Question of the Week: Social Media

Social media is no longer a phenomenon. It is the norm. The technology has influenced almost every corner of the globe and has impacted upon most industries. People are now able to create and share their own content, giving feedback and changing the scope of communication. However no technology is without problems. A large part of social media is the issue of privacy. Many persons are simply unaware of how much of their lives are generated and stored on social media and the internet. Regardless of laws and regulations this posses a threat to one's privacy. But does the benefit of social media outweigh the costs?

Comment on the positives and the negatives of social media use. What do you think lies ahead for the future of Social media?

For a brief, quick understanding of how social media works, take a look at this simple example:

The Impact of Information and Communication Technologies

Question of the Week: Media Freedom and Independence

By now you are all aware of the protests and violence occurring in Islamic countries around the world due to the recent film which has insulted the Muslim faith. An article in the Express newspaper (dated Friday 28th Sept) puts forward the thought that such violence is an even greater offense to the religion than the video itself. The author suggests that freedom of information is key to educating persons on all issues involved in the matter such as freedom of expression, and delivery of information. However was it not 'freedom of expression that began the problem is the first place. Use the link below to download and read the article. Then comment on this statement that was made in the article:

“ I think the media should play a neutral role and not take sides. That’s the kind of environment we’d {also} like to see in the West, where people understand what’s right and what’s wrong and condemn the mistakes and not generalize it to a religious issue,” Almasmari said.

Download the article here:
http://www.yourfilelink.com/get.php?fid=822514

Tips to Writing/Reporting

Writing for media of any kind can be difficult and time consuming. However such aspects are necessary inorder to correctly communicate information to the public. here are some tips to Writing/Reporting:

Three C’s: Clear Concise Correct – write as if telling the story to one person and use simple language

Remember the 5: W’s Who What Where Why When

In gathering information identify different points of views, from the official source to those that are being affected.  Hold multiple interviews to give the story a dynamic view

Script writing may be necessary for a video report and the like. This allows the report to flow in storyboard format. Information is to be provided in an orderly fashion. Consider voice overs which allow flexibility. Use of visuals is key. Multiple still shots or video that are related to the story makes the overall report interesting.

Plan the report – Write a script

Beginning – Key facts – Straight to the point

Middle – Best Interviews

Ending – Original – Summarize facts and sign off

Click here for tips on "How to write a Feature Story: Popular content for print, electronic and internet media"

Check on the Link List to the right for additional resource. 

Question of the Week!

The American media last week reported on a surreptitiously taped speech of Mitt Romney in which he appeared to be dismissive of 47% of the voters. Was the media within its rights to do this? Secondly, in the same speech he spoke disparagingly of the Palestinians, yet this was edited out and not presented to the public.

 

Comment on this in terms of the topics we are doing in class: news writing and Print media. Comment on the ethics, responsibility to readers, integrity  and professionalism in writing and all other main considerations in writing a news story that would sell. You must allude to the local issue of Section 34

 

Word Limit - 250 - 300 words

Remember, if you post your comment please wait sometime for it to be uploaded.

Question of the Week: Current events

Now that you have given your answers from last week's  question, look at this report which gives the opinion of a noted person on the same topic: Salman Rushdie author of satanic verses, speaking on the BBC news (Monday 17th Sept 2012) said that "writers should be able to write anything they want...no restrictions"

Click the link here for the news report: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-19600879

Recent photos released of the British royal family have surfaced in which the privacy of certain family members was breached. Click here for a news report link. The family is seeking to ban further release of the photos, which contradicts the views of the previous report. 

A more serious issue is highlighted in the video below. Deadly protests are occurring in the middle east against an anti islam film made in the USA, yet it is becoming increasingly difficult to ban this film. Here are snippets of this highly offensive film. (NB: To the right hand side of the video you can 'x' off the overlays to see the video clearly)

Comment on newspaper articles that have been published, in light of the photos of Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge. References, citations would be advantageous. Also comment on his statement especially in light of the events occurring in the middle east due to the anti islam youtube video that was made.

NB: Once you have made your comment the a notification will be sent to my system. If you do not see you comment published, do not be alarmed, it will appear sometime afterwards.
- Word limit 250 - 300 words

- References should be made using The Chicago Manual of Style

Brief Review: Steps to Effective Communication

Everything you learn has a process.Marketing and Advertising is no different. Therefore steps to effective communication are paramount when conducting any campaign to change the behavior of an audience or a person. Identifying the purpose behind your communication is vital as it will determine the type of communication you choose as well as its content, format and style. Not only must your communication be relevant to your purpose, it must also be suited to its intended recipients. As such one should set goals and expected outcomes to measure the effect of intended communication and to act as a guideline in developing the message. A huge selection of media is available to properly develop your message, however select only a combination of media that is suitable. Lastly, ensure to pretest your message for understanding and clarity. These steps should guide your professional communication strategy. 

To the lower right of the blog is the Link List, with additional resources on various aspects with the Steps to effective communication.