I decided to do a feature story looking at the rise of citizen journalism as many people nowadays are turning to citizen journalism to express their views and opinions. My personal focus will be the online media platform STOMP, because I do have some friends who are regular Stompers. However, citizen journalism is still a debatable issue. This is mainly because not anything and everything on STOMP can be considered as news. Many people post personal stomps and sometimes post some issues which might seem to most as unnecessary and 'lame'.
Well, I am trying to get hold of the person in charge of STOMP, but its not easy so I will probably take some direct quotes from a video that she was in.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Monday, July 4, 2011
Week 10- Moral Minefields: Legal and Ethical Dilemma
The rights of the journalist is that they are able to take photographs of their news subject in public.Looking at the case study of Bosco Wong, pictures were wrongfully taken of him in his bathroom. Celebrities in Hong Kong in particular, are not protected against privacy and journalists they go the extra mile to get a very interesting news story. The impetus for journalists to invade privacy is basically to sell newspapers. There is no guaranteed legal privacy. Famous people tend to lose their privacy and are subject to scrutiny all the time.
As a journalist, a journalist has to face the dilemma to determine to invade a person's privacy or not. This week's presentation was somewhat similar to last week's one, where there was the debate as to when to draw the line with regards to privacy issues. In my personal opinion, I would be very ethical if I am a professional journalist. In relation to privacy of an individual, it is important to make sure that if that person is deemed as innocent, it is best to respect his or her privacy as much as possible. However as the example given in class, The New Paper, aims at selling newspapers by using sensationalized pictures and stories, then I think there is a purpose for the journalist working for this particular paper, to give their editors what they want to fulfill the "mission" of the newspaper.
References
1.http://asianfanatics.net/forum/topic/613905-bosco-wong-got-a-shock-after-receiving-a-photo-of-a-half-naked-male-fan/ (Accessed 4th July 2011)
As a journalist, a journalist has to face the dilemma to determine to invade a person's privacy or not. This week's presentation was somewhat similar to last week's one, where there was the debate as to when to draw the line with regards to privacy issues. In my personal opinion, I would be very ethical if I am a professional journalist. In relation to privacy of an individual, it is important to make sure that if that person is deemed as innocent, it is best to respect his or her privacy as much as possible. However as the example given in class, The New Paper, aims at selling newspapers by using sensationalized pictures and stories, then I think there is a purpose for the journalist working for this particular paper, to give their editors what they want to fulfill the "mission" of the newspaper.
References
1.http://asianfanatics.net/forum/topic/613905-bosco-wong-got-a-shock-after-receiving-a-photo-of-a-half-naked-male-fan/ (Accessed 4th July 2011)
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Truth and Objectivity-Week 9
Religious convictions may hinder factual reporting, may show some form of biasses, and the dilemma to report a story or not. There is the issue of personal integrity as some journalists might not be fully honest with regards to what they are reporting as they want to climb up the professional ladder and earn the love and respect and readers and the people around him. In a video that Nivitra showed in the class, it investigates a writer, Stephen Glass who fabricated information in his past published works in a few magazines in the US. in real life, it is much more difficult to keep covering up lies than telling the truth instead. However this writer Stephen Glass found the urge to keep fabricating the stories that he had written. in my opinion, it is better to tell the truth than a lie. If one tells lies in any profession, it is bound to be found out and there will be harsh repercussions.
When journalists report news, it is important that all information is factual. Once a piece of news is fabricated, the news source will not be considered trustworthy, no matter how appealing the story is to audiences. Journalists have to report facts and not fabrication. Journalists are also not supposed to inject their personal opinion into any piece of news. If biasses are brought into news articles, audiences will always be swayed to think in a particular manner. However, it might not however, entirely be the journalists' faults. For instance if journalists interview different people, they rely on their interviewees to provide them with information and thus, if it is not entirely factual, it is deemed not fair for the journalists in a certain way. Journalists have to work under tight deadlines and thus it is good that they not put all their eggs in one basket by relying solely on one source. Thus, it is better for journalists to get multiple sources as a form of credibility.
When journalists report news, it is important that all information is factual. Once a piece of news is fabricated, the news source will not be considered trustworthy, no matter how appealing the story is to audiences. Journalists have to report facts and not fabrication. Journalists are also not supposed to inject their personal opinion into any piece of news. If biasses are brought into news articles, audiences will always be swayed to think in a particular manner. However, it might not however, entirely be the journalists' faults. For instance if journalists interview different people, they rely on their interviewees to provide them with information and thus, if it is not entirely factual, it is deemed not fair for the journalists in a certain way. Journalists have to work under tight deadlines and thus it is good that they not put all their eggs in one basket by relying solely on one source. Thus, it is better for journalists to get multiple sources as a form of credibility.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Week 8-Privacy
Privacy is a very sensitive issue. This week's presentation focused on when the publics right to know, overtake an individual's privacy. As journalists, journalists are under constant pressure to deliver good news stories that will appeal to audiences, and most importantly, being newsworthy. There are four different categories where privacy is invaded. These would include intrusion, publication of embarrassing private facts, publication of information that places one in false light and appropriation
:using one’s name, picture or likeness.
Being an investigative journalist is not a simple task, as many risks have to be taken in order to get a good story and constant follow-ups have to be made. I found the video in the presentation very disturbing because an investigative journalist was attacked very badly by a person who allegedly was using other peoples' name and particulars in a real estate scam.
In such a case, perhaps an invasion of privacy might be deemed all right, as it is to uncover something that was done illegally. As discussed in the class, most privacy stories that are ultimately picked by editors, are to sell newspapers. It is evident that eye-catching stories catch more attention of people in comparison to only one section with more words than pictures. Big pictures catch the attention of people rather than the small ones. However in certain cases, it might be deemed unfair to treat someone very unfairly by blowing up their picture in a newspaper when they have not really committed a crime, or done a grave mistake.
References
1.Archard, D., 1998, ‘Privacy, the public interest and a prurient public’, Media Ethics, Routledge, London, pp. 82-96.
2.Belsey, A. & Chadwick, R., 1992, Ethical Issues in Journalism and the Media, Routledge, London.
3.Bok, S., 1980, Lying: Moral Choice in Public and Private Life, Quartet, London.
:using one’s name, picture or likeness.
Being an investigative journalist is not a simple task, as many risks have to be taken in order to get a good story and constant follow-ups have to be made. I found the video in the presentation very disturbing because an investigative journalist was attacked very badly by a person who allegedly was using other peoples' name and particulars in a real estate scam.
In such a case, perhaps an invasion of privacy might be deemed all right, as it is to uncover something that was done illegally. As discussed in the class, most privacy stories that are ultimately picked by editors, are to sell newspapers. It is evident that eye-catching stories catch more attention of people in comparison to only one section with more words than pictures. Big pictures catch the attention of people rather than the small ones. However in certain cases, it might be deemed unfair to treat someone very unfairly by blowing up their picture in a newspaper when they have not really committed a crime, or done a grave mistake.
References
1.Archard, D., 1998, ‘Privacy, the public interest and a prurient public’, Media Ethics, Routledge, London, pp. 82-96.
2.Belsey, A. & Chadwick, R., 1992, Ethical Issues in Journalism and the Media, Routledge, London.
3.Bok, S., 1980, Lying: Moral Choice in Public and Private Life, Quartet, London.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
A deeper look into Social Media-Week 6
More people nowadays are using social media to disseminate news. The use of Twitter has benefitted many people in many ways and is one of the social networking platforms used, alike Facebook and other social networking platforms.Using Twitter to post about daily life allows friends and family members to keep in touch. Many people post on topics such as road trips, raising their children and major life events, allowing those close to them to feel more connected on a daily basis. Clubs and other groups use Twitter to stay connected between face-to-face meetings, allowing them to more frequently discuss common interests and share the latest news. Twitter has often brought people together simply because they live in the same community and use Twitter, building a "neighborly" atmosphere.
Following the local reporters, politicians, businesses and private citizens who post information about the community allows followers to keep in touch with current events. Community posts often include traffic reports, weather, local news, special events, restaurant reviews and other information useful to locals and visitors alike. Because Twitter is linked everywhere around the world, it can help one decide whether to visit a certain country or not, especially if there are issues like natural disasters or any other calamities within the country's premises, just by looking at the information that is posted on Twitter.
Businesses all over the world use Twitter as well to connect better with customers. Because of close interaction with customers through Twitter, the company can benefit, especially if customers post comments and concerns, also unhappiness about a certain product. By simply searching Twitter posts, it is possible to quickly find informal reviews of a product or service. Often, users will pose a question and quickly have recommendations, ideas and offers of assistance in response.
References
1. Rowse, D.(2008). 5 Ways I Benefit from Twitter.
http://www.twitip.com/benefits-twitter/ (Accessed June 10 2011).
Following the local reporters, politicians, businesses and private citizens who post information about the community allows followers to keep in touch with current events. Community posts often include traffic reports, weather, local news, special events, restaurant reviews and other information useful to locals and visitors alike. Because Twitter is linked everywhere around the world, it can help one decide whether to visit a certain country or not, especially if there are issues like natural disasters or any other calamities within the country's premises, just by looking at the information that is posted on Twitter.
Businesses all over the world use Twitter as well to connect better with customers. Because of close interaction with customers through Twitter, the company can benefit, especially if customers post comments and concerns, also unhappiness about a certain product. By simply searching Twitter posts, it is possible to quickly find informal reviews of a product or service. Often, users will pose a question and quickly have recommendations, ideas and offers of assistance in response.
References
1. Rowse, D.(2008). 5 Ways I Benefit from Twitter.
http://www.twitip.com/benefits-twitter/ (Accessed June 10 2011).
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Week 5-Globalization and Localization
Well as we all know, Globalization has done more good than bad to many in terms of various aspects. Looking at how globalization has affected many media companies in the US, there have been many mergers amongst media companies so that they can survive. Some of these companies would include Disney, AOL Time Warner, Bertelsmann, News Corporation, etc. With so many mergers that have taken place, it reduces the level of privatization of most media companies. Furthermore, there is constant competition amongst companies because of a high level of ownership in the midst of some media companies.
In some places major multinational corporations own media stations and outlets. Often, many media institutions survive on advertising fees, which can lead to the media outlet being influenced by various corporate interests. Other times, the ownership interests may affect what is and is not covered. Stories can end up being biased or omitted so as not to offend advertisers or owners. The ability for citizens to make informed decisions is crucial for a free and functioning democracy but now becomes threatened by such concentration in ownership (Shah, 2008).
Consequently, the potential for journalism to nurture and expand any semblance of civil society, a space relatively independent of the state and the market, where open discussion and debate about (for example) the terms of social organization, the direction of public policy, the bases of cultural identity can take place among individuals, organizations, and other interest groups, is undermined (Shah, 2009). For example, because commercialized mass media need large audiences to survive financially, they may respond by eliminating political news or avant garde entertainment deemed by the owners to have the potential to displease certain segments of their audience.
The result is that the range of issues discussed in the news is reduced. And when an issue or problem deemed acceptable is discussed, the range of acceptable perspectives on the issue also is relatively small. Consumers of this kind of artificially narrow and perhaps irrelevant information may begin to feel increasingly alienated and disconnected from the civic life of their communities (Shah, 2009). They may develop a sense that they are without relevant, actionable information and, therefore, powerless to control the course of their own lives.
References
1. Shah, A. (2009). Media Conglomerates, Mergers, Concentration of Ownership Author And Page Information. http://www.globalissues.org/article/159/media-conglomerates-mergers-concentration-of-ownership (Accessed June 1st 2011)
2. Shah, H. (2008). (Journalism in an Age of Mass Media Globalization.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/2577072/Journalism-in-an-Age-of-Mass-Media-Globalization (Accessed June 1st 2011)
In some places major multinational corporations own media stations and outlets. Often, many media institutions survive on advertising fees, which can lead to the media outlet being influenced by various corporate interests. Other times, the ownership interests may affect what is and is not covered. Stories can end up being biased or omitted so as not to offend advertisers or owners. The ability for citizens to make informed decisions is crucial for a free and functioning democracy but now becomes threatened by such concentration in ownership (Shah, 2008).
Consequently, the potential for journalism to nurture and expand any semblance of civil society, a space relatively independent of the state and the market, where open discussion and debate about (for example) the terms of social organization, the direction of public policy, the bases of cultural identity can take place among individuals, organizations, and other interest groups, is undermined (Shah, 2009). For example, because commercialized mass media need large audiences to survive financially, they may respond by eliminating political news or avant garde entertainment deemed by the owners to have the potential to displease certain segments of their audience.
The result is that the range of issues discussed in the news is reduced. And when an issue or problem deemed acceptable is discussed, the range of acceptable perspectives on the issue also is relatively small. Consumers of this kind of artificially narrow and perhaps irrelevant information may begin to feel increasingly alienated and disconnected from the civic life of their communities (Shah, 2009). They may develop a sense that they are without relevant, actionable information and, therefore, powerless to control the course of their own lives.
References
1. Shah, A. (2009). Media Conglomerates, Mergers, Concentration of Ownership Author And Page Information. http://www.globalissues.org/article/159/media-conglomerates-mergers-concentration-of-ownership (Accessed June 1st 2011)
2. Shah, H. (2008). (Journalism in an Age of Mass Media Globalization.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/2577072/Journalism-in-an-Age-of-Mass-Media-Globalization (Accessed June 1st 2011)
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Citizen Journalists (Week 4)
I would like to talk more about citizen journalists, which was covered in the earlier presentation by Frederick and Nicole. I think citizen journalism is becoming increasingly popular to many. Such is possible with increasing media platforms, whether social networking ones or various websites that allow people to express their inner thoughts and views of a certain topic and issue. Some though might not consider blogs as being citizen journalists.
Well, to me, I would not consider a blog a platform of citizen journalism because it is not a "proper" platform. It also can be said that it might not seem credible enough for people to look at and take seriously. There are some interesting media platforms that have been used for some time already to gain the interests of netizens. This would include a Singapore-created STOMP, where all kinds of issues can be discussed, from more serious topics such as politics, to more light hearted topics that can relate to normal everyday life issues. I particularly like to see the section of Ugly Commuters, showing the ugly and negligent side of Singaporeans, in particular on public transport like buses and the MRT.
Personally, I think that being a citizen journalist is a good thing because people get to express what is really on their mind. However, there are certain issues that should not be discussed as they are deemed to be sensitive issues and might result in conflict if further pursued. As more people are getting bolder because of more opportunities given to them to express themselves,we all must be mindful that we have to be responsible for what views we put up on the web.
References
1. Lim, W., 2007. We, the Citizen Journalists of Singapore. http://coolinsights.blogspot.com/2007/03/we-citizen-journalists-of-singapore.html (Accessed on 26 May 2011).
2. May, 2011. Ugly Commuters. http://singaporeseen.stomp.com.sg/stomp/sgseen/ugly_commuters/639182/another_woman_does_the_octopus_with_bf_on_mrt_train.html (Accessed on 26 May 2011).
Well, to me, I would not consider a blog a platform of citizen journalism because it is not a "proper" platform. It also can be said that it might not seem credible enough for people to look at and take seriously. There are some interesting media platforms that have been used for some time already to gain the interests of netizens. This would include a Singapore-created STOMP, where all kinds of issues can be discussed, from more serious topics such as politics, to more light hearted topics that can relate to normal everyday life issues. I particularly like to see the section of Ugly Commuters, showing the ugly and negligent side of Singaporeans, in particular on public transport like buses and the MRT.
Personally, I think that being a citizen journalist is a good thing because people get to express what is really on their mind. However, there are certain issues that should not be discussed as they are deemed to be sensitive issues and might result in conflict if further pursued. As more people are getting bolder because of more opportunities given to them to express themselves,we all must be mindful that we have to be responsible for what views we put up on the web.
References
1. Lim, W., 2007. We, the Citizen Journalists of Singapore. http://coolinsights.blogspot.com/2007/03/we-citizen-journalists-of-singapore.html (Accessed on 26 May 2011).
2. May, 2011. Ugly Commuters. http://singaporeseen.stomp.com.sg/stomp/sgseen/ugly_commuters/639182/another_woman_does_the_octopus_with_bf_on_mrt_train.html (Accessed on 26 May 2011).
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