Daily Mirror is that it includes different images from a medium shot to a close up alongside with a brief caption about the story. The main story is often in striking large typography with a medium shot of a celebrity which would intrigue the audience in wanting to  read it. This is beneficial as it gives the audience an insight about what the issue is about therefore the readers are aware. Moreover, a sans-serif typography of a bold hard hitting font is used to create a modern effect on the newspaper and to make it clear for the readers to read. Furthermore, is some of Daily Mail issues they give away free items such as vouchers which is effective in attracting the audience to buy it and promoting the newspaper. Additionally, the logo of the newspaper is in the top left hand corner in a san serif typography behind a red background which makes it clear to the readers the name of the newspaper. Additionally, the target audience of The Daily Mail could be middle class individuals in the age demographic of early twentieths and late thirties. This is because middle class individuals are more likely to keep up to date with current affairs and for males they can read the sports columns. Nevertheless, the newspaper is more likely to target female audience as some of the articles are writing for a female point of view and majority females are more into celebrity gossip than makes.The impact new and digital media will have on this is the fact print is in decline especially newspaper as the audience can now read it online rather than buying it from local shops.

Weekly NDM Story : 'Beeban Kidron: 'We need to talk about teenagers and the internet'.

The Guardian

Beeban Kidron: 'We need to talk about teenagers and the internet'

http://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/sep/08/beeban-kidron-inreallife-interview-teenagers

The article above focuses on Beeban Kidron who reveals how influential the internet is on individuals and the impact it has. To investigate this, she filmed and interviewed teenagers about their opinion on the internet and what they use it for. For example, she interviewed an 15 year old boy called Ryan and asked him, what is the best thing about the internet. He responded by stating it is porn without any hesitation, which could suggest that he is not shy about talking about sex. Additionally, Ryan reveals that he views women differently, as a result of watching porn, and therefore he find it hard finding a girlfriend as to him they do not match to the expectations of the females presented online. This highlights that the internet has had a negative effect on Ryan as he admits he is addicted to porn, therefore as a result, he objectifies women and find it hard to connect to them. Furthermore, Kindron investigates more horrific and life changing situations which teenagers have faced based on their addiction to the internet including access on their smart phones. For instance, a girl who did not want to reveal her identity revealed to Kindron that she allowed herself to be sexually assaulted in order for a gang of boys to give back her Black berry. This clearly highlights to the readers the impact new media (I phones, BlackBerry Smart Phone) have on teenagers as they can the internet through their phones as well. Whereas, a teenager committed suicide after being threatening in a chat room and another teenager who reveals his long distance romance between to gay 15 year olds. Additionally, Kidron interviewed a teenager who lost is place at Oxford University due to his online addiction. Moreover, she questions the internet and the freedom of it: "The thing I have come to find astonishing is that people from all political sides routinely say that the internet has to be the model of free speech and freedom. I wonder where else the level of freedom these kids are faced with exists? Why on the internet and only on the internet?" This could show the new technology is taking over young generation life. Kindron also reveals who some teenagers have developed eating disorders due to people posting up pictures of how happy they are with their appearance which makes other females feel insecure. 

Key facts/quotes/dates/statistical information

• "The ubiquity of porn has led to the 'pornification' of society as a whole. The fact that what used to be called soft porn is now called advertising is very problematic for young women."

• "I think my biggest fear," she says, "was that people would see these five kids as 'kids with an issue'. But actually there is a generation of children affected in different ways

• "She had been struck, in talking to the children she met, that they had no idea at all how the internet actually functioned"

Personally, after reading this article, I believe that the internet does have a powerful influence and impact on teenagers. From watching the trailer to Kidron documentary which focuses on the stories she investigated in her interview clearly highlights that all of the teenagers have been negatively affected by the internet. As a result, this has caused them to go through life changing and horrific situation which conveys that the internet has taking over their life. As readers, we could infer that the internet is a powerful source in the young generation lives as the teenagers she has interviewed are all addicted to the internet, whether accessing it on their smartphones or computers. This may highlight that traditional media such as books, newspaper, and radio are in decline and new technology such as tablets; internet, pad etc are taking over the world as teenagers can now communicate with new people online instead of meeting with them.

New & Digital Media UK News Providers

Who are the major players in terms of news provider in the UK and what exactly do they own?

Broadcast

Commercial: Channel 4

• Set up by the Act of Parliament and therefore it is publicly owned and does not have any shareholders. (owned by the government, funded by adverts)
• It does not produce its own programmes but commissions them from more than 300 independent productions across the UK.
• The views tend to watch Channel 4 to be entertained and educated. The social economic classification group for Ch4 is ABC1 between the age demographic of 16-44 year old.

Non Commercial: BBC

• The BBC stands for British Broadcasting Corporation which has a revenue of £5.086 billion.
• The products where BBC is broadcast is on the television, web and on the radio
• Individuals can get up to date with current affairs through the BBC website which highlights it is one of the main provider of the news.