Independent Media Research Articles

Biopolitical media discourse in France in the COVID-19 pandemics

The publication activities of the French media during the COVID-19 pandemic in a biopolitical way are analyzed. The theoretical frame of the study is set by Michel Foucault's concept of biopolitics, as well as the propaganda model of Edward Herman and Noam Chomsky. To collect and analyze empirical data, the methods of computational linguistics and the method of identifying contextual ideologemes were applied. The research materials were the texts of independent media (Le Figaro, Le Monde, Le Parisien), identified using the keywords “pandemic” and “COVID-19” during the four waves of the pandemic (from January 2020 to March 2022). A total of 29,584 Le Figaro articles, 22,446 Le Monde articles, and 6,402 Le Parisien articles were used in the research. The purpose of the research is to analyze the strategies for including the French media in the biopolitical practices of propaganda and public education on the example of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of the research, it turned out that the studied media during the pandemic were integrated both into general information campaigns and into biopolitical education and propaganda campaigns. Two scenarios for organizing media discourse during the pandemic of COVID-19 were identified, determined by target groups and media tasks. The first scenario actively involves educational and propaganda tools to promote state biopolitical goals. The second scenario integrates informing readers about the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures used by the authorities for biopolitical control, with the presentation of the hierarchies of responsible persons/ institutions (within the state biopolitics). It is concluded that the participation of French independent media in the active promotion of biopolitical programs indicates their close connection with the actors and subjects of biopolitics - the state or business representatives.

РОЛЬ СОЦІАЛЬНИХ КОМУНІКАЦІЙ У ПРОТИСТОЯННІ ВИКЛИКАМ РОСІЙСЬКО-УКРАЇНСЬКОЇ ВІЙНИ

<p><strong><em>The purpose of the study </em></strong><em>is to identify the main problems that complicate the role of social communications in confronting the challenges of the full-scale russian-ukrainian war and to propose ways to solve them in order to build a stable and harmonious society.</em></p><p><strong><em>Research methodology.</em></strong><em> Using the method of critical analysis, the role of social communications in confronting the challenges of the war with russia was analyzed and their importance for building a stable and harmonious society was determined. In the process of information synthesis, the problems that complicate social communications during the war are highlighted. Recommendations for solving these problems were developed using the methods of induction and deduction.</em></p><p><strong><em>The results.</em></strong><em> The article is devoted to the coverage and analysis of the role of social communications in confronting the challenges of the russian-ukrainian war. The relevance of the study is determined by the need for balanced information and support of citizens, as well as the need to fight disinformation and other challenges of war.</em></p><p><em>According to the results of the study, it was established that social communications play a critical role in confronting the challenges of the war in Ukraine. They create an information base, promote mobilization, shape public opinion, and psychologically support citizens and the military. At the same time, social communications are complicated by a number of problems, such as disinformation and fakes, censorship and restrictions on freedom of speech, psychological pressure and threats to journalists and activists, information overload, lack of access to information for certain population groups. Solving these problems requires increasing the level of media literacy of the population, protecting journalists and activists, developing independent mass media and hybrid media, encouraging transparency, and involving the international community.</em></p><p><strong><em>Novelty.</em></strong><em> The study reveals the complex problems of using social communications in confronting the challenges of the war in Ukraine, and also provides specific recommendations for overcoming these problems in the process of building a stable and harmonious society.</em></p><p><strong><em>The practical significance</em></strong><em> of the research lies in the possibility of applying the obtained results to improve the effectiveness of social communications in the conditions of war in Ukraine, strengthening public order and national unity.</em></p><p><strong><em>Key</em></strong><strong><em> </em></strong><strong><em>words:</em></strong><em> social communications, communication trends, social networks, fakes, media literacy.</em></p>

Pengembangan Modul Ajar Berbasis Flip HTML 5 pada Mata Pelajaran PDTM di Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan Negeri 2 Banda Aceh

This study aims to develop teaching modules in the form of learning modules at vocational schools in Banda Aceh. This research applies the R&D development model in the field of education in accordance with the 4D model reference which was carried out in FY 2022/2023 even semester. The 4D model steps include steps or stages which include, defining, designing, developing, and disseminating stages. Research data were obtained using a validation sheet in the form of a questionnaire. Data analysis used in the form of quantitative descriptive statistics, namely examining data by describing the data collected. The results of this module development research were declared feasible to be used as independent learning media for students, based on the results of the validity of the material experts obtained a final value of V of 0.842 and media experts of 0.909 with valid criteria. Based on the results of the assessment of the validity of the developed module, it can be concluded that the PDTM learning module for class X Machining Engineering developed is suitable for use as an additional learning medium for students.

Training to Create Teaching Media for Preschool Teachers Based on Visual Communication Technology

The advent of the Industrial Revolution 4.0 and its subsequent transition to the Society 5.0 era necessitates that PAUD (Early Childhood Education) teachers enhance their knowledge and skills in Communication Technology. To meet this demand, teachers are encouraged to create their own teaching media using visual communication technology instead of relying solely on pre-existing products, such as storybooks from bookstores produced by printing companies. A preliminary study in Cicalengka District, Bandung Regency, revealed that PAUD teachers face challenges in developing information technology-based learning media. Therefore, this study aims to improve the skills of PAUD teachers in creating independent teaching media using Visual Communication Technology. The research includes ten teachers from Raudhatul Athfal in Cicalengka District as the study subjects. The research method employed is descriptive-analytic, and data collection techniques involve the use of test equipment. The analysis is conducted using different tests to assess the impact of the training. The study’s results demonstrate a significant improvement in PAUD teachers’ knowledge after undergoing training in creating teaching media based on visual communication technology. As a result, this training activity is highly beneficial for PAUD teachers in Cicalengka District.
 Keywords: information and communication technology, early childhood teacher, independent teaching media, visual communication

Analisis Kesiapan Guru dalam Menerapkan Media Pembelajaran Kurikulum Merdeka di SMPN 28 Surabaya

Curriculum changes in Indonesia, especially the independent learning curriculum, emphasize the independence of students and the readiness of teachers in learning. The purpose of this study is to analyze the readiness of teachers at SMPN 28 Surabaya in implementing the independent curriculum teaching media. The type of research used is a qualitative approach by conducting interviews with the deputy head of the curriculum as a respondent. The data collection technique used is descriptive analytics resulting from interviews. The results show that teachers' understanding has reached an adequate level, some things need improvement, especially in providing further training to teachers who need to improve their response to curriculum changes. The role of the students involved in designing teaching media, the use of technology which is one of the helpers in using teaching media, and the obstacles encountered when designing teaching media for this independent curriculum. This conclusion is based on the empirical findings contained in the main text of this study, providing a comprehensive picture of the readiness to adopt the independent curriculum at SMPN 28 Surabaya.

Newsprint representation of the alcohol sales bans during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa: A mixed methods analysis

Aims: Content analysis of newspapers covering the alcohol sales bans during Covid-19 in South Africa.
 Methods: Mixed method content analysis of the highest circulated, paid for, English language newspapers published by four newspaper outlets in South Africa, between 26 February to 26 September 2020 (seven months).
 Setting: South African Bibliographic Information Network (Sabinet) and Arena Holdings Media databases were used.
 Participants: 317 newspaper articles were identified for analysis from four newspapers: Sunday Times (Arena Holdings), Daily Sun (Naspers), The Star (Independent Media) and the Mail and Guardian (Media Development Investment Fund).
 Measures: Qualitative data: a structured coding frame was used to identify themes. Quantitative data: date, agency, placement/page number in the newspaper, number of graphics, words in heading and in article and whether the article was based on opinion or fact. The media vectors: framing, responsibility and newspaper media exposure were calculated.
 Findings: Articles were predominantly unfavourable toward the alcohol sales bans, indicated that government should take responsibility for prevention of harmful alcohol use, and focused mainly on the negative economic impact of the alcohol sales bans.
 Conclusions: News agencies should make a concerted effort to ensure balanced reporting on matters of health and put measures in place to prevent undue influence on journalists by large corporations, such as the alcohol industry.

Navigating Parental Duties in a TikTok World, the UK and Nigeria Regulations and the Online Safety Bill

According to Ofcom, half of children used TikTok in 2021 and it is the third most used platform behind YouTube and WhatsApp. TikTok is a social media app with one billion monthly active users (Cervi et al., 2022; Dellatto, 2021). installed on devices, 3.5 billion times, available in 154 countries and accessible in thirty-nine languages. TikTok is offered to children of 13 years old (Independent Digital News and Media, 2022; Hoegh, 2022). TikTok was founded in 2018 with a mission to inspire creativity and bring joy (TikTok, 2023). However, its screentime consumption for children has experienced revolutionary change. One in five UK internet users are children according to the UK department for science Innovation and Technology, (2021) most of whom are on TikTok. Children are exposed to over one billion videos on TikTok every day This paper seeks to comparatively investigate the cultural differences, approaches, and challenges to parenting, responsible social media use by children in the United Kingdom and Nigeria (Attrill et al., 2016). To ascertain, whether the existing legal framework is sufficient in enforcing safeguarding measures required of TikTok and other social media platforms.

Political Communication in (Post)Conflict Societies. The case of Kosovo

Political communication is important in the development of political, social and historical processes of a country. Communication is perhaps a powerful tool that politicians have in their hands. They use it to fight political opponents, and to persuade the masses. This article will address the importance of political communication in post-conflict societies, with a focus on Kosovo society. Political communication and media are crucial for peacebuilding, democracy, and conflict resolution, especially in Kosovo, where emotional and harsh nationalist communication hinders socio-political transformation of deep-rooted conflicts. In this article, authors try to examine the correlation of hate-speech and violence in Kosovo. The results conclude that there is a positive correlation between hate-speech and violence. Without free and independent media, political communication will not be able to free itself from the past that has plagued it for decades.

Media i polityka (kontekst polityzacji mediów publicznych w Polsce po 2015 roku)

The relationship between the media and politics has always been seen as conflicting. In large public media institutions in Poland basic contradiction can be seen between: impartiality, political interests and citizens right freedom of speech, salary for effectiveness of work or product and for labor time. Polarization field of vision and all those contradictions are in publishing activity itself. The primary research objective is to characterize the relationship between the media and the political sphere in Poland, through the prism of the process of politicization and mediatization, which is both controversial and far ambiguous concept. In addition, an attempt to answer questions about the instrumentalization of public media in Poland after 2015 through the development of propaganda mechanisms, resulting in a threat to political pluralism — taking into account the communicative competence of media audiences. The use of public media for political purposes is a threat to political pluralism. The one-day protest of the commercial media on February 10, 2021, a democratic day, showed what life can be like in Poland with only public media favorable to the authorities. On that day, Poles saw a world in which only pro-government propaganda messages exist. It would be hard to find a more adequate illustration of the importance of the problem of freedom of speech and independence of the media, especially the public media, which should effectively exercise their legally assured autonomy in shaping a pluralistic public sphere. The one-day protest of the independent media on February 10, 2021 showed what life can be like in Poland where there are only public media favoring the authorities. On that day, the Polish people saw a world in which there is only a pro-government propaganda message. It is difficult to find a more adequate illustration of the importance of the problem of freedom of speech and media independence.

Media, Journalism, and the Public Sphere in Private Family Ownership. On the Critique of the Political Economy of Capitalist Media Enterprises

In the context of a Critique of the Political Economy of the Media, this article exemplifies the fundamental effects of the globally dominant capitalist private ownership of media companies on media development, journalism, and the public sphere. Selected works by Marx and Engels as well as works from developments of the approaches of the “New Reading of Marx” and “Western Marxism” form the theoretical-methodological basis. Characteristic of capitalism is a mutually conditioning relationship between the socio-economic base and the political-legal superstructure, which makes the ”abolition” of private property and the associated relations of domination and power almost impossible. Therefore, possibilities of a de-capitalisation and de-commodification of journalism and the public sphere based on non-capitalist forms of ownership will be discussed. A special chance of realisation is seen for academic publications without capitalist publishing houses that is feasible because knowledge production takes place at public universities. Finally, a change of strategy is suggested that takes us out of the bourgeois-liberal trap of criticism and hope towards the development of media and social theories as well as humans’ active participation in the organisation of an independent content-based media praxis, which can be conducive to a transformation towards a socialist societal formation.

Directions for improving media standards during the electoral process in Ukraine, taking into account the experience of leading European countries

The article identifies the ways to improve the standards of media work during the electoral process in the context of Ukraine’s European integration and takes into account the experience of leading European countries.
 The influence of the media on the establishment of democracy in Ukraine is especially relevant during the electoral process, so the scientific community needs to develop a unified approach to understanding the standards of media work, including during elections.
 At the level of the European Union, a number of acts have been adopted that are sources of media standards and are applied during the electoral process: The European Union Charter of Fundamental Rights, the Audiovisual Media Services Directive, the Enhanced Code of Practice on Disinformation, and the Code of Good Practice in Electoral Matters. In some EU countries, there are self-regulatory bodies, such as the Press Council or the Broadcasting Council, which are responsible for monitoring media compliance with ethical and professional standards.
 At the international and regional levels, there are organizations that participate in the formation of media standards, such as The International Federation of Journalists and the European Federation of Journalists. Ukraine is represented in these international organizations by The National Union of Journalists of Ukraine and the Independent Media Trade Union of Ukraine.
 Undoubtedly, Ukraine should continue to take into account international and EU practices in the field of media standards, as well as introduce mechanisms of media self-regulation, in particular, codes of conduct and internal ethics committees, establish an independent ombudsman to mediate between the media and citizens in cases of alleged violations of media standards during the electoral process, and change the procedure for appointing members of the National Council on Television and Radio Broadcasting.

Crowddoing and crowdfunding democracy: Innovative strategies for countering foreign disinformation in Central and Eastern Europe

Central and Eastern Europe has become a ripe target for disinformation and malign narratives propagated by foreign actors. A deluge of propaganda deployed by hostile states is aimed at polarizing societies, undermining the decision-making capabilities of governments, and influencing public policy. Against the backdrop of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the stakes are enormous. Heeding research on debunking and pre-bunking strategies recognizing the limitations and potential of these approaches in inoculating populations against disinformation, this paper examines how several tactics deployed in the CEE region can both speak to and draw from this literature. While certain segments of CEE populations may be vulnerable to disinformation, the region also boasts civically engaged publics that want to take an active part in fostering societal resilience. The rise of digital elves (volunteer information warriors taking the fight to online trolls), the outsourcing of counter-disinformation activities to popular public institutions (like the police and military), and the use of crowdfunding to support news literacy education and independent media outlets present compelling alternative strategies towards responding to foreign influence. These activities show promise in overcoming obstacles faced by conventional approaches to disinformation and addressing CEE-specific issues related to media distrust and state capture of the media.

Retreat from the Golden Age: Russian Journalists & Their World, 1992-2000

ABSTRACT The overall processes in the first decade of independent Russian media can be divided into distinct phases. The first phase was characterized by a golden age of political independence in the early 1990s. This was followed by a shift toward partial government control and increased proximity to the ruling elites by the presidential elections of 1999. The final phase saw the transfer of power to Vladimir Putin in 2000. The authors argue that several factors contributed to the loss of independence in Russian media during this period, including the complicated economic realities of a transitional society, the growing interest of new financial tycoons (oligarchs) in media ownership, and the reassertion of political influences. Additionally, the specific understanding of professionalism among most Russian journalists played a significant role in the transformation from independent to controlled journalism.

Solidarity and Care: Information Activism in the Death Panel Podcast Community

ABSTRACTThis poster highlights the connections between independent media, information activism, and disability through a case study of the podcast Death Panel and its listeners. Death Panel is a leftist podcast that explores issues of affordability in medical care and the dearth of public health resources. The ongoing project explores the independent media created by disabled people that concern their frustrations with societal and governmental neglect, and their desires to build community and a collective political movement for social change. Since the COVID‐19 pandemic, the podcast's listenership has grown substantially. Similarly, the number of members in the Death Panel Discord group has increased to over 2,000 members over the past two years. As of February 21st, 2023, there are 2,954 members in the Discord server. For many members, especially those who are disabled and chronically ill, the podcast's Discord has served as a significant site of politicization and community‐building during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Through semi‐structured interviews, this project will explore the political and activist implications of information for marginalized people.

Radio of Flesh and Bone: Community Radio in the Authoritarian and Patriarchal Context of Today’s Nicaragua

Abstract In A Passion for Radio: Training of Trainers José Ignacio López Vigil asserts that community radio “is (made) of flesh and bone” (2015, p. 25). In the context of authoritarianism and patriarchy in today’s Nicaragua these words suggest at least three meanings. One recalls threats to the lives and livelihoods of Nicaraguans that work for Nicaragua’s surviving independent media, including community radio, particularly following the political and humanitarian crisis that began in April 2018. Community radio as “flesh and bone” also relates to the bodies of its listening public and is examined in this paper through the prism of the feminist community radio station, Radio Vos (Radio You 101.7 FM). Radio as “flesh and bone” also serves as a metaphor for community radio’s material and operational existence, a body that functions via multiple interworking parts and systems. In discussing the challenges facing community radio in Nicaragua, this essay incorporates excerpts from an interview with Argentina Olivas, the director of Radio Vos.

Kesulitan Belajar Peserta Didik dalam Materi Konsep Dasar Ilmu Geografi di SMA

The basic concept material of geography is the first material that must be mastered by high school (SMA) students, but in reality in schools, especially students of SMAN 1 Wongsorejo, students still have difficulty understanding the basic concepts of geography. This research is to describe the difficulties and factors that cause students to have difficulty understanding the material. The research was qualitative in nature with data analysis using the Miles and Huberman model, namely data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The research subjects consisted of 10 students of class X MIPA/IPS and two geography teachers. Data collection techniques in this study were through observation, interviews, documentation, and recap of students' daily test results. The results showed that SMAN 1 Wongsorejo students experienced difficulties in sub-material concepts, principles, geographic approaches, which were most dominant in principles and geographic approaches. The factors that cause learning difficulties are external factors and internal factors. External factors in the form of learning methods that are less attractive, the teacher does not reflect on learning, the abstract character of basic geography material, high demands for an independent curriculum, teaching materials and media used are less contextual and do not make use of geospatial information. While the internal factors are independence, cooperation, attention, and poor study habits. In improving the quality of learning on these materials, teachers need to conduct classroom action research, carry out peer tutoring, collaborate with colleagues, guidance and counseling teachers, and parents, carry out learning innovations and improve their professionalism

Local Journalism With State Support

In Sweden, the system of press subsidies was expanded in 2019 to give special support for “weakly covered areas.” This new support has had positive effects, but changes in the system also introduced new demands on the content concerning democratic values etc. If state support should be used for saving local journalism, how far can state influence on the content be acceptable for independent local media? The commentary describes the system of support and discusses this crucial question.

THE INFLUENCE OF TIKTOK PROMOTIONAL MEDIA, INSTAGRAM PROMOTIONAL MEDIA, AND FACEBOOK PROMOTIONAL MEDIA ON PURCHASE DECISIONS MIXUE ICE CREAM & TEA

The research carried out aims to understand Do Tiktok Promotional Media, Instagram Promotional Media, and Facebook Promotional Media influence consumer purchasing decisions for Mixue Ice Cream & Tea? This type of research is quantitative using methods Non-Probability Sampling and the sample is Purposive e Sampling . Sampling was carried out using the Cochran formula, because the population size is relatively large and cannot be known with certainty so the number collected was 100 respondents . Testing data that can be tested on IBM SPSS version 25 . The results of the research state that the independent variables Tiktok Media Promotion (X1), Instagram Media Promotion (X2), Facebook Media Promotion (X3) are influenced by Purchase Decisions (Y). The results of the F test state that F calculated > F table (18.613 > 2.698) and the value is significant ( . 0.00 . < 0.05 . ). The value of the Coefficient of Determination states that the TikTok Promotion Media, Instagram Promotion Media and Facebook Promotion Media variables influence the Purchase Decision variable by 34.8% simultaneously . The final number (100% - 34.8% = 65.2%) contained other factors that influenced the research carried out .

Can comment letters impact excess perks? Evidence from China

This paper investigates the impact of a global emerging governance tool, the comment letter, on firms' excess perks in China. We find that excess perks are significantly lower when the firms receive a perks-related comment letter. The results hold after a series of robust tests, including a difference-in-differences design. Moreover, cross-sectional tests show that the governance effect of perks-related comment letters on excess perks is attenuated in state-owned and politically connected firms, as these firms are more likely to capture regulators. Further testing shows that the regulatory effects of perks-related comment letters on excess perks are amplified by independent auditor scrutiny and media regulatory pressure; furthermore, their impact is more pronounced at companies with higher management agency costs. In addition, when the content of comment letters is of higher severity and the reply letters are more detailed, perks-related comment letters play a stronger governance role on excess perks. Finally, there is evidence that comment letters have a spillover effect on the excess perks of peer firms in the same industry and the same regions that do not receive such comment letters, revealing the indirect effect of regulatory scrutiny on excess perks. Our results prove that comment letters can effectively regulate firms' excess perks and that institutional factors greatly influence their regulatory effectiveness.

He Insists! From Apprentice Editor to Elder Statesman of the Black Documentary Tradition

FQ contributing editor Josslyn Luckett speaks with Sam Pollard about his long career, which spans collaborations as an editor with Spike Lee to producing and directing his own documentaries, histories of black independent media, and his most recent film Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes.