Research for Dissertation

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Lorraine Phillips on March 28, 2011 at 17:26

This sounds very interesting- I did take a class on media studies and for my project thought about how stalking is constructed in the media- you are correct- there is not a lot out there.

Permalink Reply by Thomas J Gale on April 5, 2011 at 17:53

Really... how so is stalking constructed by the media? I also just remembered that I have a very good quote on how the media battle over the right to control the fear of society... or something close to that. Would you like me to find it and give you the quote and Reference?

Permalink Reply by Thomas J Gale on March 28, 2011 at 17:33

Sounds good... I did quite alot of work in my dissertation on the media's exacerbations of youth crime by their sensationalisation and exaggerations of youth criminality. But of course, a key part of your dissertation has to be on the lack of media coverage... because the concerns of one another mean nothing to the public, whereas the "supposed" concerns of the entire country (real or fictional) will really get all of the public's attention.

Permalink Reply by Susan McCormick Hadley on April 5, 2011 at 18:01

Hi Thomas,

You've really nailed it; it is the lack of media coverage and specifically the LACK of accurate, realistic media coverage. 

I think I'd like tos ee the quote you mentioned as I can see that part of the media's coverage may well be to inspire and produce  fear in the public; ispecially if it's not too much work for you.

Thanks,

Susan

Permalink Reply by Thomas J Gale on April 5, 2011 at 21:20

No problem... this is what I've got written in my note for my dissertation (I've checked the source and it's correct):

 

McRobbie and Thornton (1995), cited in, Young (1999: 25) "pinpoint that such changes as being the result of the vast expansion and diversification of the mass media. There is no doubt that such competition for audience has vastly increased the rate at which attempts at panic are made." Young, J. (1999) The Exclusive Society. London: SAGE Publications (page 25)

 

p.s. McRobbie and Thornton (1995) were discussing the changes in Moral Panics in our period of Late Modernity compared to earlier times, for example they increase in frequency, it's common vocabulary for politicians and that they are very contested by professionals. Their explanation for such changes are what's stated above. 

 

Hope it helps =) 

 

Permalink Reply by Rashid Aziz on April 6, 2011 at 16:05

I think the McRobbie and thornton (1995) you refer to is: Rethinking moral panics for a multi mediated social world... or something to that effect! Very good article on the status of the concept of moral panic.

Permalink Reply by Rashid Aziz on March 30, 2011 at 11:52

Good luck, Susan. Let us know how it is going!

Permalink Reply by Justin Case on April 9, 2011 at 1:33

I think what you will find is self regulation by the media when it comes to reporting on "Murder Suicide" most murder suicide matters are domestic related of course, but when there is an act of suicide involved, the media tend to or attempt to self regulate by putting in less detail then other types of Homicide.  The reason for this is they don't want copy cat actions.  That is obviously my opinion on ancedotal evidence but I would humbly suggest you survey reporters jurnos on their reasoning behind the reporting.

 

In Australia there was a School or town in South Australia where there was a huge number of suicides one of the media organisations went to report on it but a suicide group called "Beyond Blue" (I think I may be wrong) run by former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennet took that organisation to Court seeking an injunction effectively stopping them from reporting on the issue.  The Courts agreed and the injunction was granted.  That is to the best of my recollection.  Suicide groups stop media reporting on detail about suicide related issues.  Why I don't really understand their rationale.