Changing Media Landscape Research Articles

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Shaping News Narratives: A Review of Global Case Studies

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in journalism is changing how news is created, disseminated, and consumed in the quickly changing media landscape. Reviewing international case studies, this study examines how artificial intelligence (AI) influences news narratives. The study looks at how AI-powered algorithms affect the way news stories are framed, chosen, and distributed. Through examining case studies from various regions such as Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America, the research delves into how AI impacts journalism practices and the associated ethical considerations. Key findings show that although AI improves personalization and efficiency, it also raises questions about audience perceptions, media diversity, and bias. The results of this study also emphasize the necessity of ethical concerns and legal frameworks by highlighting the opportunities and difficulties that AI presents to the media landscape. The study ends with suggestions for additional research and possible approaches to reducing the ethical difficulties.

Exploring Health Professionals’ Views on Hive: A Digital collaborative space for Health Emergencies

Abstract Background The rapidly changing media landscape has significantly affected how information is consumed, particularly during health emergencies. Conflicting information shared or information lacking in scientific rigour can be exploited nefariously online to undermine the health response and damage trust. Digital platforms have become increasingly vital for facilitating communication, and in response, the WHO developed the Hive digital space to provide a safe environment for public health professionals to convene, share information, ask questions, and learn from each other. This study aims to explore the experiences of public health professionals in health emergencies to assess the added value of the Hive platform to coordinate and connect health expertise globally. Methods This study uses a cross-sectional online survey distributed to Hive users focusing on their experiences of working in health emergencies. The responses will undergo descriptive and thematic analysis, as well as inferential statistics such as one-way ANOVA and post-hoc analysis. The survey will emphasize the practical application, value, satisfaction, perceptions, and strategy for the Hive platform to be utilised for global health emergency coordination. Expected Outcomes Insights from this study will delineate how the Hive platform is used by public health experts at all levels in emergency management. It will also highlight the challenges, needs and demands for digital tools to connect skills, experience and knowledge in one place. These insights will demonstrate how the Hive can streamline these processes and provide a safe space for information exchange for a coordinated response to health emergencies. Conclusions Understanding the needs and perceptions of Hive users involved in health emergency prevention, preparedness, response, and resilience will provide critical insights into optimizing the platform’s usability, connectiveness across emergency teams and sustainability of the platform. Key messages • Connecting communities, fostering collaboration and co-creation for improved health emergency management. • Hive enhances collaboration among health professionals, providing a safe environment for knowledge and information sharing.

Educating for a Changing Media Landscape: Four Scenarios for Journalism Education in 2030

ABSTRACT Over the past decades, journalism schools and journalism training programmes have been trying to keep up with the constant technological and societal developments. Numerous studies have been done about what knowledge and skills should be taught and several on how they should be taught, to be more adaptive to this changing environment and media landscape. Meanwhile, also media companies are increasingly becoming educators, with their own learning academies to make journalists become lifelong learners. In this study, which was conducted in the Netherlands, we take a holistic approach to understanding the uncertain future journalism education is currently dealing with. We use the method of scenario planning to systematically analyse the current debate on journalism education. By collecting opinions and views of fifty different experts from the broad field of journalism and (journalism) education, we deducted certain and uncertain trends that led to two axes, answering the following questions: What type of journalism do we educate for and Who is in charge of the learning process? Crossing these axes, four scenarios for the future of journalism education appear. With this study, we intend to facilitate the debate on the future of journalism education.

Maintaining the Free Flow of Information. A Manifesto-like Intervention for Practice-Based Research in Academic Training Programs for Multimedia Journalism

With a changing media landscape in mind, this article takes a closer look at academic training standards for journalists. Focusing on multimedia production and innovative science, it analyses the impact on business models, resources and working conditions. As an interventionist appeal, it argues in favour of practice-based research and new training methods. Key demands include a greater awareness of the democratic role of journalism, ethical sensitivity and sustainable funding. By interweaving theory, practice and politics, this Manifesto-like paper aims to strengthen the profession of journalism and build a bridge between academia and practical training.

How Can Journalists Strengthen Their Fight Against Misinformation in a Changing Media Landscape?

This paper reflects on challenges and opportunities for journalistic practices in the fight against misinformation in light of recent changes in the online media landscape. On the one hand, recent innovations in technology and social media facilitate a rapid spread of disinformation placing increased pressure on journalists to fight falsehoods and (re)build trust in reliable information. On the other hand, journalists might be positively affected by the EU’s recent introduction of the Digital Services Act (DSA), which aims to regulate online platforms and facilitate the fight against mis- and disinformation. We focus on fact-checking because it is among the most powerful journalistic tools against misinformation and a practice that is directly affected by the DSA. We discuss five concrete challenges and provide evidencebased suggestions backed by practice examples that may be applied by journalists who seek to advance the efficacy of their fact-checking efforts on social media.

From mocking pastors to roasting politicians

In this article, I argue that humour scandals are less a product of the changing media landscape of the last thirty years than recent studies seem to suggest. Instead, I point to the structural continuities that can be observed in Dutch humour scandals over the past seventy years. Although stemming from various sociocultural and media contexts, these scandals roughly follow the same ‘script’. I also show that humour scandals are not just mediated events, but markers of cultural conflict as well. Behind every scandal, a substantial moral, cultural, and often also social divide can be recognised, and the study of humour scandals can be used to better understand such divides. I substantiate both of these claims through a qualitative, contextual analysis of two Dutch humour scandals: the mocking of Catholic pastors by comedian Wim Sonneveld in a TV performance from 1963, and the roast of far-right politician Thierry Baudet by comedian Martijn Koning in a popular late night talk show from Spring 2021.

The importance of professional skills within the changing media landscape of the UK screen industries: a case study of the ‘disruptive’ phenomenon of virtual production

ABSTRACT Rapid technological developments are changing media practices within the screen industries, with these shifts exacerbating already existent skills shortages and gaps. This paper focuses on the case study example of virtual production, a new media practice of making film and television content, to demonstrate the continuing importance of professional (or ‘transferable’) skills. Professional skills are skills required to act efficiently in different real life situations, with examples of these skills including communication and team working [Nägele, C., and B. E. Stalder. 2017. “Competence and the Need for Transferable Skills.” In Competence-based Vocational and Professional Education Bridging the Worlds of Work and Education, edited by M. Mulder, 739–753. Springer]. The paper highlights how changes in media practices caused by virtual production actively require workers to acquire and retain professional skills such as patience, adaptability and communication. These professional skills are crucial additions to the specific technical skills already identified within the existing skills literature on virtual production. The paper also identifies existing inclusion issues which relate to virtual production, using these insights to develop recommendations for media educators on how to ensure the cultivation of professional skills for all workers. The article draws on empirical research conducted with 69 individuals working across the screen industries at all levels of their career, with nearly half actively working in the virtual production industry.

Innovative Strategies in Movie Marketing: A Case Study of the Barbie Movie

With the rise of the digital media age, there has been a significant shift in viewer behavior, prompting television content producers and networks to actively seek out opportunities to better connect with and enable more active engagement with their digital focus groups. High-profile marketing examples from the movie industry include Scream and Glee 3D, which highlight the movie industry's innovative approach to engaging audiences in the digital age. Using the movie Barbie as a case study, this paper examines traditional and new movie marketing strategies and their application in a changing media landscape. The study finds that digital marketing strategies offer the advantages of broad reach, higher audience engagement, real-time feedback, cost-effectiveness, targeting, and long-term impact, but there are also some limitations. This study provides new ideas about digital marketing for the movie industry and discusses its long-term sustainability, diversification strategies and limitations. Finally, the paper emphasizes that movie marketing in the digital era will provide an important reference for future movie marketing strategies.

Producing podcasts in the UAE: Exploring storytelling structures

With convergence of broadband access, computing and telephony, smartphones have empowered listeners to break free from the constraints of schedules and take control of their listening experiences. As a result, podcasts have gained popularity globally and many new people are finally tuning in. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the podcast community thrives with stories ranging from tech, culture and music to Middle East affairs, hosted by a diverse group of expatriates and local Emiratis. This study investigates the burgeoning podcast landscape in UAE, examining content creators’ motivations, challenges and opportunities in this emerging media space. Through in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, including pioneers and newcomers in the UAE podcasting industry, the research explores factors driving podcasting’s rise in the region, such as the need for localized content, the changing media landscape and the significance of community-building and interactivity in podcast creation and distribution. Furthermore, the study delves into podcasting as a horizontal medium, offering insights into how content creators push the boundaries of democratized culture on the World Wide Web. The findings highlight growth and monetization potential within the UAE podcasting market and the challenges and opportunities presented by decentralized podcast distribution. Finally, the research touches upon regulation and standardization in podcasting, examining the freedom of expression afforded by this relatively unregulated medium compared to traditional media forms. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the emerging podcasting landscape in the UAE and sets the stage for future research exploring the motivations and challenges faced by individual creators and podcast networks in the region.

Co-Creating News Oases in Media Deserts

The Media Deserts Project is a research effort to map and model the changing media landscape in the United States. Media deserts are defined as geographies lacking fresh, daily news and information. Using circulation data of US print newspapers, emerging hyperlocal online news sites in digital networks, and broadband access data from the Federal Communication Commission, the Media Deserts Project maps these changes using geographic information systems down to the zip code level, making visible local communication systems and gaps. To develop community-centered news and information solutions, this research team used community-based research practices, where students engaged with residents, local business leaders, health, education, and other administrators to examine the communication needs of three specific communities in Southeast Ohio. We centered our efforts on building relationships with community members and designing localized media tools. We learned key insights that we believe may travel well into other projects using community-based engagement, participatory design, and co-creation practices.

Challenges and Opportunities in the Business Model of Formula 1

This paper provides an overview of the business model of Formula 1 (F1), a premier motorsport racing competition. The main sources of revenue for F1 include TV broadcasting rights, race hosting fees, sponsorship and naming rights, and merchandise sales. In analyzing F1's business model, this paper examines the various revenue streams and the challenges they face. F1 is facing challenges in the area of TV broadcasting rights due to the rise of streaming services and the changing media landscape. Additionally, scheduling conflicts due to the limited time available to hold races are creating tensions between stakeholders. The paper also looks at the impact of sponsorship on F1, including the extension of sponsorship beyond traditional marketing tactics by brands like Rolex and IWC. However, some sponsorship deals have encountered issues, such as Marlboro's association with tobacco and Alfa Romeo's partnership with Stake violating certain countries' laws. It also draws upon a combination of literature review and personal experience to identify key issues and propose potential solutions. By analyzing existing research and drawing upon observations, the paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the business model of Formula 1 and the challenges and opportunities it faces in the current market. Finally, the paper concludes with recommendations for addressing these issues, including exploring alternative revenue streams, implementing more flexible scheduling, and ensuring that sponsor partnerships align with F1's values and do not violate local laws.

Influencer relations: the new paradigm of public relations

Digitalisation has become an integral part of people's daily lives, particularly with the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the past, Public Relations (PR) primarily focused on public branding, catering mostly to a select audience. However, the rise of Digital Uses and Gratifications has led to a transformation in media dynamics, giving rise to a new paradigm known as Corporate Communications and Influencer Marketing. In this research, AI Machine learning and Pattern Analysis was employed to examine the patterns of the Influencer aspect within Public Relations. This emerging PR paradigm demonstrates the dynamic nature of the field as it expands to encompass new dimensions. Incorporating Influencer Relations to promote products requires integrating Corporate Communications skills to establish a thriving Influencer Relations industry. This highlights the evolving nature of PR in response to the changing media landscape, indicating the need for a comprehensive approach to harnessing the potential of digitalisation and Influencer Marketing in modern Public Relations practices.

Öffentlich-rechtlicher Rundfunk unter Druck

Abstract In the wake of recent scandals, public broadcasting has again come under criticism. In the coming years, public broadcasting faces three major challenges: Firstly, considering recent scandals, an effective system of corporate governance must be installed. Secondly, the funding of public broadcasting must be rethought. Thirdly, in the longer term, public broadcasting must be adapted to a digitised and changing media landscape. In addition to various approaches for better corporate governance, alternative solutions for determining the financial resources of public broadcasting are discussed. Finally, structural reform options as well as a comprehensive reform by means of a media fund for the digital media age are analysed.

Screen time and preschool children: Promoting health and development in a digital world.

COVID-19 transformed the family media environment and spurred research on the effects of screen media exposure and use on young children. This update of a 2017 CPS statement re-examines the potential benefits and risks of screen media in children younger than 5 years, with focus on developmental, psychosocial, and physical health. Four evidence-based principles-minimizing, mitigating, mindfully using, and modelling healthy use of screens-continue to guide children's early experience with a rapidly changing media landscape. Knowing how young children learn and develop informs best practice for health care providers and early years professionals (e.g., early childhood educators, child care providers). Anticipatory guidance should now include child and family screen use in (and beyond) pandemic conditions.

“It Even Makes the Animals Laugh"


 
 
 Henry Bergh founded and became president of the first animal protection organi- zation in the United States, the American Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) in New York City in April 1866, the same month in which his ef- forts to secure modern animal welfare legislation at the state level—also a first—were realized. From then until his death in 1888, Bergh steered his organization and the movement through the streets, the slaughterhouses, the courts, and the halls of that city and the nation. As this article shows, his critics were never far behind. Through a combination of media reportage, annual reports, and correspondence, this article weighs the impact of satire and ridicule directed toward Bergh and the animal protec- tion movement alongside his efforts to reposition such coverage and in some cases to benefit from it. In doing so, it positions Bergh and the animal protection movement relative to issues of frame alignment, leadership, and performance in the context of a rapidly changing media landscape, the negotiation of which was central to the move- ment’s success or failure.
 
 

The role of different “media diets” on the perception of immigration: Evidence from nine European countries

Abstract A better understanding of media effects on immigration attitudes is crucial for policy development and innovation. While many studies have focused on immigration discourses or the salience of this issue in print media and broadcast TV, few have looked at how different “media diets” influence immigration attitudes. Using two-wave panel data composed of 14,480 observations (7,240 individuals) from nine EU countries, this article specifically analyses the role of online and social media news consumption as well as media diet diversity on Europeans’ perceptions of the economic and cultural impact of immigration. The results show that relying primarily on online or social media (compared to print newspapers) to get news, consuming news less frequently, or having a less diverse media diet all significantly and negatively influence people’s perceptions of the impact of immigration. Results and implications are discussed in light of today’s changing media landscape and news consumption habits.

Exploring the boundaries of Nordic journalism: Introduction to special issue

Keeping journalism socially relevant and financially viable is more challenging than ever. It might seem like a paradox, but in a time when news media is challenged by inadequate business models, precarious labor conditions and competition from platform companies, and contested by populist politicians, the public is consuming more news than ever before. The changing media landscape, technological platforms and structural conditions are influencing journalism, its practices and its roles in everyday life, society, culture, and politics—central topics when communication scholars gather at international and national conferences dedicated to media and communication research.
 The NordMedia Conference 2021 was arranged in the midst of an ongoing pandemic. It was supposed to be held in Reykjavik, Iceland, but was ultimately held virtually. Naturally, the topics tended to focus on how journalists were covering the pandemic, but they also included studies on truth, disinformation and facts as well as technology in journalism in the form of AI and automation. The presenters were later invited to participate in this special issue, which celebrates Nordic scholarship and the Journalistica journal.
 In this issue, we bring together three studies that each illustrate the current developments within Nordic journalism research along with a book review of a book on political communication in the Nordics.
 Ethics and trust are common threads that run through the three articles published in this special issue of Journalistica. The articles cover very different topics—from podcasting as a genre, alternative media and comment moderation to ethics in local news media — and ethics and trust are recurring themes in the discussions. What constitutes as news today is increasingly blurred as it mixes with commercial content (influencers and content marketing — commercial genres that look like news), opinions (comments appearing as news) or false and manipulated content (fake news or disinformation). Many people, especially young adults, get their news from social media, and the newsfeed does not differentiate between different types of content. News from respected newsrooms has the same design as rumors from a suspicious website. Thus, users have to pay more attention to differentiate between the trustworthiness of the information.
 This blurring of content and genres is challenging for journalism’s trustworthiness. The articles in this special issue touch on some of the challenges appearing as a result of this blurring despite the long tradition of strong ethical guidelines for journalism in Nordic newsrooms. Nevertheless, the users of Nordic news are still demonstrating high levels of trust, among the highest in the 45 countries of the Reuters Digital News Report 2022 track. Finnish news users report the highest trust in news (69%), particularly the news they use (75%), followed by Denmark (58%/63%), Norway (56%/63%), and Sweden (50%/56%). Iceland was not included in Reuters’ survey.
 One factor that can help maintain and strengthen trust in news in the Nordic countries is strong ethical practices in newsrooms. Since the early 20th century, Nordic newsrooms and journalism organizations have developed ethical guidelines for journalism that are continually updated to reflect developments in the profession and society at large:
 
 Norway:​​Code of Ethics for the Norwegian Press 
 Sweden: Rules of Professional Conduct
 Denmark: Press Ethical Rules 
 Finland: Guidelines for Journalists
 Iceland: Rules of Ethics in Journalism
 
 Ethical guidelines and their practical implementation in the newsrooms can help Nordic journalists navigate the challenges emerging from the changing media landscape, competition from technological platforms and structural conditions influencing journalism. The articles in this special issue of Journalistica each offer a unique contribution to address some of these challenges.

Changing the media landscape in India under the Modi government: a case study based on the Narrative Policy Framework

After the emergence of "new media," propaganda and so-called "alternative facts" are some of the main tools that have been used by governments, individuals, or interest groups to recalibrate the narration of certain information. By using the basic storytelling methods, the Narrative Policy Framework (NPF) allows policymakers to use the media to spread the newer dynamics of narration. Since 2014, after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power, the government has constantly been using narration through the state-funded media that have changed the overall media landscape in the country. Thus, using the NPF, this research aims to perform a media content analysis of India and discuss the changing media landscape of the nation. To prove the argument, the article provides various empirical examples and facts (from India) which are changing the narrative among the public and the ruling party's pursuit of its political aims by radical change in public policy.

Branding the “wow-academy”: The risks of promotional culture and quasi-corporate communication in higher education

This article examines the branding of the new Tampere University in Finland and the reactions it evoked in Finnish social media and news media between 2018–2020. The merger of the University of Tampere and Tampere University of Technology into a new foundation-based university provoked considerable public debate and sparked uproar over the communication style and practices of the university’s new management. The main reason for the outcry was that the new governance model of the university ignored the traditional democratic way of running a university. Our article contributes to the growing literature on public relations communication in higher education by focusing on promotional culture and the role of the changing media landscape in university branding. We analyze how and why the brand messages were contested and transformed into memes and satirical commentaries on social media. When the university’s management tried to restrain this subversive play with legal sanctions, the issue escalated into the news media. Our qualitative analysis demonstrates the possible repercussions of a quasi-corporate style of communication on the credibility of the university as a higher education institution in a hybrid media environment.

Baumgartner, Jody C. and Amy B. Becker, eds: Political Humor in a Changing Media Landscape: A New Generation of Research

Article Baumgartner, Jody C. and Amy B. Becker, eds: Political Humor in a Changing Media Landscape: A New Generation of Research was published on October 1, 2022 in the journal HUMOR (volume 35, issue 4).