Week 6 – Journalism & It’s Negotiation of New Media

This week’s presentation is mainly focuses on the question “Are bloggers journalists?”. To answer this question, we should firstly understand what is journalists, what requires them to do, and how do bloggers publish news or information. Journalists write professionally about world issues, local news, comments, fashion trends and etc. There is a great amount of responsibility a journalist faces when presenting material to the public. There are a number of requirements for a professional journalist. Firstly, journalists and reporters have the responsibility to inform the public and keep a watchful eye on the public. They have to provide the fresh and accurate information to the public. They gather the facts and check to make sure they are all accurate.

However, it is no doubt that journalism is in the digital age, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Blogs, applications in Iphone, these are all the platforms for people to sharing information. A blog is instant publishing, and it lets anyone to post any type of digital file, including text, pictures, sound, and video.

To say bloggers are journalists is like saying that web pages are journalism. However, everyone can summit and share information online, and no one can ensure all the contents are accurate. So, in my opinion, I agree with Suzanne’s group that bloggers cannot be considered as journalists.

However, as mentioned by our tutor Jason, if the bloggers are journalists, my answer will  change.

Week 5 - Globalization VS Localization

One of the most conspicuous trends in the 21^st century is probably the closer connection between people. And this is caused by the globalization. Globalization is a catch-all term that refers to any activity that involves more than one country.

Refer to the presentation by Vanessa and Laura, journalism and the media have greatly influenced by the development of globalization. Facebook, twitter, and blogs are become part of our life. This is something that we can’t avoid due to the development of globalzation and new technology.

With the globalization in mass media, people can connect with others more easily and frequently. We can use Skype and internet to talk to the one that in a far place, we can share our feelings of the issue online, we can send emails instead of writing letters.

Due to the globalization, the international media companies expand across the world. There are also some negative impacts showed in this area. Firstly, the dominance of some international media is a sign of Western cultural imperialism and has the potential to thwart cultural diversity. For instance, Time Warner, control large sectors of the media market, and therefore, they use their media products to change others believes, values and opinions. And this may cause other countries to follow them. For example, due to the success of talent show programs in America, like American Idol. Other countries began to follow and create their own talent show, like Singapore Idol.

Lastly, at the age of globalization, journalists should more aware of the articles they are writing, and ensure the accuracy of the information.