The lesson began with a recap of how the BBC has adapted to the digital revolution. It is absolutely essential that students are able to make specific reference to how the BBC uses digital technology to provide a decent service for its audience. For example students must be able to explain how the BBC has revolutionised how its audience can consume and respond to the BBC radio service [podcasts, blogs,programme specific websites, online archive, ability to e-mail journalists, webcam, use of video clips etc]. Again...I urge ALL students to research the origins of the BBC and develop an understanding of why the BBC's ethos is to INFORM, EDUCATE and ENTERTAIN. When did the BBC begin? Who was Lord Reith?
Click on link to access a brief history of the BBC:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/historyofthebbc/index.shtml
The success of the BBC needs to be compared with an institution that has struggled to adapt to the challenges of the digital age. Students were advised to be aware of the pressure that Napster placed on the music industry and how EMI suffered, and continues to suffer, as it struggles to develop a business model for the digital age. Again, research required. Why did Murdoch sell MySpace? How significant is SPOTIFY'S business model?
An article from the Media Guardian was handed to students that explores the continuing success of PRIVATE EYE magazine. This is important as print media is being savaged by the digital age yet here is an example of thriving print media. Subscriptions to Private Eye continue to create profit and this was linked to Murdoch's PAYWALL and students examined why a paywall/subscription may be a successful business model for Private Eye, The Wall Street Journal and The Financial Times but not The Sun or The Times. IF THE CONTENT THAT IS BEING OFFERED IS UNIQUE AND CONSIDERED OF VALUE BY ITS AUDIENCE THEN THEY WILL PAY FOR CONTENT. IF SIMILAR CONTENT IS AVAILABLE ELSEWHERE FOR FREE, PERHAPS A PAYWALL BUSINESS MODEL WILL STRUGGLE TO GENERATE REVENUE.
Click on link below to access Media Guardian 'Private Eye' article:
The heart of this session examined the issues surrounding media and democracy. Students were asked to consider the question:
'The Internet and the World Wide Web have created a more democratic world.' To what extent do you agree with this statement?
Students were offered a resource that examines the role of technology in the recent London Riots and a resource that presents an overview of internet censorship.
Technology and London Riots:
Internet Censorship:
HOMEWORK: Students were provided with a very structured research project. Students must be aware of how the views of Andrew Keen and Clay Shirky differ, the significance of social media when organising protest and allowing the world to access information in Iran in 2009 and throughout the recent 'Arab Spring' uprisings, the significance of China and their approach to digital freedom, the use of technology in the recent London riots, the significance of Wikileaks and Bradley Manning's role in the recent history of Wikileaks, and finally the significance of The Stuxnet Worm and the implications of nation states using digital technology in such a manner. Cyberwar?
The following resources will help students with this research homework. REMEMBER....FISHYMEDIA IS YOUR ONE STOP MEDIA RESOURCE SHOP!
Resources related to Shirky and Keen are still available on the entry that provides an overview of our first session. There are lots of resources on this page that will help you with this homework. Click on link here to access the Lesson One blog entry:
Brilliant Wikileaks documentary. All you need to know about this institution is here:
BBC documentary: How Facebook changed the world...
Click on link to access the second episode of The Virtual Revolution. This is an essential resource. There is a mass of material in this episode that you will be able to use in your essay. This is the first ten minute You Tube segment. Navigate through the segments from this link:
Here is the link to The Virtual Revolution webpage. This is a superb resource:
Stuxnet worm links:
Cameron and social media 'crackdown' article from The New York Times:
Lots to do folks. Remember, independent research will develop your critical autonomy. Your A2 grade is dependant upon your understanding of media issues and debates and your ability to demonstrate critical autonomy. You will only develop this understanding with independent research. Good luck fiends.
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