Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Media Ethics
Ombudsman is a readers representative. I believe every big news source should be required to have an ombudsman. Media, especially with the advances in technology is often drive by money. This can create errors in perception of truth. The ombudsman does not have to be constantly up the editors behind demanding certain stories, but more of a over seer to voice justice is being done. These ombudsman stand as a symbol of our freedom to speech. Sometimes validation is nice in todays world where you often have to question if you still have the certain basic rights our country was founded on.
Law and Communication
I firmly believe that if you directly gain from publicity you give up a majority of your privacy rights. Nothing comes without a cost, especially in todays society. Public opinion is the holy grail in a capitalist economy. Heck, sometimes negative publicity helps celebrities or politicians we've forgot about become relevant again. These people gain power, money and success because of public opinion, therefore the public has a right to follow you. I do believe these people still deserve some private zones and times, however while in the PUBLIC, they absolutely should sacrifice some privacy, in the very least.
Monday, April 29, 2013
PR
The news web site I've decided to look at is; www.mmajunkie.com. This is a MMA news forum that is held highly in the MMA world, which is also operated by USA TODAY Sports.
More often than not, in the MMA world deception is a huge key used to promote fights. This starts immediately after a win or loss, but a fighters momentum is the only thing that helps brand his image and chances of moving forward to the ultimate goal of a title fight. With that said, almost any news put out about a fighter has the feeling of it being leaked by a PR source. In todays front page of mmajunkie.com, I can say at least 4 of the 12 articles have the PR source vibe. As for the other 3/4th of the articles, they are actually just fight recaps from this past weekends PPV card.
My feelings on PR are neutral I understand controlling your image as best as possible, especially in the fighting world where your image is everything. I could see where some people would become upset because they feel they arent receiving the full truth, but in todays world where money drives everything, you have to have the mind set of questioning the source because no matter if its good or bad press, almost everything written is bias to someone, therefore you watch every step you take to develop your own opinion.
More often than not, in the MMA world deception is a huge key used to promote fights. This starts immediately after a win or loss, but a fighters momentum is the only thing that helps brand his image and chances of moving forward to the ultimate goal of a title fight. With that said, almost any news put out about a fighter has the feeling of it being leaked by a PR source. In todays front page of mmajunkie.com, I can say at least 4 of the 12 articles have the PR source vibe. As for the other 3/4th of the articles, they are actually just fight recaps from this past weekends PPV card.
My feelings on PR are neutral I understand controlling your image as best as possible, especially in the fighting world where your image is everything. I could see where some people would become upset because they feel they arent receiving the full truth, but in todays world where money drives everything, you have to have the mind set of questioning the source because no matter if its good or bad press, almost everything written is bias to someone, therefore you watch every step you take to develop your own opinion.
Friday, April 19, 2013
Advertising
My results were as follows: Experiencer and Innovator.
I must say I usually hate taking surveys, I hate giving away research for free. However, his survey was extremely interesting and I almost hit my guess exactly so it must be pretty accurate. I believe the best ad that hits my specific category is Home Depot or Lowe's. Personally, I love home improvement or outdoor work, I believe it is therapy for me and the feeling after I create something is awesome. Home Depot and Lowe's sends the To-Do it yourself message and as an innovator and experiencers I believe I'm their taret message. So much so, their one question of do you enjoy walking around home improvement stores? I all most laughed because thats my father and I's favorite "kill time" exercise.
I must say I usually hate taking surveys, I hate giving away research for free. However, his survey was extremely interesting and I almost hit my guess exactly so it must be pretty accurate. I believe the best ad that hits my specific category is Home Depot or Lowe's. Personally, I love home improvement or outdoor work, I believe it is therapy for me and the feeling after I create something is awesome. Home Depot and Lowe's sends the To-Do it yourself message and as an innovator and experiencers I believe I'm their taret message. So much so, their one question of do you enjoy walking around home improvement stores? I all most laughed because thats my father and I's favorite "kill time" exercise.
Internet
Its been said that the Internet makes every blogger a journalist.
Journalist- A person who writes for newspapers or magazines or prepares news to be broadcast on radio or television. (definition from Google search)
According to this definition of what a journalist is, theres is no way every blogger is a journalist. If we choose to evolve the definition to include the internet as a media vehicle for journalist, then the answer changes to yes.
Even more so, most people would declare that journalist would also have the responsibility to write factual and unbiased information in their articles. The creations of blogs had just that in mind, allow larger amounts of individuals to be heard. Bloggers write down their interpretations of whatever is on their minds. Everyone who wants to be heard can be heard.
Which brings us to the current issue for the audiences, information overload. In todays world because all bloggers are journalist, and the freedom to publish whatever you choose to, presents the audience with a difficult task in searching for credible source.
Journalist- A person who writes for newspapers or magazines or prepares news to be broadcast on radio or television. (definition from Google search)
According to this definition of what a journalist is, theres is no way every blogger is a journalist. If we choose to evolve the definition to include the internet as a media vehicle for journalist, then the answer changes to yes.
Even more so, most people would declare that journalist would also have the responsibility to write factual and unbiased information in their articles. The creations of blogs had just that in mind, allow larger amounts of individuals to be heard. Bloggers write down their interpretations of whatever is on their minds. Everyone who wants to be heard can be heard.
Which brings us to the current issue for the audiences, information overload. In todays world because all bloggers are journalist, and the freedom to publish whatever you choose to, presents the audience with a difficult task in searching for credible source.
Monday, April 15, 2013
Business of the Media
Given the fact that the majority of the media is owned and operated by private owners, this creates the unique template for media consumption. If your an FOX news consumer, your going to get a more conservative interpretation of the news. More so, your going to get a conservative's take of certain news stories, your also only going to get the stories that are beneficial for conservatives. The same applies if your watching CNN, except you'll receive more liberal views and news stories.
We'll often refer to this as bias, however with a private ownership, the business of the media allows for this to seem like a perfectly normal occurrence. A nice benefit that follows suit of this model for the media is "short head". Short head refers to a lot of people interested in a limited number of products. Blogs can be a beautiful example of this.
Given the high state of flux in media today, business's are required to adapt and change with time. A good example here is the medium MTV. In the 1980's when MTV blew up in American homes, their primary focus was music, especially the music videos which told the songs story. However, with time MTV has narrowed their target audience and what they want. Knowing teens adhere to reality shows such as Jersey Shore and Real World, MTV has evolved into a new median. Throughout my life, I'm sure MTV will continue to adapt and overcome with time. Media is a money driven business, therefore when teens and their interest changes, so will MTV.
We'll often refer to this as bias, however with a private ownership, the business of the media allows for this to seem like a perfectly normal occurrence. A nice benefit that follows suit of this model for the media is "short head". Short head refers to a lot of people interested in a limited number of products. Blogs can be a beautiful example of this.
Given the high state of flux in media today, business's are required to adapt and change with time. A good example here is the medium MTV. In the 1980's when MTV blew up in American homes, their primary focus was music, especially the music videos which told the songs story. However, with time MTV has narrowed their target audience and what they want. Knowing teens adhere to reality shows such as Jersey Shore and Real World, MTV has evolved into a new median. Throughout my life, I'm sure MTV will continue to adapt and overcome with time. Media is a money driven business, therefore when teens and their interest changes, so will MTV.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Radio
RUSH LIMBAUGH! How else can you put it. He sure is a character, and I say this claiming myself as a conservative, however not as hard right as Limbaugh apparently.
I pride myself on trying to stay as neutral as possible, although I will admit my beliefs fall slightly right with the republicans. This was my first time ever listening to Mr. Limbaugh and within 5 minutes of his show I was able to confidently say he was republican, though at least I could remain partially non-bias, it was still hilarious to hear this man go.
I personally believe in the media, personalities sell. With that said, in politics, majority says, your either democrat or republican. With these two majority parties, people want to hear their side of the argument and they want to hear it with style. This is exactly what Rush Limbaugh is, a loud and out right voice for Republicans I believe this has to be one of the main reason's why he is the most listened to jockey. As well as, FOX news has the highest ratings for news, therefore more than likely more people want to hear a conservative DJ, this has to help Rush.
Making you the most love by Republicans usually has the exact opposite effect for Democrats, which would understandably make him highly hated and despised by the right. Regardless, personality sells and for good reason which is why after research I see Rush Limbaugh is getting $400 million for 8 years on talk radio. Impressive good sir!
I pride myself on trying to stay as neutral as possible, although I will admit my beliefs fall slightly right with the republicans. This was my first time ever listening to Mr. Limbaugh and within 5 minutes of his show I was able to confidently say he was republican, though at least I could remain partially non-bias, it was still hilarious to hear this man go.
I personally believe in the media, personalities sell. With that said, in politics, majority says, your either democrat or republican. With these two majority parties, people want to hear their side of the argument and they want to hear it with style. This is exactly what Rush Limbaugh is, a loud and out right voice for Republicans I believe this has to be one of the main reason's why he is the most listened to jockey. As well as, FOX news has the highest ratings for news, therefore more than likely more people want to hear a conservative DJ, this has to help Rush.
Making you the most love by Republicans usually has the exact opposite effect for Democrats, which would understandably make him highly hated and despised by the right. Regardless, personality sells and for good reason which is why after research I see Rush Limbaugh is getting $400 million for 8 years on talk radio. Impressive good sir!
Television
Nielsen ratings work by two major ways. Set monitors for large networks (top 56), only monitors TV's, and smaller networks (56 and above) use diaries to log entries.
This rating system is a brilliant measurement device for the television industry, and similar rating are used for radio as well. For that reason alone, Nielsen has a pretty recession prove job. With that said, these ratings are as accurate as can be presently, however, they really aren't that accurate for a numerous different reasons.
Large networks using the people meter are faulty because you cant tell how many and who exactly are watching the television set. The entire reasoning behind rating system is to measure audience as well as who the audience is so advertisers can better invest.
Smaller networks use diaries, which seem to allow them to better account for their viewing habits, especially if they watched the show via streaming or away from the house, however as true as any hand written assignment, it is human nature to hide things and take their sweet time to journalize their assignment which leads to non-factual results.
If this wasn't enough issues of accuracy, Nielsen does "sweeps", which is done quarterly (4 times a year) and the television networks know this. Therefore, we get jacked up programs in order to bring more viewers in and drastically alter the ratings for the benefits of the networks.
These are the problems with Nielsen ratings system, however we live in an imperfect world, thus these rating will have to do until through trial and error we find better ways to measure audiences. One suggestion I would add is to work with cable providers and incorporate a device inside the new smart TV's to see what is being watch, to include DVR, so you could get a lot broader of an sample instead of only 9,000 Americans. Yes the same issue would pertain, however, we might get a little more insight because the sample size is larger.
This rating system is a brilliant measurement device for the television industry, and similar rating are used for radio as well. For that reason alone, Nielsen has a pretty recession prove job. With that said, these ratings are as accurate as can be presently, however, they really aren't that accurate for a numerous different reasons.
Large networks using the people meter are faulty because you cant tell how many and who exactly are watching the television set. The entire reasoning behind rating system is to measure audience as well as who the audience is so advertisers can better invest.
Smaller networks use diaries, which seem to allow them to better account for their viewing habits, especially if they watched the show via streaming or away from the house, however as true as any hand written assignment, it is human nature to hide things and take their sweet time to journalize their assignment which leads to non-factual results.
If this wasn't enough issues of accuracy, Nielsen does "sweeps", which is done quarterly (4 times a year) and the television networks know this. Therefore, we get jacked up programs in order to bring more viewers in and drastically alter the ratings for the benefits of the networks.
These are the problems with Nielsen ratings system, however we live in an imperfect world, thus these rating will have to do until through trial and error we find better ways to measure audiences. One suggestion I would add is to work with cable providers and incorporate a device inside the new smart TV's to see what is being watch, to include DVR, so you could get a lot broader of an sample instead of only 9,000 Americans. Yes the same issue would pertain, however, we might get a little more insight because the sample size is larger.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Newspapers
Without question the newspaper industry is on the decline. As much as their importance played in the revolutionary times, they seem to have meet their maker with the internet. The internet can update in the blink of an eye, you can check multiple sources on a single story, need I say more? Also the fact that there is the same number of newspapers in circulation as there was 30 years ago. The population most certainly has increased, therefore the numbers in circulation should as well, otherwise a decline.
Although, if newspaper were examined in small cities or towns, their subscription rate might not be on the decline because newspapers can still be a leading source for local news and information. Which leads us to another example where newspapers might not be declining, old people. Elder people can be attributed to be stuck in their ways, and one can certainly argue newspapers are a habit for people in that generation.
I personally believe that newspapers will be on the verge of extinction within 50 years, with only their companies that once ran them to have shifted focus towards the internet.
Although, if newspaper were examined in small cities or towns, their subscription rate might not be on the decline because newspapers can still be a leading source for local news and information. Which leads us to another example where newspapers might not be declining, old people. Elder people can be attributed to be stuck in their ways, and one can certainly argue newspapers are a habit for people in that generation.
I personally believe that newspapers will be on the verge of extinction within 50 years, with only their companies that once ran them to have shifted focus towards the internet.
Friday, February 15, 2013
Magazines
Today, I went to a Shell gas station for a subway sandwich and a Full Throttle energy drink. While I was there, I decided to do my assignment of observing the magazine rack.
What I noticed wasn't all that surprising. Almost all of the magazines had a "young" celebrity or person of great shape. In my opinion, this is to target the youth audience of America. Of course, there were other magazines that didn't have great looking people on the covers, however, that was supplemented for guns, trucks and technology gadgets. This clearly shows that the cover is meant to grab the attention of their entended audience.
I believe magazines must grab their entended audience at first glance, because it was wasn't as clear as day what their magazine was about and for whom it is entended for, magazines would only be found a your local museums.
What I noticed wasn't all that surprising. Almost all of the magazines had a "young" celebrity or person of great shape. In my opinion, this is to target the youth audience of America. Of course, there were other magazines that didn't have great looking people on the covers, however, that was supplemented for guns, trucks and technology gadgets. This clearly shows that the cover is meant to grab the attention of their entended audience.
I believe magazines must grab their entended audience at first glance, because it was wasn't as clear as day what their magazine was about and for whom it is entended for, magazines would only be found a your local museums.
Occupy Media!
If you read my first entry of this journel, you would know my stance on media. If used as a tool, technology is an highly effective object for humans. With that said, has it become more of a dependency for humans. Today, I try to withstand the addicts urge to use media.
I've been forced to go months without media prior to this experiment, therefore, I considered it an effortless experiment. Or so I thought.
I couldnt make it 10 minutes into my 20 minute commute to school before I had to throw the radio on to kill the silence. As it turns out, my brain is an evil thing, with silence it allows my brain to have a direct passage to insanity, by means of over thinking. Nonetheless, I figured I'd just continue to go cell phone-less. I made it for the most part the entire day there, it helps that I probably only have 3 people in my life worth talking to so winner winner chicken dinner!
However, when I got home, I had to use the internet for a homework assignment and then gave up entirely and decided to watch The Following on FOX.
Once again, I was unable to forcefully reject the temptation of media. This scares me because of the importance media has become on our life's as humans, but at the same time, is there any real negative stigma that comes with media other than the percentage of time it consumes on our daily life?
I've been forced to go months without media prior to this experiment, therefore, I considered it an effortless experiment. Or so I thought.
I couldnt make it 10 minutes into my 20 minute commute to school before I had to throw the radio on to kill the silence. As it turns out, my brain is an evil thing, with silence it allows my brain to have a direct passage to insanity, by means of over thinking. Nonetheless, I figured I'd just continue to go cell phone-less. I made it for the most part the entire day there, it helps that I probably only have 3 people in my life worth talking to so winner winner chicken dinner!
However, when I got home, I had to use the internet for a homework assignment and then gave up entirely and decided to watch The Following on FOX.
Once again, I was unable to forcefully reject the temptation of media. This scares me because of the importance media has become on our life's as humans, but at the same time, is there any real negative stigma that comes with media other than the percentage of time it consumes on our daily life?
24-Hour Media Use Log
Being apart of a very select few young Americans' in todays world without a Facebook account, I pride myself on trying to stray away from "technology addiction". I wasn't always this way, you could say I was your typical teenager who played video games, spent an absurd amount of time on Facebook and other media outlets. Then, I joined the Marine Corps, and was deployed to various deserts, stateside and internationally, for training and combat operations, to find myself "itching" for a way to connect with friends and family to kill the bordom the desert provides.
I prefaced this, in an attempt to enlighten you to my style of thinking, which is, technology should be used as a tool and not a lifestyle. Take Super Storm Sandy as an example. As I sat in my house without power, I had the time of my life. A couple cocktails, boardgames, and stories of the past. However, everyone else I talked to about their experience, said it was horrible, their phones died, couldn't get on the internet and OH MY GOD! I believe everyone, should be forced into a month of life without technology...
Nonetheless, media is a powerful means to kill bordom and stay connected, and even with my strong assertions of technology, I myself, still had the TV on for the 4 hours of evening until bedtime, even though I wasn't actively watching. I checked my cell phone almost every 15-20 minutes throughout the day. Jammed out to the radio to and from school, as well as, a full hour playlist durning my workout session.
As it turns out, even if I pride myself on only using media outlets as a tool, I needed this tool often through the day. This troubles me slightly, however, adapt and overcome as we often say in the Marines Corps.
I prefaced this, in an attempt to enlighten you to my style of thinking, which is, technology should be used as a tool and not a lifestyle. Take Super Storm Sandy as an example. As I sat in my house without power, I had the time of my life. A couple cocktails, boardgames, and stories of the past. However, everyone else I talked to about their experience, said it was horrible, their phones died, couldn't get on the internet and OH MY GOD! I believe everyone, should be forced into a month of life without technology...
Nonetheless, media is a powerful means to kill bordom and stay connected, and even with my strong assertions of technology, I myself, still had the TV on for the 4 hours of evening until bedtime, even though I wasn't actively watching. I checked my cell phone almost every 15-20 minutes throughout the day. Jammed out to the radio to and from school, as well as, a full hour playlist durning my workout session.
As it turns out, even if I pride myself on only using media outlets as a tool, I needed this tool often through the day. This troubles me slightly, however, adapt and overcome as we often say in the Marines Corps.
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