Course overview
The aim of this course is to extend and apply students' knowledge of theories and concepts of the processes and challenges that journalists, news organisations and audiences encounter in the current news media landscape. Students will explore concepts on how power moves through media organisations impacting the journalist and audiences, gaining an understanding of the political economy and editorial independence. They will develop an understanding of the connection between power structures and power relationships in journalistic organisations.
Students will be introduced to journalism as a ‘cultural practice' in relation to other cultural institutions which influence public opinion, and introduced to theories such as journalism as a ‘commodity' and ‘autonomous consciousness'. They will become familiar with practices relating to the reporting of indigenous affairs, an understanding how news is framed, the limited coverage of issues, and the limitations and constraints faced by journalists.
Course learning outcomes
- examine the influence and impact of political economy within journalistic organisations
- analyse journalism as a particular type of 'cultural practice' and how it, and its influence on public opinion, have evolved and shifted with the advent of new technologies
- identify and analyse the practices relating to the reporting of indigenous affairs