JOUR1111: Assessment 2- “No-one’s a stranger; you just haven’t met them yet.”

Imagine this… You wake up every morning over 3000kms away from your real home. You work long days and at the end of every night you Skype your 6 year daughter and family back home through an unreliable connection and distorted image. You return home once a year for two weeks to visit your family before traveling back to work to make money to support your daughter. 

Meet Neela. This is her life.

At the end of last year, completing school was my first priority and a feat which I thought would be a significant challenge in my life. So, it was ironic to learn that in order to discover the real challenges which people face every day; I had to travel to a faraway land, barely visible on your average world map. 

When my family and I first decided to travel to the Maldives in January 2012, I expected a luxury holiday, lazing on the beach and eating lots of food. I never imagined that I would learn so much about a life outside of my own, in the most amazing way. 

For those who don’t know about the Maldives, don’t worry, you’re not the only ones. A small pod of islands located between Asia and South Africa, the Maldives is known by many as a must-see destination and after spending 10 days there, I discovered why.

  Map showing the Maldives.  

Image courtesy of: http://www.eifl.net/system/files/201105/maldives_location_worldmap.jpg

After leaving our home and traveling to the airport on Monday night, the 9^th of January, my family and I boarded the 11:45pm flight direct to Singapore. You always know you are going to have a great trip when your captain informs you at the beginning of the 8 hour flight that they are expecting 2 hours of severe turbulence. Not quite the news I wanted to hear, but there was inevitably no turning back; quite literally. At this stage we were heading for take-off so, there was genuinely nothing I could do. I was dreading the flight and grew increasingly nervous as I waited for the final 2 hours of the flight when we experienced… no turbulence, none; I had worried for nothing. 

We finally arrived at Singapore airport after a… calm flight and waited at the airport for 4 hours before we boarded a connecting flight to Male, the capital of the Maldives. Male was not quite what I had expected. We stepped onto the tarmac, into the heat of the day before heading towards the small building which, I soon learnt, held customs. After traveling through the bustling Singapore Airport and into the secluded Male Airport, the contrast was incredible. However, this part of the journey was necessary as I could see that regardless of the fact that we were only a 4 hour plane flight from Singapore, we already seemed worlds away.   

After a short speedboat ride from the airport; beyond the picturesque blue waters and seclusion, we arrived at our resort, greeted warmly by the friendly staff on the island. 

  The view of the resort as we arrived. 

It was here that I noticed the first significant difference from my world and theirs; their hospitality was like no other. Hundreds of staff lived on the island and worked hard to make our experience memorable. The largest numbers were the staff who worked on the gardening and general maintenance of the island. Every morning they would rake the sand evenly across the entire island and water the plants because, well let’s face it, it’s quite difficult to grow anything in sand. The majority of the gardeners were local Maldivian people and some could not speak English very well. However, every morning, passing them on our way to breakfast they would stop what they were doing to simply look up and say “Good morning.” In fact, this happened whenever and wherever you went on the island. They had a completely different approach to hospitality than in Western culture. They treated us as though it was their privilege to have us, not that we should feel privileged to be there. One morning, a man even stopped a phone conversation just so that he could smile and greet us. This got me thinking. Regardless of their lives, away from their families, working hard every day, they still manage to remain positive and appreciative of the fact that they have a job at all. This was quite different to my own life in which, many times you meet people in their jobs who really would honestly prefer to be… anywhere else. However, they get to travel home every night to their family and live relatively comfortably. How is it that our values could be so different from theirs? 

After a few days, we started getting to know many of the people who worked on the island and they shared their stories with us. Abdulla is a local Maldivian who cleaned our rooms every morning and night at the resort and every night he would give us the lowdown about the weather the next day. One night, we were explaining to Abdulla where Australia was on the world map, so Mum showed him on her iPad. He smiled and said: “I have the iPad as well. But not the iPad 2, just the iPad 1.” The fact that he had an iPad was interesting enough, let alone him knowing that the iPad 2 existed. We thought we were teaching Abdulla something new by showing him an iPad, but in fact he taught me about how small our world really is. He then went on to describe how he plays PlayStation with many of the other workers in their rooms on the island and I was amazed to hear that they are all just like us. It was in this moment that I realized how technology has connected the world. Whether you live in the Western world or in a third world country like Abdulla; technology is universal. Technology has allowed Abdulla and Neela, along with many others, to connect with their family regularly and has enabled third world countries to develop and advance through the use of technology and a closer connection to the first world. 

 Abdulla.

As for the invaluable learning experience of the Maldives… After complaining about the plane flights, turbulence and jet lag, among many other things, I have realized that so many of the people who we met, would love to live the life I do, in the country that I do. Neela works at the resort spa and her story alone has proven to me that, no matter how tough things may seem, I can guarantee that it is nothing compared to what so many have to go through every day of their lives. I have realized that I only face ‘first world problems’ and, although our destination was world class, I was able to appreciate my life simply through my interactions with the local people. I didn’t need great food or beautiful accommodation to show me that; I just needed a reality check from real people with real stories.

 Great Food...

Beautiful Accommodation...

One particular moment which inspired me was when, on our second last night, we met one of the management staff at the resort. He told us all about his life and the people he had met before coming to the Maldives; including how he had been a butler at the Gandhi household. But, one thing he said struck me and is something which I will never forget as it is especially important for me as an aspiring journalist:        

“No-one’s a stranger; you just haven’t met them yet.”

Lecture 7: Public Media: Old News or the next big thing?

I recently watched the TV Week Logies on Channel Nine and learnt something which I had never considered before. Many of the awards were presented to programs which I had hardly heard of, let alone seen. I realized eventually that these programs were presented on the ABC or SBS, channels which I rarely watch except for the nightly news. So, it was quite fitting that in the next lecture of the JOUR1111 course, we learnt why ABC and SBS are often dominated in the ratings by channels such as 7, 9 and 10.

Image sourced from: http://thiang.wordpress.com/2010/10/23/commucation-in-the-media/

 

In the nightly news, the ABC, as a public media station, does not advertise their other programs and, as such I had never heard about their other programs unless I watched the channel more often. So, with this being the general basis on which public media is built, is it detrimental not advertising their own channel during other programs? After last week’s lecture we learnt that, while consumers would prefer not to be interrupted by ads during their favourite program, commercial media has shaped the way in which we watch television today. Nigel Milan, former Managing Director of the SBS, effectively describes the distinction between both Public and Commercial media:

“The difference between commercial broadcasting and public broadcasting is the difference between consumers and citizens.”   

Public media exists to support both public and demographic processes and should have “Public Value”. However, there is evidence that suggests Public Media may be surrendering to the pressure of commercialization. For example, the establishment of ABC stores around Australia is an element of commercialism entering the sphere of public media. Perhaps the pressure has amounted from the general consensus that public media is said to be "boring and elitist". Public media however, does demonstrate strong values when relating to its general function and communications styles including: ‘The Press’, entertainment, utility, social and propaganda.  

Image sourced from: http://www.cartoonaday.com/media-blackout-on-wall-street-protest-cartoon/

 

Like commercial media, there are many challenges which public media faces such as producing quality on a low budget, making their programs relevant to mass audiences as well as informing the public; to name a few. Public media is not owned by the government however, they do face political pressures different from commercial media which faces commercial pressures.   

Learning about both forms of media has made me more aware of the reasoning behind their operation, presentation and content. I think it is safe to say that, regardless of your favoured media form, television would not be the popular entertainment form it is today, if it wasn’t for the competition and variety presented by the media.   

Hungry for the Hunger Games?

The Hunger Games, in case you haven't heard, seen or read, is a story about a somewhat futuristic competition in which competitors are young adults who, quite literally fight for their lives in front of a TV audience, until only one survives. After reading all three of the Hunger Games novels, I was excited to see how they had been translated into film. I'll admit, I'm not one to wait in line for hours or stay up late to watch the premiere of a much anticipated film; but I did see the movie after a couple of weeks of its release. I was pleasantly surprised.

 Image sourced from: http://crazystupidposts.tumblr.com/post/13634768362

Often book-to-film adaptations can disappoint viewers, though I have to say that I was very impressed by the Hunger Games movie. While some are skeptical about whether the hype was worth the wait, I think it stayed as true to the book’s intentions and style as possible. One critique, which is obvious in other reviews I have read, is that the camera work and technique was quite dramatic and shaky. Movies use this style to make audiences feel that they are with the character, every step of their journey and feel that they are more engaged with the film and characters. However, these criticisms got me thinking. Do audiences really need to feel that they have stepped into the movie? After all, we do watch movies on the big screen to momentarily escape reality. Is it essential that, for the 2 hour movie our reality shifts to the on-screen drama? Is it not enough that we sympathize with the character’s emotions and now we are being taken on their journey?

I suppose this is largely a matter of opinion. Once I eventually got used to the unique camera style, I was able to enjoy the movie without being distracted by the making of the film and rather focused on the story itself. While I was not shocked by the concept, having already read the books, I do remember initially being quite surprised that the controversial novel was so popular. The book concept presents a “commentary on a culture led by political interests and placated by reality TV” (http://hungergamesmovie.org/category/suzanne-collins/). It wasn’t until I thought about the whole ‘Hunger Games’ idea that I thought, our society isn’t much different from the ruthless Capitol which finds entertainment in others struggles. Though the connection is much less severe, we watch shows like ‘Survivor’ which, much like the Hunger Games asks competitors to “outwit, outplay and outlast.” Are we not supporting a similar ‘game’? While people’s lives are not necessarily risked through ‘Survivor’, we find a sense of enjoyment in watching people struggle, fight and ‘shaft’ other tribe members which all ties into the manipulation also existent in the Hunger Games. 

So, while the Hunger Games is a controversial and seemingly cruel concept, it only reflects the radical side of competitions we already endorse. 

 Video sourced from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfmrPu43DF8

  

Find more reviews about the Hunger Games here: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_hunger_games/

Lecture 6: Commercial Media- The Good, The Bad and The Inevitable

I have admitted previously that I am a self-proclaimed TV addict. However, one aspect of this media has made leisurely viewing impossible... Commercial Media. For those of you who are not certain of what exactly this is, don’t feel bad, I wasn’t 100% sure either.

In Lecture 6 of the JOUR1111 course, we were taught exactly why TV is becoming a more disrupted form of entertainment. Commercial media is driven purely from the profit it gains from advertising during programs. The media form is not government funded and, as such, it strives to generate large audiences to increase profit. 

Image sourced from: http://prdisasters.com/?tag=commercial-media

We were shown different examples of how such organizations are dominating the market. However, commercial media is not all about TV advertisements. Commercial media consists of TV networks, magazines, newspapers and even radio stations. We asked the question as to whether commercial media could deliver on both commercial (profit) and social (‘public trust’) functions; or whether commercial media is simply all about the profit. We were told that commercial media does in fact abide by certain formal requirements to guarantee commercial-social functions.     

One surprising quote about the style of commercial media, from John McManus in 1994, read:

“Commercial= corrupt; lack of quality; profit over-rides social responsibility.”

While at first I felt this was a harsh comment, I suppose it does depict a certain level of truth. How can audiences trust this communication field when media can be seen as corrupt? Tabloids are a form of commercial media which often seems to exaggerate certain details in stories to appeal to audiences. While this is probably an effective marketing technique, it does not necessarily gain the trust of viewers. 

Image sourced from: http://gawker.com/tabloid-reality-index/

 

Commercial Media may seem to be a dominant and stable industry; however, we were shown how there are some challenges which face the media form. One example illustrated what would happen if advertising revenue for broadcast media declined. The repercussions for commercial media included: loss of revenue = less investment = less money for quality production = more bought-in content (less original) = more repeats of US sitcoms, more reality TV. This domino effect would impact the way in which we watch television and would in fact be detrimental to communication and media as a whole. So, while commercial media does present many flaws; without it, our diverse viewing opportunity and accessibility of TV programming would not exist or would be hindered.  

 Image sourced from: http://www.toonpool.com/cartoons/Gullible_133907

Solutions have been considered which aim to protect commercial media from the many challenges it faces. Suggestions include implementing the policy that quality within the market would ensure better, bigger and greater content. It is assumed that, consumers would be willing to pay more for quality media and, as a consumer of commercial media, I would definitely agree. Experts describe how greater competition within the market would force certain networks to “lift their game”, again ensuring that consumers are provided with quality media. As the world continues to move closer to digital media forms, it seems that this could also benefit the future of commercial media.     

So, while no-one enjoys being torn away from their captivating program to an advertisement; without commercial media and advertising revenue, our TV viewing quality wouldn’t be the same.

Lecture 5: The Sound of Radio

I’ve always been a visual learner. So, I found it particularly difficult to understand every aspect of Lecture 5 of the JOUR1111 course. I listen to the radio every day, but for some reason when it came to having to understand and take notes on this sound lecture, I admit, I did struggle. 

The previous lecture was all about visuals and pictures in journalism; so, it was ironic that, the very next week, we were given no visuals at all. I found it hard to, take in what both interviewees were saying, while also attempting to visualize them. 

(RICHARD FIDLER)

Image sourced from: http://www.abc.net.au/local/img/podcasts/versions/conversations_600x600_20090928.png

 

The first interview featured Richard Fidler, an ABC radio presenter of the show ‘Conversations’. He explains how radio is a far more intimate medium than television and is not talked at you but instead comes from your head. Fidler says that it is important, as a radio interviewer, to let your interviewee talk and not prompt them too much. When asked about advice which he would give young journalists he said:

“Worldliness is good, read the paper, be open-minded, expose yourself to the thoughts and ideas of people who you don’t agree with.”

I thought this was quite interesting because, often we tend to ignore or immediately challenge the views of others if they are not the same as our own. However, his idea would allow for a greater understanding of opinions on different issues and this is definitely important in the field of journalism.     

(STEVE AUSTIN) 

Image sourced from: http://www.abc.net.au/reslib/200703/r131605_4829926.jpg

 

We next heard from Steve Austin of ABC local radio Queensland. Austin offered valuable tips on interviewing and what you must know as an interviewer. He said that you must pursue what you want to find out and, if you’re not sitting directly with the person, empathise with them in order to gain their trust. He also explained how listening implies respect; similar to Fidler’s view that radio interviewers should not say much at all. Both agreed that where people choose to expose a story without realising, you should let them talk. Austin was asked what the components of a good radio story are. He replied:

“Being human and searching or exploring for the full gamut of human experience.”

This, I feel, is exactly how a journalist could learn most about their interviewee; by being open to listening and learning. After this week’s lecture, I learnt that often radio journalism is just as valuable as television journalism and offers just as much insight. It also got me thinking about the difference between TV interviews and radio interviews. Generally, radio interviews are played live on-air; therefore, interviewees would possibly be more likely to expose stories in a radio interview. They know that there is a smaller chance that their interview will be edited and their words manipulated or misread, unlike what can happen in TV interviews. 

So, is radio a diminishing form of journalism? Certainly not.

Lecture 4: A Moment in Time

A picture is worth a thousand words…

How many times has this been said? In Lecture 4 of the JOUR1111 course, we heard it once more. After hearing the previous week about the power of ‘word’, we moved onto exploring the incredible world of picture in journalism. From cave drawings to Photoshop, we were taken on a brief journey through the history of developments in picture. 

Seeing edited images regularly in journalism, I don’t notice just how ‘edited’ they actually are. We were shown some examples of how edits compare to the originals; the difference was incredible.

Image sourced from: http://www.chilloutpoint.com/misc/celebrities-before-and-after-photoshop.html

Before editing even begins however, photo journalists must ensure that they are able to capture a great photo. 

“If it makes you laugh, if it makes you cry, if it rips out your heart, that’s a good picture.”

-          Eddie Adams, Pulitzer Prize-Winning Photojournalist

To be honest, I wasn’t aware of the effort involved in capturing a great photo, until we were taken through the essential elements which produce one. These include:

-          Framing

-          Focus

-          Angle and Point of View

-          Exposure (or light)

-          Timing (Shutter speed)

And most importantly, capturing “The Moment”.

 Image sourced from: http://www.piculous.com/10-cool-pictures-taken-at-just-the-right-angle/

 

We then moved on to exploring the importance of moving pictures and how they have impacted journalism. Much like images, moving pictures are all about capturing the scene and are also required to implement similar elements as capturing a great photo:

-       Framing

-       Focus

-       Angle and Point of View

-       Exposure (or Light)

-       Timing (& Editing)

-       Capturing “The Scene”

-       Inclusion of Sound Dimension

A powerful example of moving picture, which captures brilliance, is this Schweppes commercial which shows water balloons bursting in slow motion. The picture itself is amazing and the sound dimension further highlights the ad’s effectiveness. 

Video sourced from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRFfJJjLpqw

 

Learning about picture has made me more aware of the role which visuals play in journalism and how, words don’t always tell the best story. 

Lecture 3: Is Journalism a game?

Living in such a technological world, many could question what lies ahead for the future of print journalism. In Lecture 3 of the JOUR1111 course, Skye Doherty talked about the role which ‘text’ and word plays in, not only print, but other forms of journalism.  

Throughout the lecture we were shown the varied layout displays for each type of journalism. While this was quite interesting, it also gave me an understanding of how, while all journalism may seem the same or be telling the same story, each is unique.  Skye also explained the concept of the ‘inverted pyramid’ and this showed that, no matter what form or style of writing we will do, this universal writing technique will be useful. I found that this concept is one of simple logic and common sense; but I had never really thought much into it before having the inverted triangle explained to me.

For me, the end of the lecture was most exciting as Skye showed us a new form of journalism which aims to engage and educate audiences about significant issues through the use of gaming. As a uni student, it is difficult to find the time to discover more about these games but I think it is an effective and innovative way of gaining interest from youths about international issues. Skye demonstrated the particular game called ‘Cutthroat Capitalism’ based around the efforts of the Somali pirates. While youth today are accused of spending too much time playing computer games, these games could lead to even more computer gaming concerns. But, for some, these games could be the only way in which they choose to hear about the news. Either way, this new take on journalism, labelled ‘News Gaming’, could revolutionize the future of the field to a large extent.