Diverse Media Research Articles

Does ownership matter? Comparing the contents of corporate and independently owned local newspapers

The consolidation of media ownership has been argued to be either the downfall or the salvation of the newspaper industry, depending on the perspective. Yet the impact of consolidation on newspaper content remains ambiguous. In this paper, we compare the output of 69 local newspapers (one issue per newspaper; 2133 items) published in Finland, some of them owned by major newspaper corporations, others by smaller companies. We code for item length, localness, authorship and, most importantly, we use a detailed content analysis to evaluate whether each article meets the readers’ Critical Information Needs, originally identified by Lewis Friedland and colleagues. The results reveal remarkable consistency between corporate and independent local newspapers across almost all variables: No statistically significant differences emerged in our comparison of the fulfillment of citizens’ different Critical Information Needs (CIN), nor in the items’ length, localness, or authorship. The only observed, statistically significant difference was in the shares of CIN-relevant items: corporate newspapers publish slightly more such content than independent papers. We conclude by discussing potential explanations to this isomorphism in local journalism.

Bivalves as a Mercury Bioindicator: A National Isotopic Survey along the Coast of South Korea.

Mercury (Hg) is a contaminant that poses health risks for human populations relying on seafood consumption. To mitigate its impact, identifying and monitoring Hg sources have become priorities, notably under the Minamata Convention. Bivalves are commonly used as sentinels in contaminant biomonitoring but can accumulate Hg from diverse environmental media. To investigate their Hg sources, bivalves (blue mussel, Mytilus edulis, and Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas) and their associated sediment were sampled along the coast of South Korea and analyzed for Hg concentration and isotopic values. Oysters displayed low Δ199Hg (0.19 ± 0.19‰) and δ202Hg (-0.35 ± 0.55‰), highlighting a sedimentary source, whereas mussels exhibited higher values (0.72 ± 0.87 and 0.09 ± 0.72‰, respectively) indicating bioaccumulation from the water column. Sulfur, carbon, and nitrogen stable isotopes suggested that such a difference was not due to feeding niches. However, Hg isotopic trajectory analysis showed that environmental conditions controlling the desorption and remobilization of sediment Hg, notably via tidal flows, were likely to drive the observed source(s). While sediment Hg is not systematically reflected in biota, bivalves, which typically display Hg pools accumulated by benthic or pelagic food webs, appear valuable for Minamata Convention biomonitoring, though their fluctuating Hg sources require careful interpretation.

Dynamics and triggers of misinformation on vaccines.

The Covid-19 pandemic has sparked renewed attention to the risks of online misinformation, emphasizing its impact on individuals' quality of life through the spread of health-related myths and misconceptions. In this study, we analyze 6 years (2016-2021) of Italian vaccine debate across diverse social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube), encompassing all major news sources-both questionable and reliable. We first use the symbolic transfer entropy analysis of news production time-series to dynamically determine which category of sources, questionable or reliable, causally drives the agenda on vaccines. Then, leveraging deep learning models capable to accurately classify vaccine-related content based on the conveyed stance and discussed topic, respectively, we evaluate the focus on various topics by news sources promoting opposing views and compare the resulting user engagement. Our study uncovers misinformation not as a parasite of the news ecosystem that merely opposes the perspectives offered by mainstream media, but as an autonomous force capable of even overwhelming the production of vaccine-related content from the latter. While the pervasiveness of misinformation is evident in the significantly higher engagement of questionable sources compared to reliable ones (up to 11 times higher in median value), our findings underscore the need for consistent and thorough pro-vax coverage to counter this imbalance. This is especially important for sensitive topics, where the risk of misinformation spreading and potentially exacerbating negative attitudes toward vaccines is higher. While reliable sources have successfully promoted vaccine efficacy, reducing anti-vax impact, gaps in pro-vax coverage on vaccine safety led to the highest engagement with anti-vax content.

Digitising “The Big Lie”: Algorithmic Curation as an Inhibitor of Media Exposure Diversity Online

While multiple scholarly disciplines have scrutinised algorithms and their social power, this article examines algorithmic recommender systems in terms of their potential to reduce exposure diversity online. The paper positions the debate on algorithmic content curation within the theoretical framework of media diversity studies, emphasising the normative ideal of media diversity as a social good, and examining the impact of algorithmic behaviour on personal autonomy, specifically focusing on exposure diversity in online environments. The discussion then introduces a complementary concept to Pariser's (2011) notion of the “filter bubble,” namely the shrinkage funnel, and discusses this concept in terms of online exposure diversity, personal choice sovereignty, and its potential to initiate the illusory truth effect. The paper reviews selected examples of content restrictive algorithmic behaviour to demonstrate how shrinkage funnels can undermine personal autonomy and prompt detrimental societal or political outcomes. By distinguishing between filter bubbles and shrinkage funnels, this study provides a foundation for future empirical investigations and potential policy interventions aimed at promoting exposure diversity in algorithmically curated online environments.

THE PROBLEM OF DISINFORMATION IN THE MODERN ARMENIAN MEDIA SPACE

The relevance of the problem of disinformation in the 21st century is due to the fact that false news is a problem or an obstacle for modern mass media, which is why very often correct news is also perceived as false. In order not to succumb to fake news, it is important to avoid it as much as possible, check the information received and identify fakes and, of course, fight them: The main agenda of the Armenian civil society in the fight against disinformation should include empowering independent media, achieving transparency regarding media ownership and financing, promoting media self-regulation mechanisms, fact-checking initiatives and media literacy training. Their main distributors are those structures that communicate with the public not to transmit information, but to promote their own opinions, spreading the attitude through manipulation. Fake news comes from a variety of sources, including local politicians, foreign influence campaigns, and independent online platforms. One effective way to fight disinformation is media literacy training, which will increase the public's ability to critically evaluate news sources and recognize misinformation, and strengthening journalism standards that will encourage the media to adhere to higher standards of accuracy and accountability. It is also necessary to promote cooperation between the government, media and civil society to create a united front to fight the spread of misinformation.

Podcasts in Bulgaria: An Alternative, Parallel or Flexible Approach to Changing the Media Ecosystem

Podcasts in Bulgaria have flourished and solidified their presence in the second and third decades of the 21st century across various dimensions. Firstly, they serve as alternative sources of expert information. Secondly, they offer a parallel platform for disseminating information alongside traditional media genres and formats. Thirdly, they contribute to the development of a flexible media market, accommodating both public and private media entities, as well as individual, corporate, institutional, or organizational channels. This analysis focuses on podcasts in Bulgaria spanning from 2021 to 2023, produced and distributed by diverse media outlets, individuals, and organizations. The hypothesis posits that podcasts function as both media and businesses, serving as communication channels and a model that blends information dissemination with shared experiences. They represent a product resulting from media, digital, and communicative literacy. The methodology employed adopts an interdisciplinary approach, encompassing media, genre, and discourse analysis. The conclusions drawn are based on a comprehensive study, although not claiming to be exhaustive. It is assumed that podcasts in Bulgaria offer a versatile means of positioning themselves alongside traditional media, thereby contributing to the creative industry and the media market simultaneously. Keywords: podcast, media market, media ecosystem, media genre, creative industry, media content.

A usability evaluation of a metaverse library: A case study of the “Community Virtual Library”

The purpose of this case study is to examine the usability evaluation of the metaverse library, with a central focus on designing around the needs of library users. To achieve this, our study delved into the usability of one such platform, the Community Virtual Library (CVL), focusing on aligning its features with user needs. We assessed the CVL based on Jacob Nielsen’s usability criteria: satisfaction, memorability, learnability, efficiency, and error tolerance, through specific tasks. Our methodology combined interviews, observations, and the System Usability Scale (SUS) to fully grasp the user experience. Furthermore, we explored users’ emotional responses using the Pleasure-Arousal-Dominance (PAD) model, enriching our understanding of their interaction with the platform. Throughout the analysis, we found that participants with metaverse experience showed higher success rates and spent less time on tasks compared to those who did not have such experience. Notably, while the tasks for learnability, focusing on basic functionalities, demonstrated relatively shorter durations, the slightly more intricate efficiency tasks took twice as long, regardless of metaverse familiarity. However, tasks for memorability, involving repetition of efficiency tasks, showed a marginal reduction in task duration. This underscores the potential to enhance usability and efficiency through education and learning initiatives. Meanwhile, the analysis indicated a high level of arousal according to the PAD model, underscoring the metaverse’s appeal in providing unrestricted access to diverse media and creating an engaging and novel environment. This study is expected to contribute significantly to evaluating and improving the usability of metaverse libraries, ultimately increasing user satisfaction and encouraging continued usage. By identifying areas for improvement through comprehensive assessments, we anticipate fostering a more enjoyable and efficient user experience within these virtual library environments.

Association between exposure to gender and sexual diversity in media (GSDM) and Thai adolescents’ attitude towards LGBT individuals: a cross-sectional study in Bangkok schools

ObjectiveIn recent years, global media has increasingly represented lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals, contributing to greater societal acceptance of diverse sexualities and gender identities. However, in Thailand, negative...

The Role of Self-regulation in Media Concentration in Mongolia: Based on The Network Theory

Free, fair, and independent media are essential for a democracy to function effectively. Media interact with politicians and other powerful members of society, play a significant role as a public watchdog, and serve the public. However, in a free democracy, the media must be held accountable and must be transparent. Journalists must follow specific legal and ethical regulations. Regulations for the media industry are generally divided into three categories: state regulation, independent self-regulation, and co-regulation with participation from civil society. Media Councils make ethical decisions on news coverage and journalistic behaviors by applying the Code of Ethics consisting of professional journalistic standards. It is important to point out that they are independent institutions set up by the media industry. An effective media self-regulation system is essential to promote the pluralism of journalism, diversity, and independent media, as well as to ensure citizens’ rights to seek and receive reliable and credible information. Consequently, they are neither authorities nor courts.This study focuses on the above three kinds of media regulation and their advantages and disadvantages in media concentration. It will also explain the relationship between network theory and media development. Furthermore, it will discuss the advantages of and opportunities for a media self-regulation mechanism in the current media development in Mongolia, based on resolved journalistic cases by the Media Council’s Ethics Committees.

Exploring Discrimination against Video Games and Strategies for Reduction: A Review of Stereotypes, Cultural Perceptions, and Media Representation

Video games have become an emerging field in the past twenty years, and video game culture is permeating different aspects of society and is associated with various properties of culture. This paper aims to analyse some discrimination faced by video games and video game culture and provide some suggestions on how to reduce such discrimination from different perspectives such as players and video game publishers. This paper examines a variety of previous research on video game culture, including assessments, misconceptions, and prejudices about it, as well as suggestions for decreasing negative discrimination. It shows that the discrimination towards video games is from several different perspectives, including stereotypes towards video game players, negative representation of video games in culture and entertainment and marginalization of video game culture. On the other hand, efforts have been made by game publishing companies and game players’ groups to reduce discrimination, such as strengthening industry standards and encourage more diverse media reports on video games. In order to reduce discrimination, more detailed studies need to be carried out in the future, focusing on topics like different types of discrimination.

Влияние новых СМИ на поколенческие особенности социализации молодежи

The study examines the significant role of new media in the socialization of two generations of respondents, particularly in the context of changing value priorities. The interactivity and diversity of modern mass media have profoundly impacted the axiological worldview of the younger generation, especially concerning family relationships, health perceptions, career choices, and self-expression. This influence has intensified intergenerational differences in values, prompting shifts in the interactions between individuals and society. Through interviews conducted with 20 respondents of varying ages, it was established that youth are more inclined to seek personalized information through new media to fulfill their self-realization needs. In contrast, the older generation tends to rely on authoritative and relatively homogeneous traditional media channels, which contributes to a more stable structure of their values that is oriented towards family and social responsibility. The findings suggest that generational features of socialization are determined by differences in the value priorities of individuals, with the fundamental opposition between collectivism and individualism serving as a core element in this regard. This research highlights the necessity of understanding the impact of new media on the evolving dynamics of socialization and the consequent implications for intergenerational relationships.

Mapping Journalistic Role Performance Across Five Arab Countries

This study applies a media systems approach to examine the performance of journalistic roles in the news of five Arab countries: Egypt, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The content analysis of 13,299 news stories in newspapers, radio, television, and online sites revealed the practice of loyal-facilitator, watchdog, interventionist, service, civic, and infotainment roles is a result of the intersection of several factors. Overall, findings point to the overarching power of the political system that is manifested in media ownership, media political alignment, and countries’ specific conditions.

Digitalization Against Monopolization: Polyphony in Turkish News Media

Discussions on monopolization and oligopolization in Turkish media have largely centred around the claim that media plurality has significantly diminished, particularly since 2002. However, the rapid pace of digitalization and the growth of online journalism have reignited these debates. This study explores the impact of digitalization on media plurality. Until the 1980s, Turkish media exhibited diverse ownership patterns, though most outlets adhered to the official state ideology. Despite being owned by different entities, a state-controlled homogeneity prevailed. In the late 1980s, as large conglomerates entered the media sector, a process of monopolization and oligopolization ensued, concentrating media ownership in the hands of powerful capital groups. This led to increasing economic pressure on the media, and by 2002, criticisms of diminished plurality continued to grow as monopolistic and oligopolistic tendencies intensified. Although ownership patterns have shifted over time, economic oligopolization persists. Nevertheless, the digitalization process has introduced new players, fostering a more democratic and pluralistic media environment. The rise of digital platforms has created opportunities for alternative media outlets and independent journalists, allowing new voices to emerge. Consequently, while monopolistic trends remain dominant in the traditional media landscape, digitalization has facilitated greater media plurality, partially alleviating the pressures of monopolization on traditional media outlets.

Exploration of Investigation Regarding Media Ownership in Indonesia in the case of MNC GROUP

This study explores the influence of media ownership by MNC Group on press freedom in Indonesia. In the context of democracy, press freedom serves as an important pillar that guarantees the public's right to obtain accurate and objective information. However, the phenomenon of media conglomerates that occurred after the 1998 reform showed that there was a concentration of ownership that could limit the diversity of information and affect the independence of journalists. Through a qualitative approach, this study analyzes how MNC Group, as one of the largest media conglomerates in Indonesia, influences news content and public opinion. The methods used include in-depth interviews, documentation studies, and observations on journalistic practices. The results of the study show that concentrated media ownership has the potential to create bias in reporting, where the media tends to side with the interests of its owners, especially when the owners have political affiliations. The study also identifies the challenges that press freedom faces in the face of media conglomerates and provides recommendations to maintain a balance between press freedom and fair media ownership regulation. This finding is expected to provide insight for policymakers and media practitioners in an effort to strengthen democracy and information disclosure in Indonesia.

Synergies or Diversification? Corporate Strategies as the Missing Link in News Content Diversity Research

ABSTRACT A growing body of academic literature shares the assumption that media ownership concentration is increasing in media markets around the world, with potentially detrimental effects on the diversity of news content and the sustainable future of democratic, pluralistic societies. In this lively scholarly debate, the perspective from media conglomerates and their strategies is mostly absent. To fill this gap in scholarship, we present a qualitative study of expert interviews with CEOs and other senior staff members of one European media corporation active across several media markets. Our findings emphasize the importance of editorial independence for individual news outlets as they walk a tightrope between maintaining their individual diversity and company-wide cost-cutting synergy operations intended to foster more collaborations between various newsrooms. We also highlight the dominance of local (news) cultures in discerning various practices, rules and systems.

Women in newsroom-A study of selected prominent media organizations in Guwahati

Women journalists face many challenges in the field of media, and their jobs in newsrooms, their views on the media, and the nature of their work have all been studied for a long time by many scholars. Numerous studies have explored varied issues in the journalism profession, such as the underrepresentation of female journalists in newsrooms, gender discrimination, the glass ceiling, and the patriarchal structure of the industry, etc. Despite the established pattern of media ownership, women journalists have significantly impacted the media landscape. Their struggle to enter and establish themselves in journalism has been extended. Women formally entered the field in the 19th century in various countries, including Britain. During this era, newspapers recognized the importance of financial considerations and advertisements. As a result, they strategically decided to engage women to write women’s sections to appeal to female readers as potential shoppers. Historically, women journalists were predominantly restricted to writing for women’s sections and covering social issues, frequently focusing on light-hearted and humorous matters.

Analysis of Learning Media In The Holistic Curriculum of IPAS Subjects at SD Negeri 35 Kimindores, Southwest Papua

This study aims to analyze the use of learning media in learning Natural and Social Sciences (IPAS) at SD Negeri 35 Kimindores, Southwest Papua. This research uses a qualitative approach to gain an in- depth understanding of the effectiveness of learning media, student responses, and the characteristics of learning media in the context of the Holistic Curriculum. Data were collected through observation, interviews with teachers and students, and document analysis related to the learning media used. The results showed that the learning media used at SD Negeri 35 Kimindores in Southwest Papua are diverse, including visual, audio, manipulative, and digital media. Students show high enthusiasm for the use of learning media and find it useful in understanding the concept of IPAS. However, some media are less integrated with the principles of the Holistic Curriculum, such as the lack of focus on developing critical, collaborative and creative thinking skills. This research provides important implications for the development of learning media that are more effective and in accordance with the principles of the Holistic Curriculum.

Leveraging Social Media in The College Classroom

This paper explores the integration of social media platforms into higher education to enhance student engagement, foster collaboration, and promote meaningful learning experiences. Drawing upon a comprehensive review of existing literature, empirical evidence, and practical insights, the study investigates the implementation of various social media projects within educational contexts. The research examines the effectiveness of diverse social media initiatives, including infographics, memes, blog posts, TikTok-style public service announcements, and podcast scripts, in facilitating student learning and participation. Moreover, the paper identifies key challenges encountered during the integration process, such as technical hurdles, alignment with course objectives, and ethical considerations, and proposes strategies for addressing theses challenges. Additionally, the study explores promising future directions for refining the use of social media in education, including integrating emerging technologies, evolving pedagogical approaches, and prioritizing ethical considerations. Through a reflective analysis of successes, shortcomings, and lessons learned, this paper provides valuable insights for educators, instructional designers, and educational policymakers seeking to leverage social media effectively in higher education. Ultimately, the research contributes to a deeper understanding of the role of social media in promoting student engagement, facilitating learning, and shaping the future of education in a digital age. Keywords: social media, higher education, student engagement, educational technology, pedagogical approaches, digital literacy, social media integration

The Impact of Technology and Social Media on Marriage and Divorce: A Study in Besilam Village, Langkat Regency

In today's rapidly evolving digital era, technology and social media have become integral parts of daily life. From connecting people worldwide to shaping how we communicate, work, and play, these advancements have profoundly transformed social, cultural, and economic dynamics. This article explores the significant role of technology and social media in the modern world and examines their influence on how we live, interact, and share information. While social media serves as an effective two-way communication tool, its impact can vary depending on how it is used. The concept of communication and information-sharing via computer networks, which predates modern social media, marked the foundation for what we now recognize as social media platforms. As technology and social media continue to advance, they have given rise to new societal phenomena, including divorces stemming from relationships formed through social media interactions. Remarkably, marriage ceremonies can now be conducted via video calls, and divorces can be finalized through video conferences. The ongoing development of technology has significantly broadened societal knowledge. The emergence of diverse social media platforms has further enabled people to expand their social networks and forge new friendships.

Contemporary Actionism as a Total Work of Art

The following report explores Richard Wagner’s concept of total art or Gesamtkunstwerk, a notion that gained prominence in the 19th century and found resonance in Symbolist art. This movement interpreted total art as a synthesis of various artistic forms, particularly music and theatre, infused with spiritual significance. Our objective is to demonstrate that in contemporary performative art, the integration of diverse media could give rise to a comprehensive work of art, akin to Wagner’s original vision. The article contends that performative art and actionism, by employing complementary artistic elements such as music, literature, theatre, objects, installations, and painting, have the potential to evolve into a unified and spiritually enriched work of art.