Reference no: EM133286434
Question - Communications Discussion
1. Using empirical evidence AND sociological research discuss the extent to which news can be seen as socially constructed rather than as a simple mirror of events in the world.
2. The sociology of journalism treats news as a social construction of reality by focusing on internal processes in the news organization as well as external influences and forces that shape news production. With reference to examples, discuss the centrality of this body of theory in providing insights into the working practices of journalists.
3. Does a free media ensure a free democracy?
4. How useful is the concept of 'propaganda' in discussing the role of contemporary media in political processes?
5. Why have public relations and lobbying been seen as a threat to democracy?
6. What are the key factors which shape Western media's coverage of the Developing World?
7. Using examples, discuss the key factors that shape and constrain the operations of the news media in Africa and the wider developing world.
8. Select two (or more) pieces of news texts from different sources (e.g., articles on the same area of news from the Guardian and Telegraph). Then compare them, using one or more of the methodological approaches which have been discussed in the course.
9. Critically reflect on the view that the rise of alternative or peripheral news media points to the structural weaknesses and failures of traditional media.
10. Citizen journalism has often been framed by some journalists and scholars as debasing or dumbing down traditional mainstream journalism. Discuss this view using empirical evidence AND sociological research.