You can choose to complete this assignment either as a written essay or a video essay. Regardless of the format, your goal is to explore the significant impact of media conglomeration and business practices on journalism and the inclusion of marginalized groups. You will critically analyze how media conglomerates, advertising models, and business structures influence journalistic practices, ethics, and the information landscape as a whole. Pick one of the three prompts below:
- Essay Prompt 1: Business Models and Content Prioritization in Journalism
The choice of business models in media organizations can shape the content prioritization and coverage decisions. Investigate how various business models, such as subscription-based, advertising-funded, or nonprofit journalism, influence the type of news that is produced and disseminated. Analyze the ethical implications of these models on issues like sensationalism, clickbait, and the prioritization of profit over public interest. Utilize case studies or examples to illustrate the impact of business models on ethical reporting.
General Guidelines:
- Regardless of the format you choose, make sure your analysis is well-researched and supported by credible sources.
- Maintain a clear structure, logical progression, and coherence in presenting your ideas.
- In both formats, ensure that your thesis is central and consistently revisited throughout your essay or video essay.
- Use appropriate citations to credit any sources you reference or include in your visuals.
- Proofread your written essay for grammar, style, and clarity. For the video essay, ensure that visuals and narration are well-synced.
📝 Written Essay Instructions:
Length: Approximately 800-1000 words. (3 – 4 pages, double spaced, 1″ margins)
- Develop a clear thesis statement that encapsulates your argument.
- Conduct thorough research to support your points with reputable sources.
- Organize your essay with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
- Address potential counterarguments or complexities related to the prompt.
- Use proper citation style (MLA) for referencing sources.
- Aim for a well-structured, coherent, and engaging essay.
- Grading Criteria: Both formats will be evaluated based on the depth of analysis, quality of content, coherence of ideas, visual aids (for the video essay), engagement with the topic, and adherence to academic integrity standards.
Links:
https://youtu.be/gzeoe4m1t9Q?si=8B8E8nejD0XtsV4z
https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2020/10/28/americans-blame-unfair-news-coverage-on-media-outlets-not-the-journalists-who-work-for-them/
https://itsalljournalism.com/333-whose-truth-are-journalists-telling-and-why-does-it-matter/
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