New News

When: Week 2

What: Lecture 2

Who: Dr. Bruce Redman

Honestly, Blogging isn't as easy as it seems! Here is my first go at blogging about my week in JOUR1111. 

After reading the reading by John Harrison, I had a brief idea of what the lecture would be about. Dr. Bruce Redman only confirmed that when he began discussing Web Iterations (Old and New Media, Web 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0) and the challenges of online news.

Web Iterations

When discussing Web Iterations, Dr. Bruce Redman began by defining "Old Media". Old media or what John Harrison refers to as "traditional media,

heritage media, and legacy media" (Harrison 2009:9) are media platforms that have existed for a long time. These media platforms consist of newspapers, magazines, radio and television, and were "created and developed in the late 19th and first half of the 20th centuries"(Harrison 2009:9)or as Dr. Bruce Redman puts it, "Old times!"

Web 1.0 - "Information Web"

Web 1.0 is what we identify as the "Information Web" and was what Dr. Bruce Redman describes as, "advertiser friendly". Web 1.0 was very company orientated. Companies would use the internet to create websites and upload information that would otherwise be available in an old media platform.

Web 2.0 - "New Media"

Web 2.0 is what Dr. Bruce Redman refers to as the beginning of"New Media" and is identified as the "Social Web". Web 2.0 is directed towards social groups and communities and is a place where people can meet, share and communicate with others. Twitter, Facebook, foursquare, YouTube and Flickr are a few examples of Web 2.0 platforms.Web 2.0 platforms are also a place where people can produceand upload videos, pictures and other generated content. Axel Burns defines this as "Produsage" and states that "the user acts as a hybrid user/producer, or produser, virtually throughout the production process" (Axel Bruns - QUT 2005).

Web 3.0 - "Semantic Web"

Web 3.0 is identified as the "Semantic Web". The software used in Web 3.0 will be able to answer multi-layered questions by identifying meta-tags. If you were to type in to google "In Brisbane CBD want Coffee for under $5", the software will be able to identify the meta-tags and will provide you with an informative answer.

The main focus of the semantic web is individuals. When you type something into google or another search engine, the search engine automatically builds up a profile on you, based on your recent searches. Advertisers will use this information to target you with other things you might be interested in.

Dr. Bruce Redman asked us the question "What will the semantic web mean for news?"

The answer is "Hyperlocalisation" and "Specific Content Delivery". Hyperlocalisation is news that is extremely local, specifically for your suburb or for your street. Specific content delivery means that you will be able to modify the news you view based on your own personal needs and interests. Advertisers will be able to use this to their advantage, and will be able to target you based on your specificity. Specific content delivery also has it's disadvantages. By viewing news that you are only interested in, a lack of awareness will develop in the areas of news that you don't engage with.

The Jelly Belly Analogy

Whether it's old media or new media - newspapers, magazines, radio, television and online news have always been cheap and available to the public.

Expect change; Rupert Murdoch wants you to pay for online news. With the rise of websites like eBay, Gumtree and Trading Post, newspapers are no longer making money off the classified section.

Can Rupert Murdoch save Journalism by making the public pay for online news, something the public are entitled to have for free?

Rupert Murdoch believes that he can save Journalism with a subscription model; where the public will have to pay a subscription/membership fee to gain access to news and special privileges available on a news website.

Dr. Bruce Redman explained this with an analogy between Jelly Beans and Jelly Bellies. This is what I understood from Dr. Bruce Redman's explanation. Jelly Beans, like old and new media, are "cheap, everywhere and serve their purpose". Jelly Bellies, like subscription news, are "expensive, a bit special".

Here are some things we should ALL consider: What will happen if the public doesn't subscribe to online news? Will it be the end of Journalism as we know it? As a Journalism student I am left wondering, what will become of my future?