Aspects of Communication Overview

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Questions and Answers

What method is mentioned as a holistic approach to ethical decision-making in media?

Potter's Box (correct)

Decision Matrix

Ethical Triangle

Moral Compass

Which aspect is NOT typically a concern regarding media content?

Privacy

Deceit and entrapment

Truth and accuracy

Revenue generation (correct)

In Malta, what percentage of the population reads printed newspapers as of 2022?

3.2%

41.6%

50%

8% (correct)

Which regulatory body is responsible for overseeing the content of broadcasting in Malta?

Broadcasting Authority Signup and view all the answers

What is the most preferred source of news among the population in Malta according to a 2021 survey?

Television Signup and view all the answers

As of 2022, which platform had the highest daily usage among the population in Malta?

Facebook Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the Maltese population listens to radio as of 2022?

50% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about media ownership in Malta is true?

Media is owned by political parties and institutions. Signup and view all the answers

What determines newsworthiness according to Fishman and Tuchman?

The routine practices of journalism Signup and view all the answers

What distinction is made between two types of journalism in the content?

Market driven journalism vs. normative journalism Signup and view all the answers

How does advertising affect the depiction of society in media?

It celebrates the consumer-capitalist organization of society. Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'the gap media/reality' imply?

Genres exist due to the disparity between media and reality. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant misconception about the influence of media on audiences?

Audiences are always passive consumers of media. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of change does media influence NOT typically entail?

Change in physical appearance Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of media effects is emphasized in the content?

They depend on the credibility of the media. Signup and view all the answers

What perspective does journalism of attachment take compared to objective journalism?

It emphasizes emotional engagement over factual reporting. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of the agenda-setting theory?

How audiences learn about issues through media emphasis Signup and view all the answers

In the context of media ethics, what is NOT a characteristic of ethical media?

Promoting sensationalism Signup and view all the answers

What does Cultivation Theory suggest about media's impact on audiences?

Media cultivates specific attitudes and values in a culture Signup and view all the answers

Which stage of the diffusion of innovations is primarily influenced by interpersonal communication?

Decision stage Signup and view all the answers

According to the Spiral of Silence theory, what can inhibit individuals from expressing their opinions?

Belief in a dominant public opinion Signup and view all the answers

Which theory suggests that media can be very powerful in spreading information?

Hypodermic Model Signup and view all the answers

What is an effect of the Two-Step Flow theory in media consumption?

Information is more effectively spread through indirect sources. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects a principle of media ethics?

Ethical media serve the right of information while protecting privacy. Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'the medium is the message' imply about communication?

The content of the message is less important than the medium used. Signup and view all the answers

How does society influence the media according to the content?

Primarily through political systems, economy, and culture. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following reflects the 'second law of journalism' as discussed?

The financing of media directly impacts the content produced. Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about 'newsworthiness' from the content provided?

It is an arbitrary designation made by journalists and organizations. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of new media outlined in the content?

Fixed audience roles Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean that media should have 'special responsibilities'?

Media has an obligation to influence societal values and support democracy. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes new media from traditional media as indicated in the content?

New media facilitates greater network connectivity. Signup and view all the answers

How is the concept of media as a business portrayed in the content?

Media must balance commercial interests with social responsibilities. Signup and view all the answers

What ethical concerns arise from posting graphic images on social media after a tragedy?

It can desensitize the public to violence. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the difference between traditional media and new media?

Young people tend to engage more with new media than traditional media. Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, how are media products typically designed?

To appeal directly to their intended audience's preferences. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant ethical principle in media practices?

Doing what is right, not what is convenient. Signup and view all the answers

What is often overlooked when discussing the implications of a day without technology?

The dependency created by technology. Signup and view all the answers

What impact does social media have on traditional media?

It challenges traditional media to adapt to new trends. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it debatable whether platforms like Facebook and Instagram are truly free?

Users trade their data for access to the services. Signup and view all the answers

What is the concept of the 'Global Village' as it relates to communication?

A virtual community without borders facilitated by technology. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Aspects of Communication

Presentation title: Aspects of communication
Introduction date: October 2024
Presenter: Rev Dr Joseph Borg

Questions Before the Introduction

Daphne Caruana Galizia's assassination, photos of her body parts posted on social media; ethical implications of this posting.
Why such photos were not published in traditional media (newspapers/TV).

Changing Communication Practices

Selfies and generational differences in communication habits.
Virtual vs. physical friendships and communication
Dependence on Smart Phones

Media Products and Audiences

The existence of social media for specific audiences.
The free nature of Facebook, Instagram, TikTok.
Google's role in providing web information (relevance/popularity).

Media in Malta vs. Overseas

Reasons for preference for newer media over traditional media.
Comparison between media organizations in Malta and other countries.

Media Influence

Personal influence from media
Ethical questions about naming and publishing information of accused individuals.

Media, Culture, and Society

Media as technologies, structures, and content
The role of media in Maltese society
Media ethics beyond journalistic ethics
Doing what is right, regardless of convenience

Media as Technologies

What would happen if the internet and social media were to disappear?
Scenario: If TV and radio were to vanish.
The role of print technology and its disappearance.
Consideration of a day without technology .

New Media and Technology

Comparing image in smart phones with how ancient Moses was given a message on stone tablet at mount Sinai.
Comparison in writing/receiving of messages.
Innis' view on written words being more important than words themselves.

Media Technologies and Concepts

Analysis of "The Global Village": is it really a village—comparison to Marshall McLuhan's view.
Quote from Marshall McLuhan: "The medium is the message."

Changes due to New Media

Digitalization and convergence in media.
Increased interactivity and network connectivity in communication.
Mobility and delocation of sending and receiving information.
Adaptations to publication and audience roles

Norms and Conventions in New Media

Norms on the internet, new media, and new organizations.
More informal mechanisms in media.
New languages (e.g., emoticons).
Different characteristics and audiences on varying platforms.
Potential abuse of systems (e.g., Cambridge Analytica).

The Structure of Media

Media are among other social structures, including, the economy, politics, as well as education and culture.

Societal Influences on Media

Political system
Economy and industry
Religious values and culture.
Legal frameworks and education.

Media Systems: USA vs. N.Korea

Comparison of media systems in the USA and North Korea.

Globalized Media Influences

Influence of globalization on media practices in Malta and similar contexts.
Imported programs
Copied media genres
"Foreign world views" and "value systems"

Media as Businesses

Commercial media
Opinion-oriented or private non-profit media
Public service
State-owned media

Special Responsibilities of Media

Media as businesses but with specific responsibilities.
Should not be like any other business.
Influence of media on values; Symbolic universe; essential role in democracies.

"Those who finance media"

Second law of journalism: media content reflects interests of those who financially support them (Altschull, 1984).
Significance/importance of this.

Media Content

Different forms of media content
News
Opinion
Entertainment
Advertising
Advocacy

News Worthiness

The objectivity/inherent nature of news events vs. the ways journalism conventions and organizational needs affect news construction.
Different viewpoints of news worthiness.
Constructed news
Distinction between processes and events

The Manufacture of News

Routine news gathering and reporting practices determine the news itself.
Understanding journalistic judgment.

Newsworthiness

Newsworthiness is not always inherent in events.
It is socially constructed by journalists and media organizations.
Journalistic practice affects determining news worthiness.

Market-Driven vs. Normative Journalism

Distinguishing between market-driven and normative journalism.
Need for awareness from citizens on this issue.
Interest in hard news; soft news; lifestyle; fake news.

Dogs and Lampposts

Quote from Jeremy Paxman on media respect toward individuals.

Advertising and Consumer Culture

Media celebration and normalization of consumer-capitalist lifestyles.
Normalization of middle and upper-middle-class lifestyles.
Promoting an "individualistic" worldview that ignores collective values.

Media and Reflection of Reality

Media rarely reflect reality but often use fantasy as a means to interpret the world and to educate.
Stereotyping, and how it's a key element in this construction.

Media Influence on Audiences

Impact of media on audiences; how audiences are perceived (as servants or bosses); and an overview of active / passive audience debate.

What is an Effect (of Media on Audiences)

Media impact is about changes in thought processes, views, and/or actions.
Example: Support of a team; from an English team to an Italian team, and/or from acceptance of a political leader to the fervent love for that leader.

Attitudes and Types of Change

Media impact often affects information, attitudes, and behaviours.

Impact Factors

Media influence depends on the media's pervasiveness and credibility.
The media's consonance with other media coverage
The level of contrary public opinion.
The ability of audiences to critically analyze media messages.
How entrenched a viewpoint is within society.

Theories on Media Effects

Snooker-style theories, such as Two-Step Flow, and theories where audience interpretation matches their personal desires, such as selective exposure.
The Hypodermic Model – very powerful media.
Uses and Gratifications
Reception theories

Diffusion of Innovations

Mass media plays a role in information dissemination.
The strength of mass media depends on the ease of adopting new ideas/information or products.
The credibility of the medium affects public reception.
Levels of the diffusion process are identified.

Interpersonal Communication

Interpersonal communication is a significant factor in innovation adoption.
The theory includes stages of persuasion, decision, implementation, and confirmation.

Agenda Setting

Media have influence on how audiences perceive issues of importance.
They also emphasize the importance of specific topics.
This is a theory formed and theorized by Combs and Shaw in 1976.

The Spiral of Silence

Avoidance of social isolation motivates individuals to conform to perceived majority views.
Media play a role in demonstrating which viewpoints appear to be the majority’s.
Audiences adjust their expressions in line with the perceived predominant opinions, as per the above theory.

Cultivation Theory

Media reinforce certain values and attitudes in society.
Media are significant in shaping societal perspectives and how diverse audiences experience the world.
Media can instill particular views about violence on various audiences, while also inducing attitudes of rejection for different kinds and forms.

Reception Theory

Audience takes an active role in interpreting media messages, with the process affecting interpretation.

Media and Ethics

The presence of media ethics does not impede freedom but confirms media quality.
Ethical decisions are carefully considered.
Ethical media enhance human dignity.
Ethical media promote the voiceless.

Media Ethics

Ethical media serve humans, not just capital
Ethical media foster global solidarity
Ethical media support common good, not only specific sectorial goods.
Ethical media uphold information rights while protecting privacy.

Ethical Considerations in Media

Ethical media are truthful and factual but are not sensationalist.
Avoid propagation of stereotypes.
Media need contributions from journalists, producers, and audiences to promote ethical values.

Course Content

Different ethical theories discussed in the course.
Holistic approach to ethical considerations in media, such as the Potter’s Box.
Relationship between media ethics and legal considerations.

Content Concerns

Media content concerns: truth and accuracy, deceit and entrapment, privacy, editorial considerations concerning print and advertising, entertainment, and principles that affect audiences.

Media in Malta Context

Existing media in Malta.
Political parties and institutions own some media in Malta.
Social media usage in Malta is widespread.
Success of some Maltese radio stations and the failure rate of Maltese TV.
Influence and presence of foreign media.

Maltese Media Stations and Platforms

13 national FM radio stations in Malta.
Other digital media services.
Number of community radio station
Seven TV stations in Malta that showcase teleshopping and GIO platforms.

Media Usage Statistics

Media usage statistics (Malta, 2022).
Newspapers' usage rate: 8%
News websites' usage rate: 72%
Magazines' usage rate: 7%
Radio usage: 50%
Television usage: 69%
Internet usage: 31% through TV and directly.
Internet and social media usage: 95% use the internet and 85% use facebook at least once per day.
Facebook use: 71%several times per day; YouTube: 51%; Smart phone usage: 87%

Preferred News Sources

Preferred news source (Malta, 2021)
News links on FB: 72.4%
Television: 58.2%
Radio: 30%
Online newspapers: 41.6%
Printed newspapers: 3.2%
Social media profiles (Facebook): 17.6%
Others: 13.2%

Media Regulators in Malta

Broadcasting Authority regulates broadcasting content.
Malta Communications Authority regulates broadcasting and web-based media networks and services.

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Explore key themes in communication practices, including the impact of social media on ethics and friendship dynamics. Understand the differences between traditional and modern media in Malta and internationally. This quiz covers the evolution of communication habits in today's digital world.