Annotated Bibliography

Schudson, M. (2000). The Sociology of News Production Revisited (Again). (J. Curran & M. Gurevitch, Eds.) Mass Media and Society, 3, 175 – 200.

The author, Michael Schudson, has written a revision of his article The Sociology of News Production Revisited, to discuss more current thoughts on the mechanisms and manufacturing of news. Schudson notes three perspectives on news making that are traditionally used by sociologists. The first intertwines news and the political and economic process, while the second focuses on how journalism is affected by the structure of reporting. The third approach studies how cultural traditions and structures constrain journalistic practices. Schudson then goes on to critically analyse each approach, within a framework of global news processes. The author examines different journalistic and news values, finding common practices in the production of news and its political implications across the globe. He also notes a shift in reporting styles, from a traditional, detached form of reporting to one that is more informal, critical and intimate. Schudson makes extensive use of other researchers’ publications, using them as reference points for his own article, increasing both his credibility and access to global news phenomenon. He is known and respected in his field for his numerous works on media, journalism, and news, with nearly a dozen books published and over 100 journal articles. These works have contributed greatly to the formation of The Sociology of News Production Revisited (Again).  

Government to release media regulation inquiry. (2012, March 2). ABC News. Retrieved May 14, 2012, from http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-03-02/government-to-release-media-regulation-inquiry/3863666

The article, posted online by the ABC, an established, government-subsidised media organisation, details an inquiry the Federal Government proposes to release to examine the effectiveness of media regulation. The article then expands on the topic, explaining the reasoning behind the sudden decision to implement a regulatory inquiry. The inquiry will examine whether more stringent disclosure rules should be put in place in Australian media, following the News of the World scandal, and whether there should be a ban on the gathering of information through unethical means. This includes an examination on what body or group would have the power to implement penalties if a media outlet or organisation transgresses these news codes of conduct. This article is relevant in that the new regulations may dramatically impact methods of news production (like those suggested by Schudson) as unethical news-gathering methods, such as those previously employed by News of the World, would have to be immediately declared. Traditionally, internet content is not considered as trust-worthy as traditional news media. However the authors of the text, ABC News, are known for being trustworthy and impartial in their recounting of news, giving this article credibility and authority.

Grimm, N. (2011, November 11). A quick guide to the phone hacking scandal. ABC News 24. Retrieved May 14, 2012, from http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-11-10/quick-guide-to-phone-hacking-scandal/3657216

The presenter, Nick Grimm, a reporter for ABC News 24, explains the origins of the News of the World hacking scandal, in light of the recent investigation conducted by the British police. He details its beginning, leading up to the present day, including the arrests of journalists and private investigators in 2005 and 2006, and the breaking of the scandal to the public in 2009, when competing British newspaper The Guardian, alleged that thousands of phones had been hacked into by News of the World. He continues, relating the events of 2010, when former employees of News of the World stated that phone hacking and other illegal techniques had been regularly employed, and the questioning of Rupoert and James Murdoch by law makers in 2011. Unlike other articles published, this report lists the history of the affair, instead of detailing new occurrences. While this style of reporting may not provide the in depth analysis of events such as in news papers, it is useful in that it gives the viewer the history of the affair, meaning they have the best possible understanding of events as they occur. As News 24 operates under the umbrella of the ABC, it is an extremely trustworthy news source.

Taylor, D. (2012, May 10). News Corp’s result a box office hit. PM. Retrieved May 14, 2012, from http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2012/s3500190.htm

The report, presented by David Taylor, an experienced reporter with ABC Radio, details the findings of the British parliament’s committee, which said that Mr Murdoch displayed “wilful blindness” towards the illegal activities, and that he should step down from his role as CEO of News Limited. However the main focus of the report is a discussion of News Corp’s finances: despite the recent litigation and criminal charges, and the closure of News of the World, News Corp has increased earnings in this latest quarter by several billion dollars. This result is thought to be driven by increased cable television audiences. Taylor discusses the news with fund manager Roger Montgomery, who describes newspapers as a diminishing business that must move to an online model to continue forward. This report is reliable as the reporter is affiliated with the ABC, a well-known impartial media organisation, and their interviewee is an independent funds manager, thus unaffiliated with News Corp or any other interested parties. This means the commentary provided is accurate and unbiased, making it relevant information for interested audiences. The style of this story is similar to other News of the World stories released by television stations, perhaps because the mediums utilise similar story-telling methods.