Outline and explain two ways in which new media may have affected the selection and presentation of news.
AQA
A Level
2024
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New Media and the Selection and Presentation of News
This essay will outline and explain two ways in which the rise of new media has significantly affected the selection and presentation of news. It will focus on the emergence of a participatory culture, where the lines between news producers and consumers have blurred, and the impact of new media on the traditional news cycle.
Introduction (1 paragraph)
Introduce the topic of new media and its impact on news. Briefly define new media and discuss its growing influence. Briefly state the two ways in which new media has affected the selection and presentation of news that will be explored in the essay.
The Rise of Participatory Culture (3 paragraphs)
Citizen Journalism
Discuss the rise of citizen journalism enabled by new media. Explain how platforms like YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook allow individuals to contribute directly to the news production process, sharing their experiences, perspectives, and eyewitness accounts. Give examples (e.g. videos of protests, natural disasters) to illustrate the point.
Blurring of Roles
Explain how new media has blurred the lines between news producers and consumers. Discuss how social media allows individuals to create and share their own news, leading to a more participatory and interactive news environment. Analyze how this participatory culture has changed the traditional power dynamic between journalists and the public.
Consequences
Discuss the consequences of participatory culture on the selection and presentation of news. Analyze the potential for increased diversity of viewpoints and perspectives, but also the risks of misinformation and the spread of fake news. Consider the potential for biased or inaccurate information to gain traction in a participatory environment.
The Impact on the Traditional News Cycle (3 paragraphs)
Increased Immediacy
Discuss how new media platforms have shortened the traditional news cycle. Explain how the immediate nature of social media and online platforms allows for near real-time updates and information dissemination. Analyze how news outlets are increasingly pressured to provide information quickly and continuously, potentially affecting the accuracy and depth of reporting.
Emphasis on Breaking News
Analyze how the emphasis on immediacy has shifted the focus towards breaking news, often at the expense of in-depth analysis or investigative journalism. Discuss how this shift can affect the quality and depth of news coverage, potentially leading to a greater emphasis on sensationalism and superficiality.
The Rise of Social Media as News Source
Explain how events on social media can become news themselves. Discuss how a tweet by a prominent figure, for example, can be considered a news event in itself, highlighting the significant influence of social media on the news agenda. Analyze the challenges this poses for traditional news outlets in navigating a landscape where news can originate from anywhere, at any time.
Conclusion (1 paragraph)
Summarize the key points of the essay, reinforcing the two ways in which new media has affected the selection and presentation of news. Discuss the ongoing evolution of news media and the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital age.
**Note:** This outline provides a framework for a compelling essay. You will need to cite specific examples, evidence, and academic sources to support your claims and provide a comprehensive analysis. Remember to consider both the positive and negative impacts of new media on the news landscape. **Sources to Consult:** * Bivens, J. (2011). *Citizen journalism: The power of the people*. Routledge. * Boyle, J. (2008). *The new media: A critical introduction*. Oxford University Press. * Curran, J., & Seaton, J. (2016). *Power without responsibility: Media, culture, and democracy*. Routledge. * Dutton, W. H., & Blank, G. (2010). *The internet and society: A critical introduction*. Oxford University Press. * Itzoe, L. (2011). *Citizen journalism: A new form of media*. Routledge. * Jenkins, H. (2006). *Convergence culture: Where old and new media collide*. New York University Press. * MacKinnon, D. (2009). *The media game: American politics in the television age*. Longman-Pearson. * McNair, B. (2013). *An introduction to political communication*. Routledge. * Philo, G. (2008). *Media and the making of identity*. Sage.How Has New Media Affected the Selection and Presentation of News?
The rise of new media has profoundly impacted the way news is selected and presented, creating a complex and multifaceted media landscape. This essay will explore two significant ways in which this change has manifested: the proliferation of fake news and the emergence of participatory culture.
The Proliferation of Fake News
One major consequence of new media has been the rise of fake news – fabricated stories designed to mislead or misinform. Unlike traditional media, which is subject to editorial oversight and regulation, online platforms often lack such controls. This lack of regulation allows for the rapid spread of misinformation, often with little accountability for its creators.
Bivens argues that the internet has created an "information overload," making it difficult for individuals to distinguish between credible sources and unreliable ones. The ease with which fake news can be created and shared poses a significant threat to informed democratic discourse. As Curran and Seaton highlight, the traditional role of journalism as a gatekeeper of information is being challenged in this new media environment.
The Emergence of Participatory Culture
New media has also fostered a more participatory culture in news consumption and production. Jenkins' concept of "convergence culture" helps explain this shift, where consumers are no longer passive recipients but active participants who can contribute to and shape the news agenda. Citizen journalism, for example, allows individuals to report on events directly through platforms like YouTube or Twitter, bypassing traditional news outlets.
This has led to a wider range of sources and perspectives being represented in the news. McNair argues that this can be positive, offering a more democratic and diverse media landscape. However, it also presents challenges. The immediacy of new media can sometimes come at the expense of accuracy, as seen in the phenomenon of "viral" news stories spreading rapidly without proper verification. This underscores the need for critical media literacy skills in navigating this complex information environment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, new media has significantly impacted the selection and presentation of news, leading to both opportunities and challenges. While the rise of fake news poses a threat to informed citizenship, the emergence of participatory culture offers the potential for a more diverse and democratic media landscape. It is crucial to critically engage with these developments, fostering media literacy skills to navigate this evolving information environment effectively.
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The Changing Media Landscape
The media landscape is undergoing significant transformation, driven by technological advancements and societal shifts. Here are some key aspects of this evolution:
Proliferation of Fake News and Lack of Regulation
The rise of the internet and social media has led to a proliferation of fake news stories, often spread with malicious intent. The lack of regulation in the online sphere makes it difficult to distinguish between credible and fabricated information. This has undermined trust in traditional news sources and contributed to a climate of misinformation.
New Media as News
Social media platforms have become a primary source of news, with tweets, Facebook posts, and Instagram stories often carrying significant weight. For example, a tweet by Donald Trump can instantly become a major news story, bypassing the traditional news flow cycle. This has blurred the lines between news and opinion, making it challenging to discern factual information.
Changes in the Traditional News Flow Cycle
The traditional news flow cycle, with its emphasis on delayed reporting and editorial control, has been significantly disrupted. The immediacy of online platforms allows for real-time updates and citizen journalism, making news events accessible to a wider audience with unprecedented speed.
Heightened Accountability
The online environment fosters greater accountability for news organizations and journalists. Social media platforms provide a platform for public scrutiny and criticism, forcing news outlets to be more transparent and responsible in their reporting.
Participatory Culture
The distinction between news producers and consumers is fading. With the rise of social media, individuals are actively involved in creating and sharing news. This participatory culture has empowered citizens to become active participants in the news-making process.
Citizen Journalism
Citizens are increasingly able to contribute to news reporting through platforms like YouTube and Twitter. They can upload video footage, share eyewitness accounts, and provide real-time updates on events, bypassing traditional media outlets.
Wider Range of Sources and Opinions
The internet provides access to a wider range of news sources and opinions than ever before. This increased diversity can be beneficial, but it also poses challenges in navigating the vast amount of information and distinguishing between reliable and unreliable sources.
Changes in News Values
News values are shifting to prioritize immediacy, brevity, and sensationalism. This emphasis on speed and impact can lead to superficial reporting and the prioritization of celebrity news over in-depth analysis.
These are just some of the key factors shaping the changing media landscape. As technology continues to evolve and societal norms shift, the media landscape will continue to transform, presenting both opportunities and challenges for news organizations, journalists, and the public.