Well, I may not know who will win, I do know this; the fight for power will get dirty. Especially after the recorded 30 percent decrease in the Australian music industry and the estimated $200 million loss over the past five years(SMH, 2010). This includes both digital music sales and physical CD revenue. The fight of major corporations have even reached Internet providers.  Earlier this year, iiNet was sued by movie studios for the ‘irresponsible’ amounts of data that are accessible to it’s clients.

Now, I’m not sure about you guys, but I find that hilarious. It seems as though greedy corporations have run out of people to sue. They are attempting to cling onto an outdated system of authorship, that has been passed by new technologies. The money that these companies have gained from law suits haven’t even found their way back to artists or musicians, but to the wallets of CEO’s and shareholders for major labels.

As we have seen through artists like Radiohead, who released their 2007 album solely on the internet, creative masterpieces can be made when artists and companies move with the trends and technologies of modern day society.

I’ll leave you with one quote, to help you to form your own stance on remix culture and copyright.

“Corporations are completely taking over our culture and telling us that we can only consume it. We are saying no. We are saying that we want to actually create with it, respond to it, take it, mutilate it cut it up. We’re saying, you dont ask us whether I want a billboard wherever I go in my town, you don’t ask me if I want to see youre nike logo wherever I go, you dont ask me whether I want to hear U2s music whenever I go shopping or at a restaraunt, so why do I have to ask you to take a little bit of it and make something out of it, make fun of you, critique you. Why do I need to ask?”

Mark Hosler (2008)

Happy remixing!

Bob Burton, freelance health journalist and editor of PR monitoring website; Sourcewatch said “being driven by PR initiated content pushes journalism into a dead end. It not only fails to serve the public, but it also creates a commercial cul de sac for the media because people realise that what journalists provide can just as easily be sourced from a press release on a website.” (Bacon and Pavey, 2010).

How did they gain such influence?

When did journalists become so reliant on PR?

There has been a recent trading relationship in which journalists, working in under-resources and under-staffed newsrooms, increasingly rely on PR sources. A widespread practice across the news media, of reporters being ask to write stories appearing elsewhere, in some cases without a single additional telephone call, and to lift quotes and case histories without any attribution.

The drive for profit maximisation has compromised the independence of the press. The line between journalism and PR – between factual reporting and narrative – has become blurred. Insistence on high productivity means that some journalists are asked to produce up to a dozen stories a day (Phillips, 2010).

It would be however unfair to blame journalists for relying on pre-packaged information. It is clear that most journalists operate under economic, institutional and organisational constraints which require them to constantly churn out too many stories for publication to be able to operate with the freedom and independence necessary to work effectively.

For more democracy there is an undeniable need for reporters to be allowed to move back towards a more autonomous place within the field; a need for reporters to be reinstated as the fourth estate. Journalists must establish their independence of sources or risk the fourth estate being driven by the fifth estate of public relations (Lewis, Williams, Franklin, 2008).

Bibliography:

• Bacon, W. and Pavey, S. (2010). “Who’s really controlling the media message?” Last accessed on 14 October 2010. <http://www.crikey.com.au/2010/03/15/whos-really-controlling-the-media-message/>
• Phillips, A., 2010, “Old Sources – New Bottles”, in Fenton, N., (ed.) New Media, Old News – Journalism and Democracy in the Digital Age, Sage, London
• Lewis, J. and Williams, A. and Franklin, B. (2008). A Compromised Fourth Estate? UK news journalism, public relations and news sources. Journalism Studies, Vol. 9, No. 1. Routledge, United Kingdom.

Who is speaking to you? Who’s feeding you this news?

Do you think you’re getting original, thoroughly researched, independent journalism?

Or do you think it’s all spin and public relations writing disguised as credible newspaper articles?

Australian Centre for Independent Journalism (ACIJ)’s Wendy Bacon and Sasha Pavey carried out some research and stated “our investigation strongly confirms that journalism in Australia today is heavily influenced by commercial interests selling a product, and constrained and blocked by politicians, police and others who control the media message.”

PR does not just play an agenda-setting role in the current industry – Lewis, Williams and Franklin’s research found the influence of PR goes much further where 17% of broadcast stories were verifiably derived mainly or wholly from PR material or activity without adding any original material.

The study verified, overall, that at least 41% of press articles and 52% of broadcast news items contain PR materials which play an agenda-setting role or where PR material makes up the bulk of the story. This does not mean that the other percentage of stories are ‘PR-free’, simply that no verifiable evidence of PR activity could be identified.

Pressures on journalists to increase productivity, with relatively static number of journalists has prompted desk-bound journalists to develop an increasing reliance on pre-packaged sources of news deriving from the PR industry and news agencies.

Journalists blame the lack of time and staff and cuts in editorial budgets for their failure to source stories independently. The editors had little sympathy for the reporters; some believed cuts had made the paper more efficient.

So who is in control?

Who should be in control?

Is no one performing the role of the fourth estate?

Bibliography:

• Bacon, W. and Pavey, S. (2010). “Who’s really controlling the media message?” Last accessed on 14 October 2010. <http://www.crikey.com.au/2010/03/15/whos-really-controlling-the-media-message/>
• Phillips, A., 2010, “Old Sources – New Bottles”, in Fenton, N., (ed.) New Media, Old News – Journalism and Democracy in the Digital Age, Sage, London
• Lewis, J. and Williams, A. and Franklin, B. (2008). A Compromised Fourth Estate? UK news journalism, public relations and news sources. Journalism Studies, Vol. 9, No. 1. Routledge, United Kingdom.

What is a Google Advertisement?

But are these websites really what we are looking for?

In actual fact Google ads are a sponsored links section above search results to boost a website’s traffic and sales. Through a program entitled AdSense and AdWords, businesses are able to buy advertising space in a seemingly deceptive way to lure consumers into believing they are the best website for their search. Furthermore, websites can receive payment for displaying Google advertisements on their websites.

We are all confused and rather bewildered as to why these Google ads are a promoted product that is destroying our once easy searching needs. At times, they provide irrelevant content that is distracting to untamed eye and the tech-savvy user. It is this process of search engine optimization, along with pay per click marketing and other forms of web design access that is proving to be a giant leap for the marketer, but a giant leap back for the consumer.

The informality of language in blogging in a nutshell heightens this relationship between the unseen author and reader, but fashion blogging has reached out to another level of that connection by introducing uninhibited opinion and open discussion about health issues, body image and more. Using the specific demographic of those who relate to a fashion blog, bloggers are able to appeal directly to their readers. An example that I have already discussed in previous blogs is that of the well known author and blogger Rachel Simmons. Simmons has a link to the Teen Vogue blog, in which young women ‘Ask Rachel’, as she dishes advice on ‘friends, relationships and more’. Varying from questions about bulimia, body images and relationships, this element of fashion blogging differs from discussing the usual trends to ultimately a more personal level of web interaction between those who follow fashion blogs as another element of their social interaction with others and their lifestyle.

Companies such as Dove have created blogging sites to promote self esteem and to exploit the influence of the fashion world on young teenagers [Dove Evolution] which many fashion bloggers have taken under their wing as a positive development of promoting healthy body image amongst their world and have re-posted on their site. Promoting healthy body image amongst the world of fashion is something that blogging started and magazines have adopted, heightening world wide awareness of body issues in the fashion world and discouraging the stereotypical influence of anorexia and eating disorders amongst teens influenced heavily by the fashion media. The Vogue blog have taken this idea to the next level as they spread the message consistently in Fashion Forums that they have set up on their website and in their blog where women can discuss anonymously their thoughts and feelings about the fashion industry and Vogue can respond and recreate their magazine to satisfy thoughts and feelings about contemporary body image, heightening awareness and creating a positivity in their personal relation to their readers.

Ultimately, the influence of the fashion blogosphere not only provides expression for individual taste and uninhibited opinion in regards to the fashion world, but it heightens awareness to the negative side of that world also and doesn’t hold back in an effort to distinguish the change that needs to be made about contemporary body imagery portrayed in the fashion media today. Fashion blogging has deterred from an intriguing hobby to a viable media practice, scaling at a high degree of significance in the practice of fashion journalism.

Radiohead front man Thom Yorke stated:

“I don’t see it (new media) in terms of changing things, but rather using language and music as weapons for fighting a mainstream media which is predominately right wing, and loyal to the political framework and its corporate interests” (C Donnohan. 2008)

I think what Yorke is essentially trying to get across as he dances around his point with his poetic and “deep” knowledge is simply- new media is providing artists with new means of getting themselves exposed and heard by the public, outside of the traditional fingers-crossed-for-a-scout-to-see-our-local-gig  scenario for most bands.

Let me put it into perspective. Black Sabbath, a band created in late 1967 was a band that can pretty much place their achievements and discovery on the above theory.  A matter of chance, luck, and most importantly the right sound relevant to that era. Ozzy Osbourne was discovered by fellow band as he displayed a sign in a local store simply stating “Ozzy Needs A Gig”. The band formed, played local shows, enough for some on the side cash. It was only when by chance Jim Simpson (founder of Big Bear Records), was at the local show, recognized the Guitarist (Tony Iomi) and saw great potential of the band. (Ozzy Osbourne 2009).

With a stroke of luck on their side, it becomes evident just how many quality bands would have not quite made it in this day and age. Affording agents or managers, record deals or recording time was usually well outside their price range. It’s saddening to think just how many talented musicians would have gone unrewarded for their hours of commitment and effort- purely based on the lack of resources and chance of “right place right time” scenarios.

Alas, this brings me to my next point. New Media, and in particular the phenomenal boom of resources such as the internet have been able to turn the tables in this regard. Artists basically need a computer and internet connection to reach their dream of “making it”. So I present you with exhibit B.

JUSTIN BEIBER. Foreign name, eh? No but seriously. I wish I could think of a less cliché example but, as much as I hate to admit it- this boy is the cream of the crop. Simply combing one hair over your face, having an overy proud mother with a video camera and possessing that “naww” factor that seems to “get girls every time”, it seems Beiber was a prime contender to wow the youtube audience

Justin Bieber earns a minimum of $300,000 per concert, placing him near the top of the summertime tour earnings list, contract records show.
The 16-year-old performer earns more per gig than established acts like Sheryl Crow ($146,500), Weezer ($150,000), and Bret Michaels ($64,000). Bieber, though, does not command as much as Rascal Flatts ($702,500), Kiss ($500,000), or Keith Urban ($487,500) (Calladine. 2010).

Comparing Beiber’s ease into the limelight, to that of dedication, persistence, and many a penny-less week for bands of the past- it’s only obvious the one major factor determining the difference in these issues is that of new media, and how the internet has significantly impacted music and its stance in the media. This issue, compared to my last post, proves that new media (internet) is not just a negative impact on the music industry, and in fact has drastic implications if utilized the correct way

REFFERENCES

C Donnohan. (2008). Thom Yorke. Available: http://www.icelebz.com/quotes/thom_yorke/. Last accessed October

Dan Calladine. (2010). Justin Beiber. Available: http://digital-stats.blogspot.com/2010/10/justin-beiber-earns-minimum-of-300000.html. Last accessed October.

Ozzy Osbourne (2009). I Am Ozzy. P246 United States: Grand Central

The internet has become an inter-web linking ideas and thoughts from one person to another. No longer are the physical boundaries of land and sea an obstacle when it comes to the sharing of information and data. Websites such as Youtube, Tumblr, Facebook, and Wikipedia, are all great examples of how easy it is to share videos, photos, information and contact people across the globe.

Facebook itself has “more than 500 million active viewers”(Facebook,2010) with “More than 30 billion pieces of content (web links, news stories, blog posts, notes, photo albums, etc.) shared each month”(Facebook, 2010). Considering there are around 6.6 billion people in the world, roughly 7.6% of the population are users of the same internet product. That’s roughly the same amount of people that speak English in the entire world (100 People, 2009). The mass spread of this communication device is simply astounding.

Wikipedia is another website that has become one of the first things to search when looking for information, although sometimes considered not trustworthy as it can be edited my anyone, it is a great example of the power of global sharing. “Welcome to Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia that anyone can edit. 3,440,150 articles in English”(Wikipedia, 2010). Wikipedia has latched onto the idea of “free information” where people in today’s society aren’t keen to spend money on encyclopedia’s and dictionary’s anymore, rather the internet has provided that exact same information plus more for the price you pay for dial up or modem, nothing else.

Overall, the media technology of the internet and its vast ability to share files, has allowed for artists across to globe to share their work and information. This type of technology is what will make the documentary genre and all types of film or media increasingly popular.

Facebook, 2010, Facebook, 27/9/2010, http://www.facebook.com/press/info.php?statistics

100 People: A world portrait, 2009, 100 People: A world portrait, 27/9/2010,http://www.100people.org/statistics_100stats.php?section=statistics

Wikipedia, 2010, Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., 27/9/2010, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page

They know exactly what journalists need, and they love to spoon feed them.

Journalists are sifting out which, of many competing voices, are sufficiently important to deserve space in a story and in what order they should be used. An experienced general reporter on a national newspaper will get 50 or 60 emails each day, most from PR companies. Philips (2010) found that ’41 per cent of press articles contain PR materials which play an agenda setting role of where PR material makes up the bulk of the story.’

 In the day-to-day world of journalism, every single major public announcement can be classified as ‘PR’ and every organisation wishing to address journalists will use public relations techniques. “PR is working harder and smarter, while journalists are working dumber and faster… all of it under the constant background duress of failing businesses and falling newsroom numbers” (Green, 2009).

A prime example of this is a recent phenomenon of pre-packaged journalism. PR companies are producing pre-packaged media releases which just make the journalists job of ‘copy and pasting’ so much more tempting easier. “These products deliver edited sound bites, interviews and footage straight to the journalist’s desk, in a conceptually complete pre-package “(Kwan, 2010). There are also interactive media releases on a website with audio and video content available.

So all the journalist needs to do is… DOWNLOAD! And an array of resource is laid out in front of them for their choosing. Some might say for their cut and pasting into newly fashioned news items.

Just to finish off, an interesting segment on Media Watch about just this – a catchy tune as well!

You can access the video from ABC’s Media Watch website “Let’s play the Echo game!”

http://www.abc.net.au/mediawatch/transcripts/s2971302.htm

I can’t believe we’re excusing this!

“What will die with them is the tradition of investigative, independent, curious reporting. Dying the death of several hundred cuts over many, many years” (Green, 2009)

Bibliography:

• Phillips, A., 2010, “Old Sources – New Bottles”, in Fenton, N., (ed.) New Media, Old News – Journalism and Democracy in the Digital Age, Sage, London
• Kwan, B. (2010). “Spinning the Media: Pre-packaged journalism: just download!”  Last accessed October 13, 2010. <http://www.crikey.com.au/2010/03/25/spinning-the-media-pre-packaged-journalism-just-download/>
•  Green, J. (2009). “Message to PR flacks: You win”. Last accessed October 13, 2010. < http://www.crikey.com.au/2009/05/14/message-to-pr-flacks-you-win/>

check out the related presentations on writing an academic essay here

The values of real time production of information come into fruition when a society’s civil liberties are threatened. For example, in Bahrain, they were able to use blogs and social media to portray their outrage at the treatment of their fellow countrymen, detailing civil unrest and reports of torture from the fundamentalist government. This ‘cyberactivism’ as it has come to be called allowed the world to gain a perspective of the state of Bahrain, beyond the political propaganda, and an ability to see the perspective of the people being affected. All this at the click of a button.

Similarly, this journal article entitled ‘Who Let the Blogs Out’ outlines the political disparity of a coup crazy Fiji, again, from the perspective of the general public. Media combination kept freedom of expression alive, and allowed for the world to see how the coup d’état had affected the people of Fiji in 2006.

So bloggers take note: This is how you do it!  Knowledge equals power, and the sharing of knowledge is the key. Rather than being caught up in petty arguments and abusive debates, use your blog as an expression of yourself, an outlet of your own creativity and a platform for the collaboration of knowledge.

However, don’t get too consumed that you forget to look over your shoulder once in a while.

You never know who’s looking!