The BBC and the implications of James Murdoch's Mctaggart speech in August 2009.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2009/aug/28/james-murdoch-bbc-mactaggart-edinburgh-tv-festival

I've referred to this speech several times throughout the A2 course and here is a link to the Guardian's reporting of James Murdoch's lecture. Murdoch attacks the funding and the specific role of the BBC as a 'state' broadcasting platform. An understanding of how the BBC has adapted to the digital age has been a feature of my teaching this year therefore Murdoch's speech needs digesting. Section B of MEST 3 will ask you to consider the impact of digital media and the BBC is an example of an institution that has adapted to the demands of digital culture. For example students should be aware of the implications for audience consumption that relate to the creation of the BBC I-Player and how the BBC's use of podcasts and programme specific webpages have revolutionised BBC Radio. Our recent examination of the Radio Five website underlines how the BBC have embraced digital culture. BBC Radio now has a visual element, has embraced blog culture and citizen journalism, broadcasters are accessible via e-mail, social networks are utilised, and the audience can dictate content and is encouraged to participate in all aspects of Radio 5. This approach is visible across the whole of BBC radio. The BBC news site is also a resource that reflects how the BBC have embraced and adapted to the demands of the digital age.

James Murdoch's views relating to the BBC are interesting and worthy of investigation. Rupert Murdoch's attempts to limit free news access across the internet should also be a research target for any serious media student as Murdoch's attitude towards the digital revolution needs to be considered. You need to be aware of how digital technology has impacted upon the print newspaper industry. Why buy a newspaper if you can access free, constantly updated news online?

Any consideration of institution and the impact of digital media needs to synthesise the issues surrounding the Napster debate and how mp3 file sharing has revolutionised the creation,consumption, and distribution of music. Shawn Fanning and his Napster site have destroyed the old business models of the music industry [research the record company EMI and how the digital revolution has decimated their profit margin] Access my notes below relating to the Napster debate:

http://www.docstoc.com/docs/40044223/napster-debate-for-y13