The online journalism diploma module at JOMEC
Dan Meadows: Story-telling and the reality of the media
It was apt that Dan Meadows’ lecture took the same form as the narratives which he has pioneered with the 'Capture Wales' idea.
Beginning with his 'epiphanal moment' and ending with reflections about the future, his message was an extension of what various speakers have been stressing since the course started. The digital revolution is changing the media dramatically and it is our task as journalists to meet the challenges.
"Do your own media or be done by it," Meadows said several times and it sums up his vision for the future. His objection to buzz terms like 'user generated content' is indicative of his belief that journalism is all about the people and he couldn't wait to show us how. "The people are lovely," he says. "You have to believe that."
I must admit I do find it hard to visualise the transition from this idea to the reality of news in a media world of regulation, censure and impartiality.
Nonetheless, the idea we should not view our audience as passive in their digestion of news and that we as 'gate-keepers of the media' should help them become involved in its production is certainly thought provoking. The energy with which Meadows pursued this point was immensely entertaining and inspiring.
Audience participation within the media can only grow. How it will grow and in what form clearly remains to be seen and it will, to an extent, be in our own hands.
Beginning with his 'epiphanal moment' and ending with reflections about the future, his message was an extension of what various speakers have been stressing since the course started. The digital revolution is changing the media dramatically and it is our task as journalists to meet the challenges.
"Do your own media or be done by it," Meadows said several times and it sums up his vision for the future. His objection to buzz terms like 'user generated content' is indicative of his belief that journalism is all about the people and he couldn't wait to show us how. "The people are lovely," he says. "You have to believe that."
I must admit I do find it hard to visualise the transition from this idea to the reality of news in a media world of regulation, censure and impartiality.
Nonetheless, the idea we should not view our audience as passive in their digestion of news and that we as 'gate-keepers of the media' should help them become involved in its production is certainly thought provoking. The energy with which Meadows pursued this point was immensely entertaining and inspiring.
Audience participation within the media can only grow. How it will grow and in what form clearly remains to be seen and it will, to an extent, be in our own hands.
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