This interesting documentary is about the newly found species of human on Flores Island in Indonesia, the Homo floresiensis. Have a cup of coffee and enjoy the documentary.
1 June 2007
Reflection and Conclusion
According to Walsh (2006, p. 104) ‘multimodal texts are those texts that have more than one “mode”, so that meaning is communicated through a synchronizations of modes’. Blogs are non-print form multimodal texts and consist of a range of semiotic modes. In other words, text is not the only mode in a blog. Others semiotic modes (visual presentation of a text, pictures and different context) come into play as a whole at the same time (Kress & van Leeuwen 1998, p. 186).
Blogging is an amazing activity that allows bloggers to practice and use multimodal text to present an issue or a message. Through blogging, bloggers share not only their ideas or feelings in text form, but they can add videos, pictures, animations, music, and hyperlinks to enhance the content. They can raise issues for discussion and give comments freely without the restrictions which the traditional media (newspapers, radio and TV) have.
People view and perceive things differently because of the environment in which they have been raised. Social and cultural practices help people in making sense of their world. Different people may perceive and interpret the same content differently from their own cultural background (Schirato & Webb 2004, p. 16). Additionally, people within a society share the same meanings of certain words and beliefs (Schriver 1997, p. 364). So, dissimilar ideas between individuals will not result in common agreement on certain aspects of an event that is currently occurring or has occurred.
Issues relating to the media are topics that the blog ‘Gagpotatoes’ is concerned about and which have arisen for discussion. Some media practices in Australia are different from Malaysia. ‘Gagpotatoes’ find that the way the Australian media cover news is more interesting and open minded compared to the Malaysian media. However, ‘Gagpotatoes’ also finds that some media issues contradict his/her beliefs and learning because it is inappropriate to raise them in the media in Malaysia. Overall, blogging activities allow ‘Gagpotatoes’ to get in touch with the Australian media, which is still new to his/her. It is an opportunity for ‘Gagpotatoes’ to look at the media that is not what he/she is used to since he/she is from a different culture.
The same text or message may have different meanings and effect when it is presented on different medium. One example is one of the issues mentioned in this blog, “The use of multimedia in politics”. The same issue was published in The Australian newspaper as well as broadcast on the ABC radio. There are people who read the newspaper and listen to the radio, however, they might explore different things from the internet or weblog. They might gain information that was not provided by other media or they might have a clearer idea of what is that issue about.
It is not a difficult process to learn how to blog. Bloggers need only simple computer and internet browsing skills and the weblog software is user friendly. This blog site <http://www.blogger.com/>is useful for people who do not have experience of blogging because it is easy to use.
This is an online video teaching you step-by-step how to blog in the 'wordpress.com'. Try it out!
References
Kress, G & van Leeuwen, T 1998, ‘Front pages: (the critical) analysis of newspaper layout’, in Bell, Allan & Garrett, Peter (eds.) 1998, Approaches to media discourses, Blackwell, Oxford, Chapter 7, pp.186-219.
Schirato, T & Webb, J 2004, Reading the visual, Allen & Unwin, Australia.
Schriver, KA 1997, ‘The interplay of words and pictures’, Dynamic in document design: creating text for readers, Wiley Computer Pub., New York, Chapter 6, pp.361-441.
Walsh, M 2006, ‘The “textual shift”: examining the reading process with print, visual and multimodal text’, Australian journal of language and literacy, Vol.29, No.1, 2006, pp.24-37.
Blogging is an amazing activity that allows bloggers to practice and use multimodal text to present an issue or a message. Through blogging, bloggers share not only their ideas or feelings in text form, but they can add videos, pictures, animations, music, and hyperlinks to enhance the content. They can raise issues for discussion and give comments freely without the restrictions which the traditional media (newspapers, radio and TV) have.
People view and perceive things differently because of the environment in which they have been raised. Social and cultural practices help people in making sense of their world. Different people may perceive and interpret the same content differently from their own cultural background (Schirato & Webb 2004, p. 16). Additionally, people within a society share the same meanings of certain words and beliefs (Schriver 1997, p. 364). So, dissimilar ideas between individuals will not result in common agreement on certain aspects of an event that is currently occurring or has occurred.
Issues relating to the media are topics that the blog ‘Gagpotatoes’ is concerned about and which have arisen for discussion. Some media practices in Australia are different from Malaysia. ‘Gagpotatoes’ find that the way the Australian media cover news is more interesting and open minded compared to the Malaysian media. However, ‘Gagpotatoes’ also finds that some media issues contradict his/her beliefs and learning because it is inappropriate to raise them in the media in Malaysia. Overall, blogging activities allow ‘Gagpotatoes’ to get in touch with the Australian media, which is still new to his/her. It is an opportunity for ‘Gagpotatoes’ to look at the media that is not what he/she is used to since he/she is from a different culture.
The same text or message may have different meanings and effect when it is presented on different medium. One example is one of the issues mentioned in this blog, “The use of multimedia in politics”. The same issue was published in The Australian newspaper as well as broadcast on the ABC radio. There are people who read the newspaper and listen to the radio, however, they might explore different things from the internet or weblog. They might gain information that was not provided by other media or they might have a clearer idea of what is that issue about.
It is not a difficult process to learn how to blog. Bloggers need only simple computer and internet browsing skills and the weblog software is user friendly. This blog site <http://www.blogger.com/>is useful for people who do not have experience of blogging because it is easy to use.
This is an online video teaching you step-by-step how to blog in the 'wordpress.com'. Try it out!
References
Kress, G & van Leeuwen, T 1998, ‘Front pages: (the critical) analysis of newspaper layout’, in Bell, Allan & Garrett, Peter (eds.) 1998, Approaches to media discourses, Blackwell, Oxford, Chapter 7, pp.186-219.
Schirato, T & Webb, J 2004, Reading the visual, Allen & Unwin, Australia.
Schriver, KA 1997, ‘The interplay of words and pictures’, Dynamic in document design: creating text for readers, Wiley Computer Pub., New York, Chapter 6, pp.361-441.
Walsh, M 2006, ‘The “textual shift”: examining the reading process with print, visual and multimodal text’, Australian journal of language and literacy, Vol.29, No.1, 2006, pp.24-37.
31 May 2007
Children are vulnerable to advertising
A current issue in the media is the protection of preschoolers against advertising by subscribed channels. Lately, pay TV has opted to focus on preschoolers as a targeted audience for advertising, it has been argued that the vulnerability of preschoolers towards advertising is such that they may be influenced by the roles of their favourite character. Preschoolers tend to listen and follow the advice of their favourite cartoon character. The majority of food companies are involved in advertising through pay TV because it is cost free. Compared to commercial TV, no restrictions are applied to pay TV channels such as ASTRA.
Further information on this issue is available from The Australian, 31 May 2007, Thursday, Media Section, at <http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,21821952-7582,00.html>
I fully agreed that preschoolers are vulnerable to advertising. They are still young children who cannot clearly differentiate between good or bad. They may perceive something which is good according to their feelings or what they have learned from their daily life. Most children love cartoons and they admire many of the cartoon characters. These cartoon characters can effectively inculcate them with useful knowledge rather than promoting junk food or toys.
This video clip shows that the US government used cartoon characters from the movie, ‘Shrek’ in an advertisement to prevent childhood obesity. The cartoon characters encourage small children to have outdoor activities rather than staying at home and watching TV or playing video games. I think it is a good idea to put this kind of advertisement in the preschooler channels.
Junk food and toy advertisements may also add burden to the parents because children tend to be more eager to own something that interests them. The more they see, the more they want and the more their parents are pressured to spend. In fact, junk food is not healthy food for children and can cause obesity. Parents had to watch out for their children in terms of securing their health. The preschool channels also have to be careful in shaping the advertisement messages because they effect how children think.
References
Meade, A 2007, ' Toddlers need protection on subscription channels', Australian 31 May, p.16.
Further information on this issue is available from The Australian, 31 May 2007, Thursday, Media Section, at <http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,21821952-7582,00.html>
I fully agreed that preschoolers are vulnerable to advertising. They are still young children who cannot clearly differentiate between good or bad. They may perceive something which is good according to their feelings or what they have learned from their daily life. Most children love cartoons and they admire many of the cartoon characters. These cartoon characters can effectively inculcate them with useful knowledge rather than promoting junk food or toys.
This video clip shows that the US government used cartoon characters from the movie, ‘Shrek’ in an advertisement to prevent childhood obesity. The cartoon characters encourage small children to have outdoor activities rather than staying at home and watching TV or playing video games. I think it is a good idea to put this kind of advertisement in the preschooler channels.
Junk food and toy advertisements may also add burden to the parents because children tend to be more eager to own something that interests them. The more they see, the more they want and the more their parents are pressured to spend. In fact, junk food is not healthy food for children and can cause obesity. Parents had to watch out for their children in terms of securing their health. The preschool channels also have to be careful in shaping the advertisement messages because they effect how children think.
References
Meade, A 2007, ' Toddlers need protection on subscription channels', Australian 31 May, p.16.
26 May 2007
We are publishers now 我们都是出版家
在这发达的网络世纪里，，每个人都有机会拥有自己的网站或刊登自己的文章。不像其他媒体，只有有新闻价值或著名作者的文章才能登刊。除此之外，只有政府或有财势的人才能拥有媒体。网络的出现不但改变了这个现象，也改变了媒体的趋势及人们对媒体的看法。
在这新世纪里， 人人都能当作者，与其他人分享他们的观点与经验。有很多人在网络里找到了自己的梦想和出路，却有的人把网络当成了宣传工具。就以政治人物利用互联网来宣传他们自己的选举活动为例。
在现今的社会里，有很多的集团都拥有自己的网站，登刊关于他们集团的新闻与动向，例如，澳洲的电讯公司Telstra。Telstra垄断了澳洲的电讯市场而最近，它们也实行了网上媒体。它们认为公司与顾客之间应该互相联系，但是我的看法却认为他们的网上媒体是有助于它们灌输众人观念的最佳频道，也可以说这是荼毒人们思想的媒体。
虽然如此，Telstra也有自己的读者。它们的网站成立了18个月而在这期间，它们每个月的读者都高达100，000人。这证明了电子媒体在这市场上慢慢立足了而著名集团的势力也由于网络媒体的关系慢慢建立起来。
相关网站：
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/mediareport/stories/2007/1923017.htm#transcript
有些时候我在犹疑这种现象是否是健康的呢？每个人都有自己的宣传管道，每个人都为自己的集团说话，那哪来中立的意见呢？很多时候我都在想，由于网络新媒体的新闻自由度比较宽，这等于可以滥用吗？Telstra势力已经很强大了，再加上它又拥有自己的网络媒体，这市场启不是只有他们一家公司在垄断。有很多竞争的对手都很想报道Telstra的丑闻，但是由些时候我们需要衡量他们所报道的是否正确或纯粹煲水新闻。
References
The spin cycle...and when it goes wrong, ABC radio, viewed 26 May 2007, <http://www.abc.net.au/rn/mediareport/stories/2007/1923017.htm#transcript >
在这新世纪里， 人人都能当作者，与其他人分享他们的观点与经验。有很多人在网络里找到了自己的梦想和出路，却有的人把网络当成了宣传工具。就以政治人物利用互联网来宣传他们自己的选举活动为例。
在现今的社会里，有很多的集团都拥有自己的网站，登刊关于他们集团的新闻与动向，例如，澳洲的电讯公司Telstra。Telstra垄断了澳洲的电讯市场而最近，它们也实行了网上媒体。它们认为公司与顾客之间应该互相联系，但是我的看法却认为他们的网上媒体是有助于它们灌输众人观念的最佳频道，也可以说这是荼毒人们思想的媒体。
虽然如此，Telstra也有自己的读者。它们的网站成立了18个月而在这期间，它们每个月的读者都高达100，000人。这证明了电子媒体在这市场上慢慢立足了而著名集团的势力也由于网络媒体的关系慢慢建立起来。
相关网站：
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/mediareport/stories/2007/1923017.htm#transcript
有些时候我在犹疑这种现象是否是健康的呢？每个人都有自己的宣传管道，每个人都为自己的集团说话，那哪来中立的意见呢？很多时候我都在想，由于网络新媒体的新闻自由度比较宽，这等于可以滥用吗？Telstra势力已经很强大了，再加上它又拥有自己的网络媒体，这市场启不是只有他们一家公司在垄断。有很多竞争的对手都很想报道Telstra的丑闻，但是由些时候我们需要衡量他们所报道的是否正确或纯粹煲水新闻。
References
The spin cycle...and when it goes wrong, ABC radio, viewed 26 May 2007, <http://www.abc.net.au/rn/mediareport/stories/2007/1923017.htm#transcript >
21 May 2007
The use of multimedia in politics
Nowadays, the internet has become a medium for political campaigning and political advertising. This kind of online campaigning is gaining popularity among politicians and the internet is frequently used to propagate ideas and also to persuade mass audiences to vote for certain political parties or candidates.
The phenomenon of blogging is not restricted to internet users but is also well-known among politicians. Political blogsphere is increasing and politicians usually use 'to blog' and 'vblog' in order to spread messages to the mass audiences. 'YouTube' and 'MySpace' are two of the most popular websites politicians prefer to use to upload their speeches, make comments as well as answer questions that the voters ask.
Voters will post their questions through online video and the politicians too will use the same medium to respond to what they have been asked. In this case, two-way communication is achieved and a relationship between politicians and voters is also built up. By using these free videos, politicians can carefully craft their messages because there are no interruptions from other journalists.
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/backgroundbriefing/stories/2007/1924783.htm
In my view, online campaigning helps in saving money as well as saving natural resources, for example, paper. In Malaysia, loads of posters, banners and brochures are used in one election and these propaganda tools are going to last only for a couple of months. How many trees have to be chopped and how many human resources have to be used in order to fulfill the needs of these politicians? I think the Malaysian government and politicians have to consider this issue and online campaigning is a good ideas for them to practise.
Different media serve different needs. By using online media, politicians can reach out to those public who do not use the traditional media. In addition, online campaigning is also one of the most effective ways to spread the word and it has the same assumption of spreading viruses. For example, after a person watches an online video, he or she may spread their opinions or send the link to another person and this process will keep on going and growing. Moreover, peers have a great influence among each other; one thinks in a certain way and the rest will follow what that person thinks too.
The following are some interesting online videos from 'YouTube', showing how the U.S politicians, Hilary Clinton and Barrack Obama use free online video to spread their word to the public.
References
Politics and the Internet 2007, ABC radio, viewed 20 May 2007, <http://www.abc.net.au/rn/backgroundbriefing/stories/2007/1924783.htm >
The phenomenon of blogging is not restricted to internet users but is also well-known among politicians. Political blogsphere is increasing and politicians usually use 'to blog' and 'vblog' in order to spread messages to the mass audiences. 'YouTube' and 'MySpace' are two of the most popular websites politicians prefer to use to upload their speeches, make comments as well as answer questions that the voters ask.
Voters will post their questions through online video and the politicians too will use the same medium to respond to what they have been asked. In this case, two-way communication is achieved and a relationship between politicians and voters is also built up. By using these free videos, politicians can carefully craft their messages because there are no interruptions from other journalists.
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/backgroundbriefing/stories/2007/1924783.htm
In my view, online campaigning helps in saving money as well as saving natural resources, for example, paper. In Malaysia, loads of posters, banners and brochures are used in one election and these propaganda tools are going to last only for a couple of months. How many trees have to be chopped and how many human resources have to be used in order to fulfill the needs of these politicians? I think the Malaysian government and politicians have to consider this issue and online campaigning is a good ideas for them to practise.
Different media serve different needs. By using online media, politicians can reach out to those public who do not use the traditional media. In addition, online campaigning is also one of the most effective ways to spread the word and it has the same assumption of spreading viruses. For example, after a person watches an online video, he or she may spread their opinions or send the link to another person and this process will keep on going and growing. Moreover, peers have a great influence among each other; one thinks in a certain way and the rest will follow what that person thinks too.
The following are some interesting online videos from 'YouTube', showing how the U.S politicians, Hilary Clinton and Barrack Obama use free online video to spread their word to the public.
References
Politics and the Internet 2007, ABC radio, viewed 20 May 2007, <http://www.abc.net.au/rn/backgroundbriefing/stories/2007/1924783.htm >
19 May 2007
The aims of gagpotatoes's blog:
This blog aims to share ideas, opinions, commentaries and critiques of current media issues, especially issues published on ABC radio and The Australian Media sections on Thursday. In addition, gagpotatoes also looks at the media ethics involved in these topics and discusses further by stating her own point of view and share some interesting articles and online video with other bloggers.
Introduction : What is blog?
A journal plus a pen are the most traditional equipment people use in recording their daily personal experiences, feelings and observations. A computer plus an internet connection are the equipment people use in this era to share their comments, ideas, interests and experiences and this can be done through blogging.
What is a blog?
The term blog or weblog refers to the personal online journal or diary. Blogs are a medium for sharing personal diaries with the intended general public. They are regularly updated with the postings of the authors’ or bloggers’ points of view, experiences and commentaries. Blogs can either be used as a traditional diary which record things that happened for the day or for other purposes like discussing a particular topic (political, music, sports, movie and media) and promoting products. Other than text, a blog also consists of a collection of related links or websites recommended by the blogger. Additionally, other elements such as photographs, videos and audios can be uploaded into the blog.
The phenomenon of blogging is becoming increasingly popular. According to Dvorak (2002), there are five possible reasons why people blog, which are (1) ego gratification, (2) anti-depersonalization, (3) elimination of frustration, (4) societal need to share, (5) wanna-be writers. At the same time, they are communities who blog (PCMAG.com 2002).
“Ego gratification” refers to the people who want to be the centre of attention. They want people to realize who they are, what they think and what they have done in order to grab others' attention. “Anti-depersonalization” means people blog to differentiate themselves from the majority. “Elimination of frustration” means the elimination of frustration through blogging. People complain and comment on things that frustrate them in their lives, for example jobs and relationships. “Societal need to share” refers to those cynics who share. Finally, the “wanna-be writers” refers to those who wish to be a writer in publishing media and the blog has become the medium for them to write (PCMAG.com 2002).
A weblog is a new form of media publishing. Any person can publish their views and comments on blog via internet access. This is compared to other information media, for example, books and newspapers where not everyone has the ability to publish what they want to discuss or talk about. These media have more restrictions compared to the weblogs. In a weblog, anyone can be an author and write as they like. Furthermore, one of the advantages of the weblog is the ability to get immediate feedback from the those who read the blog.
Following are some links for some weblogs to give readers a further idea of what weblogs are and the phenomenon of weblogging today:
<http://technology.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=28229>
<http://blog.jackvinson.com/archives/2006/06/26/blogging_and_communities.html>
<http://www.blogarama.com/>
<http://blog.canadianjournalist.ca/blog>
<http://codex.wordpress.org/Introduction_to_Blogging>
<http://www.blogpulse.com/>
<http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-blogs.htm>
<http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,81500,00.asp>
<http://www.ajy.net/jmb/blogphenomenon.htm>
References
Dvorak, JC 2002, The blog phenomenon, PCMAG.COM, viewed 19 May 2007, <http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,81500,00.asp>
What is a blog?
The term blog or weblog refers to the personal online journal or diary. Blogs are a medium for sharing personal diaries with the intended general public. They are regularly updated with the postings of the authors’ or bloggers’ points of view, experiences and commentaries. Blogs can either be used as a traditional diary which record things that happened for the day or for other purposes like discussing a particular topic (political, music, sports, movie and media) and promoting products. Other than text, a blog also consists of a collection of related links or websites recommended by the blogger. Additionally, other elements such as photographs, videos and audios can be uploaded into the blog.
The phenomenon of blogging is becoming increasingly popular. According to Dvorak (2002), there are five possible reasons why people blog, which are (1) ego gratification, (2) anti-depersonalization, (3) elimination of frustration, (4) societal need to share, (5) wanna-be writers. At the same time, they are communities who blog (PCMAG.com 2002).
“Ego gratification” refers to the people who want to be the centre of attention. They want people to realize who they are, what they think and what they have done in order to grab others' attention. “Anti-depersonalization” means people blog to differentiate themselves from the majority. “Elimination of frustration” means the elimination of frustration through blogging. People complain and comment on things that frustrate them in their lives, for example jobs and relationships. “Societal need to share” refers to those cynics who share. Finally, the “wanna-be writers” refers to those who wish to be a writer in publishing media and the blog has become the medium for them to write (PCMAG.com 2002).
A weblog is a new form of media publishing. Any person can publish their views and comments on blog via internet access. This is compared to other information media, for example, books and newspapers where not everyone has the ability to publish what they want to discuss or talk about. These media have more restrictions compared to the weblogs. In a weblog, anyone can be an author and write as they like. Furthermore, one of the advantages of the weblog is the ability to get immediate feedback from the those who read the blog.
Following are some links for some weblogs to give readers a further idea of what weblogs are and the phenomenon of weblogging today:
<http://technology.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=28229>
<http://blog.jackvinson.com/archives/2006/06/26/blogging_and_communities.html>
<http://www.blogarama.com/>
<http://blog.canadianjournalist.ca/blog>
<http://codex.wordpress.org/Introduction_to_Blogging>
<http://www.blogpulse.com/>
<http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-blogs.htm>
<http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,81500,00.asp>
<http://www.ajy.net/jmb/blogphenomenon.htm>
References
Dvorak, JC 2002, The blog phenomenon, PCMAG.COM, viewed 19 May 2007, <http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,81500,00.asp>
7 May 2007
新闻价值与道德价值观之间的冲突。
每个人的道德价值观都不一样，在某些事情上，大家都会有不同的想法。有的人会认为对却有的人会认为是错。那何谓道德，而对与错之间的定义又在那里呢？在新闻界里，道德又是何物呢？
就以就读商学系的韩国学生赵承熙在美国的弗吉尼亚理工大学里所制造的大屠杀为例。就在大家为丧失家人之苦而伤心时，媒体就大力报道及播放赵承熙精心谋划的杀人影像。对美国人来说，这次的大屠杀就像911事件一样难忘及悲痛，但是媒体为了提高收视率，就选择了播放这凶手所炮制的纪录片。难道新闻价值真的比良心更为重要吗？难道媒体就没有责任去体会死者家人及朋友的心情吗？
另一方面，在媒体选择播放这段影片前，他们有没有深思熟虑他们的决定会引起很大的骚动，而且会影响到孩子们或有意想干案的人对这起事件的想法，他们会有样学养吗？在孩子纯净的世界里，媒体只不过是一种娱乐。当他们看见赵承熙的所作所为，难道他们会辨认这位大哥哥正在做不合道理的事情吗？这段影片其实有很大的可能性会令孩子们更加暴力。对有意干案的人来讲，他们可能会模仿赵承熙而来自己的另一套。那不是很危险吗？
在众多的媒体里，我们都有很多的机会看到揭开某某人隐私的报道。 另一启事件就是来自澳洲的Schapelle Corby.她在印度尼西亚飞机场被逮捕因为她被怀疑涉及走私毒品海洛因。就因为她被关锁在监牢的样貌漂亮及可怜，人们就认为她是否无罪。单凭一个人的样貌就能认定一个人有罪及无罪，道理何在？而且媒体是不是不应该拍摄他人在监牢里的生活照呢。每个人都有自己的隐私权，即使他们是被关在监牢的犯人。就因一张漂亮的脸孔成为了新闻焦点，这就是所谓的新闻价值。
新闻自由果然重要，但是在另一个角度来看，要在新闻自由里加入道德的确不容易。无可否认赵承熙精心制造的纪录片的确有趣，而Schapelle Corby的监狱照的确很另读者好奇，但是媒体必须懂得如何去处理他们所有的新闻素材，在适当的时候做适当的事情。
以下是跟这两侧新闻有关联的报道：
<http://star.news.sohu.com/20070420/n249575749.shtml>
<http://vip.bokee.com/20070420274635.html>
<http://city.udn.com/v1/blog/article/article.jsp?uid=ladyo&f_ART_ID=9510>
<http://media.people.com.cn/GB/22114/52789/68694/4674393.html>
30 April 2007
Will newspaper survive?
http://.abc.net.au/rn/breakfast/stories/2007/1910844.htm
There has been a long discussion about whether the traditional print media, that is the print newspapers, will slowly vanish or be transformed into another genre, such as the online or digital newspaper.
In my view, the print newspapers will gradually die out but not suddenly, maybe by the next century.
The emergence of radio and television did not kill the print newspaper but now, with the rise of the hybrid media, the internet has become a threat to print newspapers. In fact, the internet is still considered as a new media and its credibility is not as strong as the traditional media including newspapers. Readers may choose to rely more on the print newspapers because they have such a long history and have gone through all types of changes of content and appearance.
Compared to the online news, reading newspapers is more convenient because no electronic device is needed. Not everyone can afford the cost of a computer as well as the cost of an internet connection. Newspapers are low in cost and so more affordable for most people. In addition, people from poorer countries may only be able to afford the cost of a newspaper and this may be the main medium for them to get information from their government as well as from the world.
The same assumptions were made about reading books. Book is considered a traditional print medium but books still survive in this market. Reading a newspaper is also a habit of reading for many people and this reading culture will not easily change. Different media satisfies different needs and newspapers still having their own market and target audience and are still surviving in this era.
In conclusion, whether traditional media or new media, the media have a role to orientate their audiences to the world of information and current issues. It is important for the readers to get in touch with the world without boundaries and this is the job of the media.
http://web.mit.edu/comm-forum/forums/newspapers_welcome.html
There has been a long discussion about whether the traditional print media, that is the print newspapers, will slowly vanish or be transformed into another genre, such as the online or digital newspaper.
In my view, the print newspapers will gradually die out but not suddenly, maybe by the next century.
The emergence of radio and television did not kill the print newspaper but now, with the rise of the hybrid media, the internet has become a threat to print newspapers. In fact, the internet is still considered as a new media and its credibility is not as strong as the traditional media including newspapers. Readers may choose to rely more on the print newspapers because they have such a long history and have gone through all types of changes of content and appearance.
Compared to the online news, reading newspapers is more convenient because no electronic device is needed. Not everyone can afford the cost of a computer as well as the cost of an internet connection. Newspapers are low in cost and so more affordable for most people. In addition, people from poorer countries may only be able to afford the cost of a newspaper and this may be the main medium for them to get information from their government as well as from the world.
The same assumptions were made about reading books. Book is considered a traditional print medium but books still survive in this market. Reading a newspaper is also a habit of reading for many people and this reading culture will not easily change. Different media satisfies different needs and newspapers still having their own market and target audience and are still surviving in this era.
In conclusion, whether traditional media or new media, the media have a role to orientate their audiences to the world of information and current issues. It is important for the readers to get in touch with the world without boundaries and this is the job of the media.
http://web.mit.edu/comm-forum/forums/newspapers_welcome.html
29 April 2007
Freedom of Press in Zimbabwe?
Journalism in Zimbabwe is fully controlled and restricted not principally with their legislation, but because of their despot regime. People feel fear and are under control of their ruler because he (Robert Mugabe, the President of Zimbabwe) rules by fear with his power. People in Zimbabwe do not have the freedom to criticize or discuss issues about their government. For example, opening phone lines speak back radio are not allowed and completely restricted even if the topic is not intensely against the government (ABC radio 2007).
For the media, the journalists can only report news that is not against their government. They can be arrested, physically intimidated, or forced to exile if the content of the news is found to be offensive. Many Zimbabwean journalists try their very best to get news in and out of their country. They try various ways just to let their people know what is happening in Zimbabwe. One of the ways to reveal news to their people is by using text messages. Only 160 characters are allowed in one text message which consists of a headline and a brief story. These texts are sent to the peoples’ mobiles everyday. This phenomenon is getting more and more popular (ABC radio 2007).
There is an internet website called ZimOnline <http://www.zimonline.co.za/> which is another source of information for the Zimbabweans. It is also a medium for the Zimbabwean people discuss about issues that are not reported in the national media. Some people will print and make copies of the stories they receive online. They circulate these copies in order to let others to know too (ABC radio 2007).
<http://www.abc.net.au/rn/mediarepot/stories/2007/1882324.htm>
For the media, the journalists can only report news that is not against their government. They can be arrested, physically intimidated, or forced to exile if the content of the news is found to be offensive. Many Zimbabwean journalists try their very best to get news in and out of their country. They try various ways just to let their people know what is happening in Zimbabwe. One of the ways to reveal news to their people is by using text messages. Only 160 characters are allowed in one text message which consists of a headline and a brief story. These texts are sent to the peoples’ mobiles everyday. This phenomenon is getting more and more popular (ABC radio 2007).
There is an internet website called ZimOnline <http://www.zimonline.co.za/> which is another source of information for the Zimbabweans. It is also a medium for the Zimbabwean people discuss about issues that are not reported in the national media. Some people will print and make copies of the stories they receive online. They circulate these copies in order to let others to know too (ABC radio 2007).
<http://www.abc.net.au/rn/mediarepot/stories/2007/1882324.htm>
What does freedom of speech or press freedom mean to the Zimbabweans?
People from Zimbabwe do not have the right to speak freely and the term ‘press freedom’ does not appear in their community. Their government only provides what they want the people to know rather than what the people want and need to know. In addition, most of the media are government-owned. With such a ruling environment, the people only get all the positive information about their government and think how their government wants them to think. Outside information is very limited and what they know is limited too. If they have any comments, they have got no place to express them or even to discuss them because it is not acceptable in this society.
As an outsider, we perceive that Zimbabwe is lacking freedom of speech and press freedom; however, some of the people (Zimbabweans and people from other countries) see it as normal. They do not perceive this as a big issue to this country and some Zimbabweans feel comfortable with the Mugabe’s regime. They see nothing wrong with it.
There is an interesting opinion site of how people see press freedom in Zimbabwe. Most of people who post opinions are Zimbabweans but they have different opinions on the journalism in Zimbabwe.<http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/talking_point/debates/african_debates/1182043.stm>
References
The news from and to Zimbabwe 2007, ABC Radio, viewed 19 April 2007, <http://www.abc.net.au/rn/mediarepot/stories/2007/1882324.htm>
23 April 2007
Sexism in the workplace
Societies today have tendencies to create a gap between men and women. In fact, men and women are not equally treated and seen as the same. This has happened in most countries.
In real life, men and women are stereotyped into certain jobs. For example, men are frequently portrayed as the doctors, the politicians and policemen whereas females as the nurses, secretaries and housewives. If a married couple have the jobs of a doctor and a nurse, people might assume that the husband is the doctor and the wife is the nurse. This is the first thought in people's mind.
Gender stereotyping is clearly seen in the workplace as one can observe the differencial treatment between both. Compared to men, women tend to have more difficulties in reaching their goal in the hierarchical working environments and the glass ceiling impedes their ambitions. Furthermore, women are paid less compared to their male colleagues in the same type of position with same workload.
An issue related to this has risen in the “The Australian Newspaper, Page 14, April 19, Thursday Media Section”, <http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,21580812-7582,00.html > where doubts are experienced about the ability of female journalists to report sport news. Their ability is underestimated and questioned especially in reporting rugby league.
Most professional journalist has their own professionalism and is passionate about reporting news; there is no evidence to say that one journalist could excel another. Though rugby is a “male-dominated” game, there are many women who have even clearer ideas of what rugby is about compared to some men. So, it is possible to have professional female journalist chosen specially to report rugby league.
Beyond that, readers might appreciate a feminine point of view. A female journalist may give the audience something fresh and new while reporting the news from a different perspective.
Perhaps the reason to question female reporters' abilities is simply that men fear to loose their rank and status.
Beyond that, readers might appreciate a feminine point of view. A female journalist may give the audience something fresh and new while reporting the news from a different perspective.
Perhaps the reason to question female reporters' abilities is simply that men fear to loose their rank and status.
References
Jackson, S 2007, 'Work cut out for woman in rugby league', Australian 19 April, p.14.
12 March 2007
The Somerton Beach Body Mystery
In January 1949, Police enquiries found an unclaimed suitcase in the Cloakroom at the
Adelaide Railways Station. It was the suitcase which had been lodged there on the 30th November. The suitcase was in fairly new condition and luggage label had been removed from it. Clothing in the case matched that worn by the deceased and most of it had all identification marks removed. In the case was found a brush which was of the type used for stenciling, a knife with a sharpened point and a pair of scissors also with a sharpened point. They were of the type used by Third Officer on the Merchant ships responsible for the stenciling of cargo.
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