The Medium is the Message - How the Medium Affects the Message
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The Medium is the Message
The Medium is the Message - How the Medium Affects the Message
- 1. The Medium is the Message Understanding How Different Media Shape Information
- 2. The Power of Text Depth and Context: Text allows detailed explanations and historical context. Investigative Journalism: Long-form stories (e.g., The Panama Papers). Credibility: Ability to include sources, citations, and verifiable information. Timelessness: Written records remain accessible for historical reference. Text remains one of the most powerful mediums for delivering complex information.
- 3. The Weaknesses of Text Slower Dissemination: Print publications are not instant. Limited Engagement: Text can struggle to hold attention in a fast- paced world. Digital Shift: Declining print readership and ad revenue. Accessibility Issues: Literacy barriers and information overload. The shift to digital platforms and shorter attention spans challenge the sustainability of text-based journalism.
- 4. The Power of Images Verification: “Seeing is believing” – photos validate events. Emotional Impact: Images elicit powerful emotional responses. Universality: Visuals transcend language barriers. Memory Retention: Images create lasting impressions
- 5. Iconic Image Analysis – Florence Thompson Migrant Mother by Dorothea Lange (1936) The photos focuses on Florence Thompson, a poor migrant mother during the Great Depression. Her expression conveys worry, resilience, and shared hardship. The photo became a symbol of the Great Depression and was reprinted in magazines, newspapers, and journals for decades.
- 6. The Weaknesses of Images Manipulation: Images can be staged, edited, or taken out of context. Superficial Understanding: Photos often lack context and depth. Sensationalism: Preference for shocking or dramatic visuals. Overload: Constant exposure can desensitize audiences.
- 7. The Power of Audio Immediacy: Audio conveys events in real-time. Emotional Connection: Voice and sound create intimacy. Accessibility: Can be consumed while multitasking (e.g., podcasts). Creativity: Audio storytelling can spark imagination.
- 8. The Weaknesses of Audio Lack of Visuals: No visual verification of events. Short Attention Spans: Audiences may lose focus. Bias Through Tone: Voice tone can unintentionally add bias. Ephemeral Nature: Audio reports are harder to reference later. Audio’s lack of visual support and potential for vocal bias can affect credibility.
- 9. The Power of Video Real-Time Coverage: Live broadcasts allow global shared experiences. Provides real-time witness accounts. Emotional Resonance: Moving images amplify emotional impact. Storytelling: Combines visuals, sound, and narrative seamlessly. Accessibility: Easy to consume and widely available. Video brings stories to life and creates shared experiences.
- 10. The Weaknesses of Video Visual Bias: Preference for visually dramatic stories. Manipulation: Videos can be edited or staged. Entertainment vs. Journalism: News competes with entertainment for viewership. Shallow Coverage: Complex issues are often oversimplified. The pursuit of visually compelling stories can overshadow critical but less dramatic news.
- 11. Four Types of TV News 1. Breaking Stories (The assassination attempt on President Donald Trump during a rally near Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024) 2. Planned Major Events (Political Party Conventions, Olympics, Macy’s Parade) 3. Taped Stories (CBS News' investigative report on the rise of cybercrime in the United State) 4. Live Reporting (Anderson Cooper in Gaza during shelling) TV news thrives on ratings. What gets watched gets replicated; what doesn’t gets canceled.
- 12. Broadcast Network News (NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX) Targets a large national audience. Operates on rigid time-slots. Market Bias: Ratings influence story selection. Time Constraints: Limited time affects depth of coverage. Aging Audience: Median viewer age is 60.
- 13. Local News "Affiliates” Focus on local stories, sports, and weather. Key drivers: Proximity, Conflict, Human Interest. Economic Pressures: High competition for advertising revenue. Market Bias: “If it bleeds, it leads.”
- 14. 24-Hour News Cable Network Targeted Advertising: Different ads for morning (women-focused) vs. evening (older audiences). Cable news attracts only 14% of the prime-time audience (~3.3 million viewers) compared to broadcast networks (~22.1 million viewers). Positive Aspects: Ability to provide in-depth coverage and real-time reporting on breaking news. Negative Aspects: Sensationalism often overshadows significance. Reliance on talk and controversy over substantive reporting.
- 15. YouTube and Video Streaming Platforms Citizen Journalism: Ordinary people upload real-time footage of events. Long-Form Content: In-depth documentaries and investigative reports are more accessible. Algorithm-Driven: Content is shown based on user preferences, not journalistic standards. Verification Challenges: Misinformation and deepfakes are widespread.
- 16. Advantages of YouTube and Video Streaming Platforms Real-time updates from diverse perspectives. Content is often free and accessible. Greater room for long-form, investigative journalism.
- 17. Disadvantages of YouTube and Video Streaming Platforms Lack of editorial oversight: Anyone can publish content, credible or not. Echo Chambers: Algorithms reinforce pre-existing biases. Clickbait Culture: Sensational titles and thumbnails drive traffic.
- 18. The power to publish once required a printing press or, more recently, a radio or TV transmitter. All involved investments of tens of thousands of dollars or more. But today anyone with a smartphone, tablet or a laptop has the power to broadcast information immediately around the world.
- 19. The Power of the Internet Instant Global Reach: Information spreads in seconds. Democratization of News: Anyone can share stories. Depth and Analysis: Digital articles often include supporting materials like documents, graphs, and multimedia. Searchable Archives: Easy access to historical content. Digital platforms revolutionized the speed and accessibility of information.
- 21. The Weaknesses of the Internet Misinformation: Fake news spreads rapidly. Overload of Information: Users may struggle to identify credible sources. Clickbait Tactics: Attention-grabbing headlines over substance. Privacy Concerns: Personal data can be misused. Algorithmic Bias: Filter bubbles limit exposure to diverse perspectives. Paywalls: High-quality content is sometimes restricted to subscribers.
- 22. Social Media: A Game Changer Seismic Shift in Communication: Smartphones + Social Media revolutionized media. Global Reach: Information spreads worldwide in seconds. Citizen Journalism: Anyone can report news in real-time. Activism and Awareness: Movements like #BlackLivesMatter and #MeToo. Social media became a platform for movements, news sharing, and global conversations.
- 23. The Power of Social Media Instantaneous Reach: Breaks news in seconds. Interactive: Audience engagement through comments, shares, and live videos. Diverse Voices: Amplifies marginalized perspectives. Crowdsourcing: Collaboration on large-scale investigations. Social media's speed, reach, and interactivity give it unique power.
- 25. The Weaknesses of Social Media Misinformation: Fake news spreads rapidly. Lack of Context: Short-form posts lack depth. Bias and Manipulation: Stories may be emotionally charged or politically driven. Echo Chambers: Algorithms reinforce biases. Virality: Stories spread rapidly, but not always accurately. Source Ambiguity: It’s often unclear who is behind the information. Accountability Gaps: No editorial oversight.