Channel 4 in crisis:
- Loss of viewing ratings for BB the loss of phone-in revenue as a result of the premium-rate TV competition scandals.
- C4 has reached a "tipping point" with a new public funding solution now "urgently required" if it is to continue to compete with the BBC.
- The core Channel 4 service recorded an operating loss of £7.8m after programme costs grew faster than advertising, according to the report.
- Ratings for the core Channel 4 service fell 11% in 2007 but there was an increase in audience for its digital channels, E4, More4 and Film4.
Privatising C4:
-Peter Bazalgette, an influential broadcasting figure thanks to his decade-long association with Big Brother and Deal or No Deal producer Endemol, said the debate about the future of public service broadcasting was too narrow and rooted in the vested interests of existing players. (he calls for more PSB bodies)
-He suggests 4 ways of doing this:
• A programme of "modest privatisation" at the BBC, selling off Radio 1, Radio 2 and BBC Worldwide
• A structured sell off of Channel 4 that forced it to retain certain public service aims
• Releasing ITV and Five from public service obligations but charging them for spectrum following digital switchover
• Redistributing the £150m in "excess licence fee", currently being used by the BBC to fund digital switchover, that will be released in 2012
The money that would come from this shakeup can then be used to for "boogle" -a new idea whereby the arts industries can produce programmes to further widen the scope of PSB.
Gambling ad's banned:
- Paddy Power and InterCasino have become the first gambling companies to have campaigns banned by the advertising watchdog since laws were relaxed last September.
- The code, introduced on September 1 following the relaxation of ad rules under the Gambling Act 2005, allows gambling companies to advertise more freely in print media as well as on TV for the first time after the 9pm watershed or around televised sporting events.
- The ASA argued that the Paddy Power ad broke the advertising code by linking gambling with sexual success and an improved self-image. (a dwarf with 2 beautiful women)
It also said that the juvenile behaviour in the InterCasino ads breached the code by appealing to children or young people. (dwarves employing jackass tactics for fun)
Wednesday, 23 April 2008
Tuesday, 18 March 2008
Sir Alan Sugar to run a series of 'The Apprentice' for teenagers!
-The show has more teenage viewers than that of any other age
-This would be a big step in involving teens in shows which are of real use
-Slight controversy associated with this years series since one of the candidates is the BBC Sports Reporter something.. -This has created rumours that the Reporter got an easy tickt into the show.
-This series will be the one most watched out of all 4 - with 20,000 candidates applying to be in the show.
-The show has more teenage viewers than that of any other age
-This would be a big step in involving teens in shows which are of real use
-Slight controversy associated with this years series since one of the candidates is the BBC Sports Reporter something.. -This has created rumours that the Reporter got an easy tickt into the show.
-This series will be the one most watched out of all 4 - with 20,000 candidates applying to be in the show.
Wednesday, 12 March 2008
Using a comparison of two tests as a starting pint, consider the issues and debates they raise.
“The Guardian”, a broadsheet newspaper, and the “Daily Express” -by contrast a tabloid, are both national newspapers. “The Guardian” serves to educate it’s a, b, c1 target audience who are very much likely to be the intellectual middle/ working class, whereas the “Daily Express” attracts more of the lower middle class with their sensationalised, predominantly soft news coverage. Ultimately, the front covers of both newspapers aim to show a snapshot of the current newspaper industry ; broadsheets are becoming less hard news orientated, and tabloids are beginning to introduce hard news in the battle to find the perfect mix of news coverage to attract audience in a declining industry.
The main story of both newspapers focuses on politics. In “The Guardian”, the death of Benazir Bhutto - a Muslim presidential candidate is centrally positioned, taking up the vast majority of the space on the front cover. The size of an article is a generic convention in any newspaper to highlight the importance of a story and the bigger proportions awarded to both main stories reflects the importance of politics and Muslim related stories. In typical broadsheet style, “The Guardian” chooses to approach this story sympathetically. Its audience, who are likely to be politically active would find such a threat to terrorism, as posed by Bhutto’s death upsetting and so the broadsheet caters for this my using quotes from people who knew her. This represents “The Guardian” as being extremely reliable as a source in providing news coverage of this death. Unlike the “Daily Express”, whose main story is also concerning a “Muslim plot” to kill, does not sensationalise the story but rather presents facts. Whereas the “Daily Express” is concerned with style, it can be argued that “The Guardian” is more about substance. Furthermore, the way in which the main story of the “Daily Express” is represented - with all letters capitalised as if connoting a sense of urgency- creates the impression of a moral panic. In the case of tabloids, “all bad news is good news” seems to be the case. If we look at the structural composition of the title, it becomes clear that the word “Muslim” and “Briton” are in opposition with one another, representing these two cultures as being mutually exclusive from one another. The idea that it is possible to be a “Muslim” and not a “British Muslim” as implied by the headline represents the “Daily Express” as being highly patriotic and defensive in this nature. The St. Georges logo which bears the sign of a traditional soldier is a representation of the conservative ideologies of the paper where the representation of pure British ideologies surfaces through the main story. The audience for such stories, and for the tabloid must be a passive one who are not willing to question the fundamentals of their “fantantic” based story. This audience, compared to the one of “The Guardian” feeds off the hypodermic needle theory. The main stories of both newspapers, aim to represent the current furore surrounding terrorism, and the Islamic culture.
The presence of soft news is visible on both of the newspapers. In “The Guardian” this is shown through the images of “2007” through Amy Winehouse and the disappearance of Madeline McMann. Choosing Amy Winehouse as one of the mains stories of 2007 illustrates the current debate surrounding news values as ones which are ‘dumbing down’ its audiences. Similarly, soft news prevails in the tabloid with the story of “Holly’s cleavage” and one lottery winner. Evidently, both newspapers conform to the glammour surround the culture of the celebrity. With recent media developments and obsessions with the lives of other people, such as the emergence of “Big Brother” and “You are what you eat” that articles on Holly and Amy are simply depicting the type of society we live in; one that is far more concerned with the lives of others than our own, and one that thrives off gossip.
Furthermore, the ‘dumbing down’ process is made apparent through the ear piece which promotes a “new cartoon launching in the Comic.” The need to promote this comic on the front cover clearly displays the priorities of “The Guardian;” cartoon based stories are considered important in their selection of news. Whilst this does represent the paper as being one that caters for all its audiences, and in this case through providing a humour package for some of its liberal, young adult audience, it does create the impression that “The Guardian” can be best describes as a cross between a tabloid and a traditional broadsheet - a feature which further reinforces the point that broadsheet which do not specialise in a specific sector, such as “The Financial Times”, are becoming less hard news centered.
On the other hand, the “Daily Express” has shown a higher frequency in presenting political news since the war on terrorism began. In this area, strong comparisons between the “Daily Express” and “The Mirror” can be made; whilst both are well established tabloids, they are beginning to realise the importance of current affairs and do a better job in providing them than they once did. For example, an instant glance at the front cover of the “Daily Express” reveals only one soft news story and that is of Holly. Even then, the caption below her picture reads “Did Holly really show too much on family TV?” representing a concern for their family readers (thought it is also arguable that such a caption would attract the male gaze.)
In conclusion, it can be argued that a cross examination across both the front covers provide a glimpse of each of the institution’s main priorities; the “Daily Express” is starting to borrow the conventions of a broadsheet to compensate for the arrival of other mediums which cater for similar audiences of tabloids (for example, pornographic magazines which also attract the same audiences as “The Sun,”) and that broadsheets are becoming the mix between formal news and informal entertainment. -”The Guardian’s” Berliner size is a symbol of its change.
“The Guardian”, a broadsheet newspaper, and the “Daily Express” -by contrast a tabloid, are both national newspapers. “The Guardian” serves to educate it’s a, b, c1 target audience who are very much likely to be the intellectual middle/ working class, whereas the “Daily Express” attracts more of the lower middle class with their sensationalised, predominantly soft news coverage. Ultimately, the front covers of both newspapers aim to show a snapshot of the current newspaper industry ; broadsheets are becoming less hard news orientated, and tabloids are beginning to introduce hard news in the battle to find the perfect mix of news coverage to attract audience in a declining industry.
The main story of both newspapers focuses on politics. In “The Guardian”, the death of Benazir Bhutto - a Muslim presidential candidate is centrally positioned, taking up the vast majority of the space on the front cover. The size of an article is a generic convention in any newspaper to highlight the importance of a story and the bigger proportions awarded to both main stories reflects the importance of politics and Muslim related stories. In typical broadsheet style, “The Guardian” chooses to approach this story sympathetically. Its audience, who are likely to be politically active would find such a threat to terrorism, as posed by Bhutto’s death upsetting and so the broadsheet caters for this my using quotes from people who knew her. This represents “The Guardian” as being extremely reliable as a source in providing news coverage of this death. Unlike the “Daily Express”, whose main story is also concerning a “Muslim plot” to kill, does not sensationalise the story but rather presents facts. Whereas the “Daily Express” is concerned with style, it can be argued that “The Guardian” is more about substance. Furthermore, the way in which the main story of the “Daily Express” is represented - with all letters capitalised as if connoting a sense of urgency- creates the impression of a moral panic. In the case of tabloids, “all bad news is good news” seems to be the case. If we look at the structural composition of the title, it becomes clear that the word “Muslim” and “Briton” are in opposition with one another, representing these two cultures as being mutually exclusive from one another. The idea that it is possible to be a “Muslim” and not a “British Muslim” as implied by the headline represents the “Daily Express” as being highly patriotic and defensive in this nature. The St. Georges logo which bears the sign of a traditional soldier is a representation of the conservative ideologies of the paper where the representation of pure British ideologies surfaces through the main story. The audience for such stories, and for the tabloid must be a passive one who are not willing to question the fundamentals of their “fantantic” based story. This audience, compared to the one of “The Guardian” feeds off the hypodermic needle theory. The main stories of both newspapers, aim to represent the current furore surrounding terrorism, and the Islamic culture.
The presence of soft news is visible on both of the newspapers. In “The Guardian” this is shown through the images of “2007” through Amy Winehouse and the disappearance of Madeline McMann. Choosing Amy Winehouse as one of the mains stories of 2007 illustrates the current debate surrounding news values as ones which are ‘dumbing down’ its audiences. Similarly, soft news prevails in the tabloid with the story of “Holly’s cleavage” and one lottery winner. Evidently, both newspapers conform to the glammour surround the culture of the celebrity. With recent media developments and obsessions with the lives of other people, such as the emergence of “Big Brother” and “You are what you eat” that articles on Holly and Amy are simply depicting the type of society we live in; one that is far more concerned with the lives of others than our own, and one that thrives off gossip.
Furthermore, the ‘dumbing down’ process is made apparent through the ear piece which promotes a “new cartoon launching in the Comic.” The need to promote this comic on the front cover clearly displays the priorities of “The Guardian;” cartoon based stories are considered important in their selection of news. Whilst this does represent the paper as being one that caters for all its audiences, and in this case through providing a humour package for some of its liberal, young adult audience, it does create the impression that “The Guardian” can be best describes as a cross between a tabloid and a traditional broadsheet - a feature which further reinforces the point that broadsheet which do not specialise in a specific sector, such as “The Financial Times”, are becoming less hard news centered.
On the other hand, the “Daily Express” has shown a higher frequency in presenting political news since the war on terrorism began. In this area, strong comparisons between the “Daily Express” and “The Mirror” can be made; whilst both are well established tabloids, they are beginning to realise the importance of current affairs and do a better job in providing them than they once did. For example, an instant glance at the front cover of the “Daily Express” reveals only one soft news story and that is of Holly. Even then, the caption below her picture reads “Did Holly really show too much on family TV?” representing a concern for their family readers (thought it is also arguable that such a caption would attract the male gaze.)
In conclusion, it can be argued that a cross examination across both the front covers provide a glimpse of each of the institution’s main priorities; the “Daily Express” is starting to borrow the conventions of a broadsheet to compensate for the arrival of other mediums which cater for similar audiences of tabloids (for example, pornographic magazines which also attract the same audiences as “The Sun,”) and that broadsheets are becoming the mix between formal news and informal entertainment. -”The Guardian’s” Berliner size is a symbol of its change.
The trailers for ‘Halloween’ (1978) and ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ (2003) promote both films and capture the attention of their primary teenage audience who are targeted through the use of a predominant teenage cast. The issues explored through the narrative show how 'Halloween' and 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre' are used as a tool to discuss issues that exist within the American society, particularly amongst teenagers.
The openings of both trailers adopt technques which carry shock value and in essence, subvert the audience's expectations of the slasher genre. In the trailer for 'Halloween,' the killer's identity is kept concealed from the audience to generate tension and excitement -the two necessary criteria's for a film trailer. In a typical point of view shot, where the audience can only see the film through two round cirlces depcting the eyes on a mask, the audience is confronted with an unexpected scene of a child with the dagger and the mask. Similarly, the opening of 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre' completely employs the characteristics of the romance genre; the string music in the background plays softly whilst the sun begins to set, and the characters inside the van are shown in relationships. This immediately represents the film as being atypical of the slasher genre where, as seen in 'Halloween,' the opening of the trailer features a brutal stabbing scene. Again, there are similarities with the 'Halloween' trailer in that the cast used are teenagers. If one attempts to merge a teenage cast with the glory and violently fanatic slasher genre, it becomes clear why there are current issues debating the influence of media, and especially media which depicts violent as "cool" on children. For example, older children are likely to interpret the trailer of 'Halloween' as fun; the child is placed in a powerful position through the killings he can commit but also through the fact that the act of killing puts you in a position where adults become scared of you. Furthermore, it can also be argued that the romantic opening of ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ represents these acts of killing as an act of art - another threat indicating the influence the media is capable of exerting onto its audiences.
In both trailers the characters who kill are represented as “outsiders” of the community. In the ‘Halloween’ trailer, the child is shown wearing a clown’s costume. This suggests that the child is seen within the family circle as a humorous character who is not considered in a serious light. These acts of killing then are shown as a cry for attention, further reinforced through the psychiatric comment which creates a sympathetic view towards the child. This is a typical convention of the slather genre; these killers do not kill aimlessly and although not explored explicitly, both the trailers for ‘Halloween’ and ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ hint at psychological reasons for the killings. This is shown through two techniques; firstly, the costumes these killers wear and secondly, through the narrative which constructs an opposition between the “outside” world and the “normal” world; the differences between the two highlight the discrimination of the “outsiders.” This notion is more apparent in ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ than in ‘Halloween;’ Texas, a state in the South is represented as having an entirely different culture to the norm. The house, and the killer family are shown in the trailer as “weird” - they have discoloured skin and posses strange abnormalities in their facial expressions. New Line Cinema, which manufactured ‘Texas…’ is evidently a big budget institution set in the northern district of the USA. If one uses a basic example of the conflict between the north and the south of the USA, in terms of which is considered more prosperous and the other with a disjointed sense of culture, then ‘Texas…’ most definitely illustrates the discrimination of south against the north. Representations of these killers as such, raises concerns that those who feel vulnerable ins society are not helped as much as they require; there is a sense in our society that children are placed under pressure. Similarly, the north and south divide of the American society are brought up through this trailer; of course, in this trailer and in the film, is a call more a more fragmented American society.
The openings of both trailers adopt technques which carry shock value and in essence, subvert the audience's expectations of the slasher genre. In the trailer for 'Halloween,' the killer's identity is kept concealed from the audience to generate tension and excitement -the two necessary criteria's for a film trailer. In a typical point of view shot, where the audience can only see the film through two round cirlces depcting the eyes on a mask, the audience is confronted with an unexpected scene of a child with the dagger and the mask. Similarly, the opening of 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre' completely employs the characteristics of the romance genre; the string music in the background plays softly whilst the sun begins to set, and the characters inside the van are shown in relationships. This immediately represents the film as being atypical of the slasher genre where, as seen in 'Halloween,' the opening of the trailer features a brutal stabbing scene. Again, there are similarities with the 'Halloween' trailer in that the cast used are teenagers. If one attempts to merge a teenage cast with the glory and violently fanatic slasher genre, it becomes clear why there are current issues debating the influence of media, and especially media which depicts violent as "cool" on children. For example, older children are likely to interpret the trailer of 'Halloween' as fun; the child is placed in a powerful position through the killings he can commit but also through the fact that the act of killing puts you in a position where adults become scared of you. Furthermore, it can also be argued that the romantic opening of ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ represents these acts of killing as an act of art - another threat indicating the influence the media is capable of exerting onto its audiences.
In both trailers the characters who kill are represented as “outsiders” of the community. In the ‘Halloween’ trailer, the child is shown wearing a clown’s costume. This suggests that the child is seen within the family circle as a humorous character who is not considered in a serious light. These acts of killing then are shown as a cry for attention, further reinforced through the psychiatric comment which creates a sympathetic view towards the child. This is a typical convention of the slather genre; these killers do not kill aimlessly and although not explored explicitly, both the trailers for ‘Halloween’ and ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ hint at psychological reasons for the killings. This is shown through two techniques; firstly, the costumes these killers wear and secondly, through the narrative which constructs an opposition between the “outside” world and the “normal” world; the differences between the two highlight the discrimination of the “outsiders.” This notion is more apparent in ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ than in ‘Halloween;’ Texas, a state in the South is represented as having an entirely different culture to the norm. The house, and the killer family are shown in the trailer as “weird” - they have discoloured skin and posses strange abnormalities in their facial expressions. New Line Cinema, which manufactured ‘Texas…’ is evidently a big budget institution set in the northern district of the USA. If one uses a basic example of the conflict between the north and the south of the USA, in terms of which is considered more prosperous and the other with a disjointed sense of culture, then ‘Texas…’ most definitely illustrates the discrimination of south against the north. Representations of these killers as such, raises concerns that those who feel vulnerable ins society are not helped as much as they require; there is a sense in our society that children are placed under pressure. Similarly, the north and south divide of the American society are brought up through this trailer; of course, in this trailer and in the film, is a call more a more fragmented American society.
Murdoch: I don't want to fight Microsoft.
Yahoo looking for an alternative to the Microsoft bid - don't know what for though..
Murdoch does not want to stand as a competitor against Microsoft because "they have more money"
Murdoch says he's happy with being in the "Google camp" -and that Yahoo missed this opportunity.
Other alternatives for Yahoo include AOL
Yahoo looking for an alternative to the Microsoft bid - don't know what for though..
Murdoch does not want to stand as a competitor against Microsoft because "they have more money"
Murdoch says he's happy with being in the "Google camp" -and that Yahoo missed this opportunity.
Other alternatives for Yahoo include AOL
Tuesday, 11 March 2008
Halloween 1978
Form and Function:
Trailer, to promote the film and persuade the audience to see the film.
M
Dark colours used to depict a night scene.
"Hole in the wall" - eyes of the mask.
Eerie music -like the "Jaws" theme.
Iconography -the symbolic dagger
Flashbacks from the past to the future.
Isolated, haunted house. -Lit in the dark
I
G
Slasher -expectations of the "final girl" fulfilled.
R
Child killer -shock value
Three teenage girls, of one who appears to have pre marital sex.
A
Teenagers who would identify with the Halloween culture.
Slasher -genre cinephiles
I
Those who commit "sinful" activites die.
The final girl is the hero, therefore crediting female characters with positive attributes.
Patriarchy - the final girl is saved by the psychatrist. (Those in powerful positions are men)
N
Voice over anchoring and controlling narrative development.
Flashback.
"The night he came home" -climax
E
Wider Context:
"Others have suggested the film is a social critique of the immorality of young people in 1970s America, pointing out that many of Myers' victims are sexually promiscuous substance abusers, while the lone heroine is depicted as chaste and innocent." (wikipedia)
Influenced by Assault on Precinct 13 (1976) seen at the Milan Film Festival, where independent film producer Irwin Yablans and financier Moustapha Akkad talked to Carpenter about producing a film about a stalker who killed babysitters. (film was first to be called "The Babysitter Murderers --Halloween.")
The opening title, featuring a jack-o'-lantern placed against a black backdrop, sets the mood for the entire movie. The camera slowly focuses on one of the jack-o'-lantern's eyes while the main music for Halloween plays in the background. Film historian J.P. Telotte says that this scene "clearly announces that [the film's] primary concern will be with the way in which we see ourselves and others and the consequences that often attend our usual manner of perception." (wikipedia)
Possible influence from the case of Myra Hindley?
http://kclibrary.nhmccd.edu/decade70.html
Many of the books published in the 70's revolved around a general theme of man's alienation from his spiritual roots. John Updike portrayed characters trying to find meaning in a society spiritually empty and in a state of moral decay.
The Kent State massacre was the most devastating event, with four students gunned down by Ohio National Guardsmen attempting to stem the anti-war demonstrations.
The Vietnam War continued to divide the country even after the Paris Peace Accords in January 1973 put an end to U.S. military participation in the war.
Roe v. Wade legalized abortion.
The sci-fi adventure and spectacular special effects of George Lucas's Star Wars made it one of the highest grossing films ever.
Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2003
M
Opening is unconventional of a slasher trailer –romance, and peaceful music.
The first minute of the trailer romanticises the location and drive into Texas. =The sun shining, long roads...etc
Change in tone –“They’re all dead” / frames in time with the sound of a heartbeat/ lots of fades into black
Long pause 30 secs before the trailer finishes – all that is heard are breathing sounds on a black screen and trailer changes again in pace.
I
New Line Cinema = big budget.
“From producer Michael Bay” – selling the film on the producer’s name.
Transformers, Armageddon, The Rock, Pearl Harbor, Bad Boys, and Bad Boys II.)
G
Slasher
Chainsaws and butcher’s knife.
Typicality’s of the slasher genre = isolated location (represented through the long, country road)
The “haunted house.”
The (interactive) “hole in the wall.”
R
Teenagers as sexually active engaged in relationships.
“Outsiders” –the tension between the northern and southern states.
A
Similar profile to the audience targeted by Bay. =Teenagers, older adults, mainly male.
I
N
Linear
Binary Oppositions between the outside world and the inside world.
Narrative is driven by the text on screen which guides the audience through the dates and locations of the film. –“Inspired by a true story”
E
Wider Context:
Wisconsin serial killer Ed Gein. Gein did wear human skin, but he acted alone and did not use a chainsaw.
War on Terrorism 2001
Wednesday, 13 February 2008
Reuters to sell Guardian US ads
Reuters has struck a deal with the Guardian to sell online ads to the US.
This will mean:
Reuters has struck a deal with the Guardian to sell online ads to the US.
This will mean:
- ads will be seen by around five million US-based web users that visit the Guardian.co.uk website each month.
- Guardian furthers its ambition in becomming a 'global brand'
The Guardian's US online advertising sales business was previously handled by the ValueClick network. But Reuters is a better choice because for targetting 'high value' adverstising that might turn into sponsership deals later.
Targeting the valuable business sector - the Guardian web inventory willbe put on Reuters.com and Reuters Affiliate Network. (the affluent business professionals)
All part of targeting America; the Guardian American website is another US addition aimed at North American users.
Tuesday, 5 February 2008
Wednesday, 30 January 2008
GMG, which owns the MediaGuardian.co.uk website, asked 120 influential digital practitioners to predict the brands, sites and people to watch this year.
The results are as follows:
The results are as follows:
- James Murdoch, Google, and Google Android were the ones to watch out for this year.
- Out of which sites are used most from the list given, the results were- Facebook, Gmail, business social net LinkedIn
- Respondents were also asked for big predictions for 2008, with 64% saying iTunes would start to offer rights-free music formats, 52% saying LinkedIn would be bought and 50% predicting that a Chinese web firm would break into the western market.
- All the social networking sites are expected to grow
Friday, 25 January 2008
Miss Jones' Cover Work
Neela in ER.
Neela in ER.
- The clip opens with Neela arriving at Tony's house in an over the shoulder shot which shows Tony but the back of Neela. This shot immediately gives authority to the male, Caucasian character because he is the character the audience first sees thus encouraging identification with him, more than Neela's character.
- As Neela enters the house, it is clear that this is a date -conventionally, the conversation is centered around the dinner they will be having tonight. A 'date' is a western idea, so that in this clip, Neela is shown to stand stationary by the door and only moves when Tony comes to get her. She is then offered a glass of wine, that in a medium shot she drinks in one go. What this shows is that Asians cannot fully mix with the western culture; the hesitancy personified by Neela is meant to represent Asians as aliens to western life.
- As the clip progresses, it becomes clear that behind this hesitancy is the worry of having sex. It is the stereotype that Asian girls hold very strong anti-sex ideologies (especially before marriage) that is being performed here.
- However, it can be argued that Neela is also showing signs of being sexually active through the mutual kiss.
- She drinks wine, thus modernising the traditions of the Asian female.
- Neela speaks fluent English with the absence of a heavy Indian accent.
To summarise, it is clear that the BBC and other broadcasters such as E4 are attempting to introduce ethnic minorities in their programmes but elements of stereotyping are still evident; Neela explicitly says she is not used to 'dating' which shows cultural ideologies where 'dating' is absent. The issue of sex is also addressed so that it conforms to the stereotype of Asian females as being sexually 'restricted.' There are however, a few minor developments; Neela could be seen as sexually active, successfully adapting to the western culture to represent her as the new, "Western Asian."
Tuesday, 22 January 2008
MP's attack the BBC for failing to show the breakdown of its annual costs.
The media, culture and sports select committees in H.O.C scrutinised the BBC's annual report for failing to show how much they pay their top employees. These include Terry Wogan, Chris Evans and Jonathan Ross.
They argued back saying it would "cause commercial prejudice to the BBC" and that it was a breach of the employees confidence but it was also unclear why issues of data protection only applied to actors and presenters and not the BBC's trustees and executive board.
The committees hope that in this year's annual report the BBC will rectify these problems so that there is a layer of transparency and accountablity from the broadcaster.
The Government drops plans for junk food ad ban.
The proposed legislation outlining a pre-9pm ban on junk food advertising has been droped by the government who see this as invaluable.
Firstly, there are the huge effects on the industry, costing as much as £211m in TV ad revenue and then Brown's other options; his new obesti strategies include advertising and creating awareness.
With evidence supporting a 25% rise in children watching TV after 9pm, especially on non terrestrial channels, the ban seems useless anyhow.
The media, culture and sports select committees in H.O.C scrutinised the BBC's annual report for failing to show how much they pay their top employees. These include Terry Wogan, Chris Evans and Jonathan Ross.
They argued back saying it would "cause commercial prejudice to the BBC" and that it was a breach of the employees confidence but it was also unclear why issues of data protection only applied to actors and presenters and not the BBC's trustees and executive board.
The committees hope that in this year's annual report the BBC will rectify these problems so that there is a layer of transparency and accountablity from the broadcaster.
The Government drops plans for junk food ad ban.
The proposed legislation outlining a pre-9pm ban on junk food advertising has been droped by the government who see this as invaluable.
Firstly, there are the huge effects on the industry, costing as much as £211m in TV ad revenue and then Brown's other options; his new obesti strategies include advertising and creating awareness.
With evidence supporting a 25% rise in children watching TV after 9pm, especially on non terrestrial channels, the ban seems useless anyhow.
Friday, 14 December 2007
http://youtube.com/watch?v=vFL0w1ruiCM
Goodness Gracious Me: Typical Asian Parents.
This short 2 min clip is a stereotypical representation of what Asian parents are like. Noting that stereotypes are based on some truth, many would argue that this clip offers a true representation of the expectations parents have from their children.
As the clip opens, it becomes instantly recognisable that the parents have a ‘freshi’ accent, -or more commonly known as a heavy Indian accent on the English language. ‘Goodness Gracious Me’ stereotypes the parent’s speech to create authenticity; whilst this is promoting a generalisation in speech, there is of course a truth behind this – the immigration of Indians into Britain created this type of speech that is common in older Asians.
As the clip progresses, the results in the post signify the importance of education to these parents. There is a clear divide in the expectations from the mother and the father; the mother is happy to see her son’s results, whereas the father notices the single B amongst the four A’s, not appreciating the quality of the grades. This mother/father reaction is the generalised distinction in what occurs in Indian households and ‘Goodness Gracious Me’ plays on the binary opposition well to drive the narrative forward.
The father then compares his son’s grades to that of his friends. This is another comparison that is often found in the father’s reaction; he is never happy with the grades and the constant comparison with other children determines the son as a failure. There is social emphasis placed on what other parents in the community will think.
In terms of education, the clip conforms to almost every Indian parents expectations; that is to have their son become a doctor and this is certainly what the son aims for too. The profound influence of parents upon their children is unnoticeable, and what is further interesting is that during this entire conversation there is the absence of the son. –A symbolic entity highlighting the pressure of parents to the extent where their son is denied a voice.
Goodness Gracious Me: Typical Asian Parents.
This short 2 min clip is a stereotypical representation of what Asian parents are like. Noting that stereotypes are based on some truth, many would argue that this clip offers a true representation of the expectations parents have from their children.
As the clip opens, it becomes instantly recognisable that the parents have a ‘freshi’ accent, -or more commonly known as a heavy Indian accent on the English language. ‘Goodness Gracious Me’ stereotypes the parent’s speech to create authenticity; whilst this is promoting a generalisation in speech, there is of course a truth behind this – the immigration of Indians into Britain created this type of speech that is common in older Asians.
As the clip progresses, the results in the post signify the importance of education to these parents. There is a clear divide in the expectations from the mother and the father; the mother is happy to see her son’s results, whereas the father notices the single B amongst the four A’s, not appreciating the quality of the grades. This mother/father reaction is the generalised distinction in what occurs in Indian households and ‘Goodness Gracious Me’ plays on the binary opposition well to drive the narrative forward.
The father then compares his son’s grades to that of his friends. This is another comparison that is often found in the father’s reaction; he is never happy with the grades and the constant comparison with other children determines the son as a failure. There is social emphasis placed on what other parents in the community will think.
In terms of education, the clip conforms to almost every Indian parents expectations; that is to have their son become a doctor and this is certainly what the son aims for too. The profound influence of parents upon their children is unnoticeable, and what is further interesting is that during this entire conversation there is the absence of the son. –A symbolic entity highlighting the pressure of parents to the extent where their son is denied a voice.
Wednesday, 14 November 2007
Pluralism/ Marxism Consequences.
Marxism is society are told what to do according to class therefore people face inequality and there are types of media which are suited for that class.
However this is wrong so pluralist give choices to their audiences.
I agree with the person above, i do believe that there is a social class division, which splits the society up. The rich will stay rich and the rich will stay poor.
There is only a social class division if you think there is. And if you do then there are ways to stop that. Individuals split themselves up into social 'classes'.
Yeah, individuals are to express there opinions through ther media without restrictions. Such as google setting up blogger.com, as the audience get more literate they become more demanding and selective.But like you said, google owning blogger.com is an example of big companies owning small companies. Rupert Murdoch for instance owns many companies, and although he provides variety, he chooses what goes on and what doesn't in his companies and therefore his underlying message(if he was one) can still be approved throughout.
Firstly on blogger.com you can set up a blogger.com you can set set up a blog on anything so no ideologies ae fittered to us. Yes Murdoch will channel his opinions to us but in todays society there are so many sources to gain info from.
What's missing from this debate is the extent of ifluence from a Marxist viewpoint and a Pluralistic view too. This debate focuses heavily on factors for and against each view without explaining the 'how' successfully though towrads the end the media ownership of Murdoch does come to light. To make this more stronger, their also needs to be confident use of media terminologu suh as 'media conglomerates' and audience theories.
Marxism is society are told what to do according to class therefore people face inequality and there are types of media which are suited for that class.
However this is wrong so pluralist give choices to their audiences.
I agree with the person above, i do believe that there is a social class division, which splits the society up. The rich will stay rich and the rich will stay poor.
There is only a social class division if you think there is. And if you do then there are ways to stop that. Individuals split themselves up into social 'classes'.
Yeah, individuals are to express there opinions through ther media without restrictions. Such as google setting up blogger.com, as the audience get more literate they become more demanding and selective.But like you said, google owning blogger.com is an example of big companies owning small companies. Rupert Murdoch for instance owns many companies, and although he provides variety, he chooses what goes on and what doesn't in his companies and therefore his underlying message(if he was one) can still be approved throughout.
Firstly on blogger.com you can set up a blogger.com you can set set up a blog on anything so no ideologies ae fittered to us. Yes Murdoch will channel his opinions to us but in todays society there are so many sources to gain info from.
What's missing from this debate is the extent of ifluence from a Marxist viewpoint and a Pluralistic view too. This debate focuses heavily on factors for and against each view without explaining the 'how' successfully though towrads the end the media ownership of Murdoch does come to light. To make this more stronger, their also needs to be confident use of media terminologu suh as 'media conglomerates' and audience theories.
Rupert Murdoch.
Rupert Murdoch is a well known media figure who owns several media institutions. Some of these include newspapers such as The Sun, The Daily Mail, and and tv stations such as Fox TV and Sky. Recently, Murdoch has brought the American Wall Street Journal (newspaper.) He is currently second in the Media 100 List. He studied economics as Oxford University.
Murdoch has in recent years extended his empire by branching out into eastern media instutitions. -He has brought Star TV from Hong Kong and Turkish TV channel, TGRT.
Rupert Murdoch is a well known media figure who owns several media institutions. Some of these include newspapers such as The Sun, The Daily Mail, and and tv stations such as Fox TV and Sky. Recently, Murdoch has brought the American Wall Street Journal (newspaper.) He is currently second in the Media 100 List. He studied economics as Oxford University.
Murdoch has in recent years extended his empire by branching out into eastern media instutitions. -He has brought Star TV from Hong Kong and Turkish TV channel, TGRT.
Double trouble for Virgin and Sky ads.
The ADA had a go at both Sky and Virgin Media for their misleading interpretations of their adverts.
Virgin's problem was with its "superfast" broadband internet that claimed to be 4 times faster than that of its competitors. The ADA recieved several complaints about the validity of the "superfast" internet connection to which Virgin replied by stating that their ad's noramlly phrase that as "up to" but some ad's overlooked this factor. The "4 times faster£ comparison was also tampered with seeing as one of their competitors had an extremely low internet connection speed that brought the whole average down.
Sky = "Sky Anytime" and not making it clear that this offer was only open to customers already with Sky.
I chose this article because it highlights the power of words and phrasing in advertising. A simple mistake like the implication of phrases, implicity rather than explicitly can cause much mayhem. It is good to see that in all cases, the ADA found in favour of the complaints.
The ADA had a go at both Sky and Virgin Media for their misleading interpretations of their adverts.
Virgin's problem was with its "superfast" broadband internet that claimed to be 4 times faster than that of its competitors. The ADA recieved several complaints about the validity of the "superfast" internet connection to which Virgin replied by stating that their ad's noramlly phrase that as "up to" but some ad's overlooked this factor. The "4 times faster£ comparison was also tampered with seeing as one of their competitors had an extremely low internet connection speed that brought the whole average down.
Sky = "Sky Anytime" and not making it clear that this offer was only open to customers already with Sky.
I chose this article because it highlights the power of words and phrasing in advertising. A simple mistake like the implication of phrases, implicity rather than explicitly can cause much mayhem. It is good to see that in all cases, the ADA found in favour of the complaints.
Monday, 5 November 2007
Google spreads its wings!
Google HQ in Calafornia
Google has confirmed plans to launch "Android", an internet medium available on mobile phones. At present, specialised engineering is required to get Google software on to handsets but with the support of all the major mobile phone companies, Google will be able to successfully see this operation through by next year.
This ofcourse is good news for advertisers, bringing potential customers and advertisers closer whilst allowing the individual to surf the internet whenever possible.
This is an important development in the new media because it highlights the power of Google but also gives a preview into how media is shaping your future for us.
Pluralism.
I agree with pluralism because in the twenty first century where new media technology is on a global expansion, the validity of a theory which suggests we are limited in media choice is actually quite an insult to media development. The growth of the internet along with globalisation means that as consumers we are no longer subjected to Marxist ideas of a mass culture but rather the individual ability of texts which enables us to be selective in out choice of consumption. -We are no longer the passive audience of 1950 where our media choice on television is restricted on channels 1-4 but the audience of an ever-growing, media literate society where our roles in choosing the media we want to consume has made our roles impressively active. We aren’t faced with cultural hygenomisation and a mass culture but the readers of a society which accepts and uses the variety of media material available to us with the choice enabling us as educated individuals to select our choices from an enormous database.
I agree with pluralism because in the twenty first century where new media technology is on a global expansion, the validity of a theory which suggests we are limited in media choice is actually quite an insult to media development. The growth of the internet along with globalisation means that as consumers we are no longer subjected to Marxist ideas of a mass culture but rather the individual ability of texts which enables us to be selective in out choice of consumption. -We are no longer the passive audience of 1950 where our media choice on television is restricted on channels 1-4 but the audience of an ever-growing, media literate society where our roles in choosing the media we want to consume has made our roles impressively active. We aren’t faced with cultural hygenomisation and a mass culture but the readers of a society which accepts and uses the variety of media material available to us with the choice enabling us as educated individuals to select our choices from an enormous database.
Wednesday, 31 October 2007
“Is the dominance of a few global media organisations a good thing or dangerous?”
a. How is it possible to have the domination of a few global media organisations? Does the word ‘domination’ not suggest that these organisations entirely rule the media scene? How is this possible if there are only a few of them?
b. Well, take for example big organisations such as newspapers. The newspapers are dominated by The Sun and The Mirror.
a. I see. But I don’t see how this can be dangerous.
b. Well, if these global organisations are in the hands of one person then that gives him/ her unlimited power to choose what he/she wants in these organisations. This allows him/her to sometimes manipulate the media and present bias views.
a. Like Rupert Murdoch. I understand. So in some ways this is a bit like ‘cultural imperialism.’ This is currently the case with the US. Today, many critics argue that the current US media domination amounts to cultural imperialism whereby their culture is forced on us through our own media consumption.
b. Yes, and that can be dangerous for smaller organisation because it undermines their position in the media. Similarly, this is threatening to national media organisations and especially for smaller independent organisations.
a. That reminds me of a term called “McDonaldisation.” This refers to the growth and profound influence of the largest media organisations who are supplying us constantly with lots and lots of this media that is sometimes politically incorrect.
b. And this can be even more dangerous through ‘cultural homogenisation’ because it means that our cultural perceptions, -which are naturally and unconsciously formed through the media, are constructed through the ideologies and values from the media texts we consume.
a. However, is there really a true domination of these organisations? I mean, we still have these smaller media organisations. The thing with the dominance of these larger organisations instantly suggests that its audience are passive, when this cannot be said for all its readers. I believe in the end it comes down to the actual interpreter. If he/ she plays a passive role to the texts it consumes then surely this domination can be a dangerous thing. But, if you have an active audience that draws its opinions from a range of media texts then this is not necessarily a bad thing.
a. How is it possible to have the domination of a few global media organisations? Does the word ‘domination’ not suggest that these organisations entirely rule the media scene? How is this possible if there are only a few of them?
b. Well, take for example big organisations such as newspapers. The newspapers are dominated by The Sun and The Mirror.
a. I see. But I don’t see how this can be dangerous.
b. Well, if these global organisations are in the hands of one person then that gives him/ her unlimited power to choose what he/she wants in these organisations. This allows him/her to sometimes manipulate the media and present bias views.
a. Like Rupert Murdoch. I understand. So in some ways this is a bit like ‘cultural imperialism.’ This is currently the case with the US. Today, many critics argue that the current US media domination amounts to cultural imperialism whereby their culture is forced on us through our own media consumption.
b. Yes, and that can be dangerous for smaller organisation because it undermines their position in the media. Similarly, this is threatening to national media organisations and especially for smaller independent organisations.
a. That reminds me of a term called “McDonaldisation.” This refers to the growth and profound influence of the largest media organisations who are supplying us constantly with lots and lots of this media that is sometimes politically incorrect.
b. And this can be even more dangerous through ‘cultural homogenisation’ because it means that our cultural perceptions, -which are naturally and unconsciously formed through the media, are constructed through the ideologies and values from the media texts we consume.
a. However, is there really a true domination of these organisations? I mean, we still have these smaller media organisations. The thing with the dominance of these larger organisations instantly suggests that its audience are passive, when this cannot be said for all its readers. I believe in the end it comes down to the actual interpreter. If he/ she plays a passive role to the texts it consumes then surely this domination can be a dangerous thing. But, if you have an active audience that draws its opinions from a range of media texts then this is not necessarily a bad thing.
How ITV won back Sir Trevor McDonaldIVT won back Sir Trevor after his contract with the ITV finished. As a key figure in introducing 'back to basics' style policies of newsreading, he has been a key figure of ITV news but h has agreed only to work for a limited time until News at 10 comes through.
"Despite the expense of luring Sir Trevor back, ITV chiefs consider it worthwhile if it helps the network's negotiations with Ofcom to get rid of contract rights renewal, the advertising airtime trading mechanism that has been blamed for exacerbating the broadcaster's revenue decline."
The cutbacks in BBC staff
"So let's look at the world as it really is. The cuts in jobs are not a brave step into the 21st century of the "multi-platformed digital age" and not a worked-out business plan for a slimmer, fitter BBC. They are not designed to improve quality or to innovate. They are simply a way of saving £2bn - so please don't try presenting them as a rational strategy"
g
The Guardian article argues that cutbacks of the BBC staff was not a carefully considered action and rejects the idea of it saving 2 billion. This extra money, the BBC claim will be used to create documentaries and programmes of a much higher standard that ever before, -but whether this is justified or not still remains a debateable issue.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)