COMM 330: Technology and Human Communication

news-TEST

2012-01-26T09:20:00.000-08:00

this is a test post.

Newspapers New Transition

2012-01-25T23:14:00.000-08:00

The decline of the newspaper is no big news, but what is the newspaper doing to survive in the digital era? As our society has shifted to an information based society, the newspaper is reinventing itself while moving from a mass media economy to a new media economy. The newspaper is making this transition by finding new ways to earn money. They are doing this by providing digital copes online and selling advertising, moving paper subscriptions to online subscriptions and covering certain information for specific groups of people.

The newspaper was one of the first media’s to communicate to different parts of a city or country. It has been doing this for many decades and with the creation of the internet and how our society has moved to a information based society it has decade in its need. The newspaper has declined in use since the 90’s because information is more quickly accessed online then on paper.

As the internet is speeding up the process information can be spread from one place to another. This is creating no need for the paper, so the paper is changing what you can subscribe to. You now can subscribe to paper but as well to the information that you get online. While paying a fee you can get more information if you are a subscriber for online content.

This online subscription moves the need for paper material, the need for more information increases. What happens then though is the newspaper companies are narrowcasting. They targeting certain groups and creating information based on who is their subscriber. While they cover every genre or topic, they are creating more stories and covering certain topics more in depth. This is where a subscriber may choose one newspaper company to subscribe to over another.

The newspaper will survive, it may not be in the same format as it once was in its glory days, but it will remain as a source of information for our society. As our technology increases so will our need for more information. This need will only increase the devices the newspaper can use to keep itself from becoming an obsolete form of media.

This link is one of many that gives a opinion over how the newspaper may or may not survive.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjUeJH4mdF4&feature=related

App Business and Culture: Apple's App Ampire. 25.01.12

2012-01-25T21:51:00.000-08:00

Howdy everyone in COMM 330! Tomorrow (or today depending if I get this in on time), January 26, 2012, I will be one of the first 3 presenters of the “New Media Market” case study round table. In order to answer the question “How does media convergence influence new media markets?” I will be looking to, what I consider in my opinion to be, the pinnacle of 21^st century media convergence; the iPhone and all its glorious apps. My Case study titled “From Banking to Board Games: the Business and Culture of the Almighty App”

While the full effect of our iPhones and Androids is not yet known, I can say that these mostly user-created applications are integral parts in the billion-dollar a year smart phone/application development industry. For those of us living under a rock or born after 1985 (which I would suspect is most of us), I will cover a brief history of mobile phones and how the perfect conditions would come around to create the App. After I will dive into the array of Application stores which not surprisingly sprung up after Apple’s App Store was launched in the summer of 2008. Wait, so there were no Apps until after I graduated from High School? Damn, I feel old. (Loving this blog post format)

I will then touch on the business requirements and results one can get out of making apps. There is actually some surprising stuff there if you know computer coding. (I’m looking at you computer science guy in the back whose name I fail to remember) The influence of Apple’s App store which started this era is so great that they control over 70% of stock and downloads of Apps. This is getting better with the popularization of Google’s Android phones but still has a long way to go. The interesting thing is that an App store does not produce its own product but rather is a wholesaler of one copy of an App. Yes, most developers get a very decent cut but for companies like Apple (making billions) and Google (making millions) on their commissions this seems to be too good to be legal.

Finally, I will dive a little into App culture. Like it or not, we all live here. Being included in pop culture is one of the best advertisements for Apple’s App Store. One of the best slogans by Apple has taken a life of its own and evolved to almost a way of life. The slogan “there is an app for that” first used in an advert in early 2009 translates to “there is an easier way to do ____”. Apple has since trademarked the slogan. Hope to see all of you out there tomor…this morning so that all of us can know at least a little more about the still relatively new App industry.

Case Study Diffusion of Innovation, Apple, iPod 1/25/12

2012-01-25T21:21:00.001-08:00

Diffusion of innovations describes the wayconsumers adopt a new technology. The presentation I will be giving willdiscuss the diffusion of innovation, convergence and how these two principlesare affecting the economy today. I will be using the Apple company as anexample as well as their well-known and diffused product, the iPod.

Several factors affect the way a product diffuses into today's marketplace. Some of these include, the market and what barriers to entry areinvolved and the need for it. Does a new technology make life simple for theuser or more difficult? These are all things a company must take intoconsideration before releasing a new media. The company is constantly trying tocapture the client whether they are an innovator, early adopter, earlymajority, late majority or laggard.

Convergence is multiple medias coming together into one media. A commonexample of this is a smart phone or tablet. Many economists and researchers areinterested in finding out how convergences of medias are affecting the markettoday. Will people continue to buy products? Will there be multiple productsfor people to buy if they have all converged into one?

Upon doing some research, I argue that yes, there will always be amarket for new media. In some cases I believe there will always be a market forsome pieces of old media. Old media tends to be the foundational context for alot of new or converged media products today. People have unlimited wants. Itis a basic economic principle. When people have unlimited wants they willconstantly be looking forward to the next new thing. For example, I have comeacross friends that refuse to buy the iPad 2 because they know the iPad 3 isjust around the corner. There is nothing wrong with the latter but in a fewmonths it will not be the biggest or the brightest.

Welcome to Comm 330-Spring 2012!

2012-01-23T20:46:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the COMM 330 class blog. This blog provides an opportunity to explore the intersection of communication technology, media industry and social use of media. This blog will be highlight issues raised in COMM 330: Communication and Technology being taught by Dr. Heidi Campbell at Texas A&M University this spring semester. Students will have an opportunity to use this blog to share their thought about the course material and more specifically post information related to their class case study presentations. I am looking forward to a great semester of interaction both online and offline!

Post presentation reflection

2011-12-07T14:59:00.000-08:00

After giving the presentation and hearing from the others of all of the advances that technology has allowed emerge, it is evident that the next generation has a lot to look forward to. Technology is greatly affecting communication in general. The way people meet, the way they spread an idea, or the way they are able to "see" the world are all going to be directly affected by the technology available to them. In the record industry, I believe we will see many major record labels trying to keep up with technology but amplifying other qualities they have, now that they are not the only ones able to produce good quality music. They will continue to have the most networking capabilities and use the independant label world as a competition to seek out who can make it on their own. This allows them to see who is "sellable" and makes a major record labels job that much easier if the artist is already globally know. Technology has helped in massive ways to the spread of music and the variety now being exposed.

Amy Karr-Web 3.0: The Systematic Web

2011-12-06T05:41:00.001-08:00

Today I will be discussing the emerging technology of Web 3.0, or the Semantic Web and will address the question of the week, which asks, “How are emerging technologies impacting society?” The Issue today is that we have made it easier for the average Internet user to read content on the web, but now we face the issue of implementing new technology that allows for the computer to understand human content through semantics. The Semantic Web is a developing technology that takes data and links it together to form a network that will better connect users to the information they actually desire. There are many resources available on-line but no way to connect and process it in a way that the computer can understand. My main argument is that the World Wide Web gives us access to information, but this information is not understood by the computer and cannot effectively provide what we ask the computer if it does not know what we mean. The information that we have access to via the Internet is limited to documents on the Web, rather than data. The Semantic Web will provide the opportunity to connect data for the advancement of research. Once the technology is implemented fully onto the World Wide Web, it will save the time and effort put forth in research by bridging related data together and eliminating the never-ending Google search. Institutions that use semantic technology, such as the medical field, in the same way save time and energy that would normally be devoted to an endless amount of time searching medical records and historical data. The development of The Semantic Web is taking measures to revamp how research is done, and this impacts not only the efficiency of gathering information for Internet users, but for the advancement of research particularly in the medical field.

A helpful video of the development of the world wide web: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=off08As3siM

The Future of Record Labels

2011-12-06T00:38:00.000-08:00

Today I will be presenting on the future of record labels. Record Labels are responsible for a large portion of the global music sales but are beginning to struggle with growth and profitability in an era of advancing technology. Music fans are not putting money directly into corporate pockets like they used to. Advancements in technology like iTunes, Independent labels, and several mediums of digital downloads ( legal and nonlegal ) have brought a decline in the Record industry but a massive rise in the music industry. Record labels are now looking into innovative ways to keep up with technology to maintain necessity and relevance.

My argument is that the rise of advanced and accessible technology has brought an incline in the music industry and a decline in the record label industry. The two are different entities that work under the same umbrella category of entertainment, so are often misunderstood or just used interchangeably. In my presentation, I clearly define and separate the two as different jobs within the industry. I also expand on the increase in independent labels. Independent labels are privately owned and operated smaller labels that take advantage of the convergence of telecomm, media, and computer technologies made readily available to us. Once musicians and other artists realized the capabilities and accessibility's they have to all of the same technologies as a major record label, independent labels and music production began to flourish, causing the demise of the major record labels.

My presentation goes into detail how the digital music evolution has played a significant role is my main argument and I conclude with how record labels must play in the game of the indie labels in order to maintain relevance and necessity. They will need to use tactics like game shows, and push the fact that they do still have the resources to reach major connections internationally with a little more accreditation.

Derek Fadner - Cloud Computing and its Impact on Society

2011-12-05T23:42:00.000-08:00

Today, I will be presenting the class with a case study answering the research question for this week: “how are emerging technologies impacting society?” The case study topic I will be investigating is cloud computing. Cloud computing has existed in various capacities for over a decade, but today we are seeing rapid growth and improvement throughout this area of technology. Cloud computing by definition is data and software applications no longer existing on a person’s personal computer, but on web-based servers managed by third-party providers. Users range from individual citizens to both large and small businesses. Cloud computing provides a convenient way to do a number of tasks such as email, photo sharing, and data storage. Everyday examples of cloud based systems include Hotmail, Gmail, Google Docs, iCloud, and pee-to-peer file sharing applications such as Napster and Limewire. Because information is stored on virtual web servers, there are issues concerning the privacy of cloud users. In addition, as is the case with a majority of new technologies, there are ongoing legal issues that have yet to be resolved.

The main argument I will make in regards to this week’s question is that cloud computing is having a significant impact on our society and the way businesses and individuals use software and store data. These impacts could lead to a decreased reliance on an individual’s own hard drive. There is also the potential for a shift towards accessing software applications solely via the
internet instead of downloading them onto our devices. Because cloud servers are managed by third-parties, businesses will continue to reap cost saving benefits associated with no longer maintaining hardware, reduction in software purchases, and decreased reliance on IT support. These cost saving measures, coupled with the convenience that cloud systems provide, will cause users to overlook concerns they may have regarding privacy and continue to embrace cloud
based systems.

Click
here to see further what cloud computing can do for businesses. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ae_DKNwK_ms

luke cavanagh, megan villa, sisi berry, lindsey keeney, EZ, Christian Haile

2011-12-01T10:49:00.000-08:00

2011-12-01T08:12:00.000-08:00

2011-12-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

Group 4 FCC- Enhanced 9-11

2011-11-30T20:22:00.000-08:00

Death by Convergence Podcast

2011-11-30T20:06:00.000-08:00

Christine Spencer
Adrian O'Hanlon
Michael LaBelle
Kelly Rathbun

The Death of Old Media Through Convergence

The Great Firewall of China Video Podcast

2011-11-30T13:42:00.000-08:00

Emily Ferriss
Abigail Elkins
Caroline Glithero
Vince Pennick
Sarah Curylo

Government Censorship vs. Self Regulation:
The Great Firewall of China

We Love Podcasts: New vs. Old Media

2011-11-30T13:37:00.000-08:00

Joey Edwards, Samantha Renteria, Jen Albee, Jeremy Payne, Mike Carreon

Video Podcast: Narrowcasting

2011-11-28T12:14:00.000-08:00

Lane Jurden, Heather Seidenschmidt, Callie Boenigk, Lauren Dauer, and Rachel Siekmann

Abigail Elkins- Post presentation reflection

2011-11-21T19:51:00.000-08:00

At the conclusion of my presentation I posed the question, " In your opinion, do the social benefits of geolocation apps outweigh the privacy risks?" Overall, the class seemed to agree that because these apps are not popular enough within social networking many users do not feel the need to take part in geolocation services by posting their locations online. Several people commented that the apps are generally creepy and others said that they don't see the point behind them. The consensus was that it's too risky to post your location online in real time with all the possible privacy threats when the only thing to gain is a discount or two.

The question of the week was, "What social and economic forces shape communication infrastructure?" Researching for this presentation has allowed me to see the way geolocation is changing the face of social networking. These services are incorporating physical and online social experiences by allowing users to interact with others in the real and digital worlds simultaneously. Services like google maps have already overlaid virtual maps on the places we live and work. However, I believe that geolocation apps will further cement this change in the way we visualize the world around us by linking it to our social experience.

Siri and its Future

2011-11-17T07:45:00.000-08:00

Today I will be talking about Siri, a voice controlled personal assistant for Apple's iOS. The application uses natural processing to answer questions, make recommendations, and perform actions by delegating requests to an expanding set of web services. With this product, I will be addressing the question of the week which is, "What social and economic forces shape communication infrastructure?" My answer to this question is accessibility and speed. The products that win out in the technological realm are the ones that have many features that prove its accessibility to information and how fast it can accomplish said tasks. The smart phone is a revolution of that type of access, with its 3G network and touch screen capabilities. Siri brings a whole new level of convenience to the "third screen" experience, with its voice processing capabilities. This level of hands-free accessibility could revolutionize the way we use technology. Google will seek to combat this competition by releasing versions of its own Google voice application, but Siri seems to be the most impressive one on the market to date. Google feels threatened by the amount of inquiries that will now be funneled through the Siri machine rather than their own. Ultimately, this ad-free, hands-free, companion-like personal assistant that Apple has released in its current iPhone 4S will shape the social infrastructure of communication.

Jordan Allison- Freedom Fone

2011-11-17T02:26:00.000-08:00

Today, I will be informing the class on the Freedom Fone and how this telephony software answers the question of the week, which states, "What social and economic forces shape communication infrastructure?"

I will start off my presentation with a couple of key terms and then move on to tell you what Freedom Fone actually is. Freedom Fone is an open source telephony program that allows a free and easy way for members of a community to find out important information, transcending literacy barriers and without the need of the internet.

Next, I will inform the class on the history of Freedom Fone and how it was started by the Kubatana Trust, which is an online community of activists in Zimbabwe. Freedom Fone originally started in response to Zimbabwe's government controlled media. The members of Kubatana Trust wanted to give citizens a voice in society without the need for money, literacy, or the internet, which are all common problems in that area.

I will then discuss how Freedom Fone works through showing a video and explaining the use of audio voice menus, voice messages, SMS polls, and the call back option. I will also discuss the different uses of Freedom Fone. These uses include any type of situation in which a community is in need of information, such as communities effected by natural disaster or disease. Then, I will explain how Freedom Fone is form of New Media through being interactive, audience generated, digital, and narrowcasted.

After explaining Freedom Fone, I will present my discussion questions and then conclude my presentation by explaining how Freedom Fone answers the question of the week. I will reiterate to the class what types of social and economic forces are addressed with the new technology of Freedom Fone and how these forces have shaped this specific type of communication.

Amanda Schryver--Skype

2011-11-16T22:31:00.000-08:00

Today, I will be responding to the question of the week: "What social & economic forces shape the communication infrastructure," and the case study I will be presenting is over Skype. Skype has become an integral part of the telecommunication industry. It is a highly innovative and well developed technology that is always producing quality products that continue to be an influential aspect of our culture. Because of its free or very inexpensive way to communicate, especially with friends and family overseas, Skype has become a dominant name and has set the standard in Voice over Internet Protocol. In spite of switching from different owners, Skype has continued to keep its customers in mind within all of its technological advances.

My main argument is that with technology advancing at such a fast rate, popular media technologies have had to continue to adapt, while remaining novel, and of course, keeping up with what the consumer wants and expects from their technologies. Skype has done a great job of always thinking of what is best for the customer and has thus, been very successful in the telecommunications industry. Also, with the new merger with Microsoft, Skype is in a great position in the marketplace to collaborate with Microsoft to produce even more amazing products that will continue to be influential in our media driven society.

Abigail Elkins- Geolocation Apps and Privacy

2011-11-15T12:58:00.000-08:00

Geolocation or location-based apps like Foursquare, Gowalla and Facebook places are popping up in smartphone technology and websites across the technology world. These apps have added the new dimension of location to social networking and allow users to connect with friends when they go places, not just when they sit at home and use their computer. If you download the app can "check-in" when you visit a restaurant, bookstore or other participating location and earn points that could get you discounts or special deals. My main argument is that geolocation apps' incorporation of location allows social networking to blend more seamlessly into our everyday lives, however, there are also many social risks associated with posting your location in real time for all to see. This information could get into the hands of criminals, sexual offenders, or stalkers who could have more nefarious intentions than your "friends." In the case with many of these applications, when you allow them to "use your current location," you are also giving them permission to sell information about the places you visit to third party advertisers. Several bills are being processed in Congress currently that would create stricter privacy policies surrounding location data. I will discuss all of these subjects in more detail on Thursday! Thanks and Gig 'Em!

P.S. If you have some time, check out pleaserobme.com to see if you are posting location information that could be putting you at risk for crime.

Mike Wallace- Facebook Post Report

2011-11-10T14:58:00.000-08:00

I was a little nervous but overall I felt like I did okay. I did the best I could to make my point. Overall I thought the class discussions were good. There were lots of people making good points and lots of people arguing and debating over my presentation which I thought was very good thing. One student got the point I was trying to make which was in dangerous countries like Syria I think that alot of government control is necessary where as here in the United States not as much control is necessary.
As far as who controls the internet I think it is a toss up. The government does control the internet but, so do the people. The government is always exerting some sort of control but in alot of countries people have the right to explore or watch whatever they want. In other countries such as Syria its a tug of war between the people and the government that will never end. So overall the control of the internet is neutral between the people and the government.

Mike Wallace- Facebook

2011-11-09T12:45:00.000-08:00

Hi,

My name is Mike Wallace and I will be doing a case study to answer the question: Who controls the Internet? I will be doing this particular study on Facebook.

The main argument I will be trying to make is that while Facebook is a popular social networking site that is meant to help you make connections with friends there are some illegal things that it is used for such as forming illegal online protest groups and political riots.

The presentation will focus on what governments around the world are trying to do to prevent these things from taking place. The main example I will be using and talking about in the presentation is the Syrian government and some of the tactics and methods they are using to prevent the protests and riots from forming online.

For this presentation there are two questions I want the audience to think about. One is do you think the government is doing enough to prevent illegal activities on websights? Two is do you think alot of government control over websights is a good or bad thing?

To hear more tune in tomorrow for the presentation!

•http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJqGbA2tLww

Caroline Glithero - ICANN

2011-11-08T13:37:00.001-08:00

Howdy!
The theme of the week is: the internet. The question the week is:
Who Controls the Network?
The network is not controlled by any one organization, instead
it is made up of many non-profit organizations and Thursday I will be focusing
on ICANN. ICANN stands for Internet Corporation of Assigned Names and Numbers.
ICANN works with 242 countries and territories in supporting the daily
operation of the Internet, as the global coordinator of the Domain Name System,
which is referred to as “DNS”. This system is used more than one trillion times
per day by humans and ICANN’s machines, and yet most of us don’t give it a
second thought. In my presentation I will talk about the establishment of ICANN
and how it was founded in 1998 by Jon Postel and explain how ICANN used to be a
US organization that has now gone international. Also I will define key terms
like; protocols and globalization that are important when understanding ICANN.
I will then cover the structure of ICANN and some of the roles ICANN plays in operational
stability for our internet as well as its extreme importance in maintaining a
global reputation. ICANN really prides themselves for being recognized as such
an immense global organization that is constantly growing. I will also give
some examples of the root system which ICANN is over as well as tell about some
the examples of their many global partners and the importance of their upcoming
meetings in other countries. After that I will explain the way ICANN operates
as a non-profit organization and how it pays for it itself. I will conclude by
posing my discussion questions to the class and answering any questions my
classmates may have. Then I will give a short summary on how ICANN monitors and
control the internet network today.

Lauren Dauer- YouTube

2011-11-08T06:49:00.000-08:00

On Thursday, November 10, 2011 I will be answering the question: Who Controls the Network?, with a case study done on YouTube. YouTube is growing at a tremendous rate with over 2 billions views. YouTube is shaping our society and even how the world communicates through online videos. YouTube like other great social media sites, has also been connected to scandals and controversies. Court cases and media acts have also been disputed because of YouTube and what has been place online, which I will be covering in my presentation. Copyright laws have also been a major issue for YouTube and their users. YouTube has made average individuals successful online celebrities. Some popular videos for example, Charlie Bit my Finger, have been viewed over 385 million times. Which in turn I pose the question do the YouTube user, or in general we the society, Control the network? It is an interesting question since we the society are the ones contributing to the library of YouTube’s videos. Stay tune for an intriguing and interesting presentation on YouTube as I answer the question Who Controls the Network?.

Smart TV

2011-10-27T08:58:00.001-07:00

Today in class I will be discussing how he introduction of smart television has ensured a place for TV in new media markets. Old media is defined as static/fixed; one – to – many broadcast, anonymous and it has professional gatekeepers. While new media is defined as interactive and mobile, many – to – many interactive, and it has the ability to narrowcast.

We will talk about how Samsung Smart TV is changing the way you watch TV. You can stream movies, TV shows, and even YouTube videos. Plus it gives you recommendations based on what you've watched, and how you've rated movies and shows. Smart TV’s have the capability to scan your recently watched movies or any of your favorites online and narrowcast options that you may like, for example if you watched the movie Jurassic Park then your smart TV would recommend other dinosaur movies that you may enjoy.

Next and the most important part of the smart TV that makes it truly a new media outlet is interactivity. Users are no longer bound to gatekeepers, such as major broadcasters, being able to dictate the media that they see. Interactivity has made gatekeepers obsolete because the public can now choose what content they want to watch. Now in the age of social media and websites such as facebook, twitter or YouTube, traditional consumers of media can now actively produce the media generated on the internet

I will discuss in the conclusion that the Samsung “smart” TV has enabled the convergence of old media (television) and new media (internet) markets. The digital age has threatened the television industry but thanks to smart TV software, Internet integration has become possible and may secure the future of the television industry. Smart TV’s interactivity is the driving force behind consumer participation. Due to old media informing new media markets audiences can now control media content on their television sets.

Roku - Kelly Rathbun

2011-10-26T22:23:00.001-07:00

Today in class on October 27, I will be discussing how old media are influencing new media markets by using the Roku Player as an example for this. First, I will give you a brief history of television in order to help you understand how television has evolved over time, particularly through the development of new media devices. I will also take you through a brief history of Netflix, which was the inspiration for the invention of the Roku Player. Although Roku is not necessarily a form of new media, it is a new media device, and Roku’s strategy is to focus on costumers who already have cable or satellite subscriptions. Secondly, I will show you a video about Roku just to demonstrate how it works. The main use of Roku is to stream Internet content on your television—the old way was to connect multiple cables to your TV from your laptop of computer. Most importantly, I will talk to you about Roku’s impact on television. The component of television that will be most affected will be cable companies, which is what I will spend most of my time talking to you about. The programming, production, and sales of cable companies is very likely to be affected by Roku, which allows for cheaper ways to watch your favorite shows. Not only is it cheaper than cable, but it also offers less commercials, time shifting, and it is asynchronous, meaning that viewers are no longer watching shows at the same time because they have the ability to choose when to watch their favorite shows. All of these aspects of the Roku Player will ultimately affect advertising revenues, which is a very important in order for TV networks and cable companies to make money. After offering three discussion questions to the class, I will end my presentation with a conclusion, highlighting the key points of my presentation.

TiVo-Lindsey Keeney

2011-10-25T21:55:00.000-07:00

Thursday, October 27th, in class I will be discussing the history of personal television recording including Betamax, VHS, and DVRs and their respective impacts on television. Then I will be discussing the pioneer company of the DVR, TiVo. I will show a brief video starring the logo of the brand and I will discuss TiVo’s history. I will relate it to this week's question "How do older forms of media inform new media markets?" by discussing TiVo personalizing the television and bringing in new media markets such as YouTube, Netflix, and Pandora Radio in modern times. I will address the issue of the commercials being sped through. The advertisers are now more focused on product placement. Then I will wrap it up with some discussion questions and my conclusion, answering this week’s question of the week.

HBO

2011-10-25T16:58:00.000-07:00

Hello,
I will be presenting this Thursday on HBO, otherwise known as Home Box Office Inc. I am going to start my presentation defining some key terms from the chapter that apply to my topic of HBO. These key terms include cable television and pay TV. After I introduce the terms I will be talking about four different aspects of HBO with the first being the history. I will walk you through how it was started as the "Green Channel" and it was unsuccessful at first. I am then going to talk about some of its defining points such as satellite tv. Satellite TV gave it the boost it needed and it became the first national pay tv network. They then reached the masses they needed to for success through Teleprompter. I will also be talking about the court case of Home Box Office vs. FCC.
Next I will talk about HBO now. I will give a few statistics I found and talk about how HBO was not effected by the recession and was able to maintain profit. I am also going to talk about how it benefits its customers and their new app called HBO GO.
And the last part is about HBO in the future. During this part I will talk about the problems HBO faces with other competitors and how they are combating this competition with new technological advances.
Then i will conclude by stating that HBO is constantly adjusting its media forms based on old media forms. My discussion questions have to do with the future of HBO and if the class thinks it will soon be pushed down by its competitors or able to continually keep up with the means and expectations of new media forms.

Mike Carreon - Internet Radio Royalties

2011-10-20T09:13:00.001-07:00

Today in class, I will be discussing Internet radio royalty policies and how the current standards have used previous legislation as a template. First I will take you though to the initial legislation regarding sound recording that was arranged because increases in technology demanded a means of protection of phonorecord piracy. With this, it set up an ideology of protection through copyrights. Although composition artists were dealt their royalties it wasn’t until the 1990’s that members of the sound recording side of the industry started to receive theirs. SoundExchange, a Performance Right Organization, was involved in the development and advocacy of the sound recording side of the industry. Coming closer to us in the timeline, we will see the Webcaster Settlement Acts come through due to the intensified royalty systems that the two acts passed in the ‘90’s had set into place. The royalties required had become outrageous, ranging from 80% to over 100% of the revenue a company was generating. Yes! I said it…over 100% of a company’s revenue was asked as of what the acts demanded for royalties. The Webcaster Settlement Acts took place in order to lock down prices over a period of time that were agreeable and fiscally responsible for both parties. Although they are “temporary” and considered “discounted” prices, they are still in the range of 50% to 75% of some companies’ revenues. The Pureplay Agreement definitely contributed to the, so far, success of the Webcaster Settlement Acts. It separates the royalty rates for the different potential webcasters: small, commercial, & subscription based webcasters. Making it maintainable for companies to survive despite the annual increase the Webcaster Agreement Acts call for. Since the Webcaster Agreement Acts were only through 2010, there is current negotiation for royalty rates, so if rates aren’t agreed upon we may see an end to internet radio.

Pandora Radio

2011-10-20T07:19:00.000-07:00

Today, October 18, 2011 I will be discussing the different aspects of Pandora radio and how they appeal to the wireless culture. I will be looking at the different devices you can access Pandora from, how they generate income and the music genome project.
The beginning of my presentation will give a brief overview of the characteristics of terrestrial radio and Pandora internet radio. It will give the audience an idea of how the two radio forms are different and how Pandora has evolved from terrestrial radio.
Next I will discuss what Pandora is and how they got their name. This will give the audience a general break down of the structure of the company and the purpose the wish to fulfill. I will also look at the different mediums you can access Pandora on and how they appeal to the digital age. Smart Phone apps are one of the most common digital mediums that Pandora uses to reach their target listeners.
I will also discuss how Pandora generates revenue. Advertising is the predominant revenue sources for Pandora. The Advertisers take the information listeners give to Pandora to create ads that appeal to their information. There are also subscriptions available for purchase that allows Pandora to regulate go gains full access to their site. I will also address the fact that Pandora isn’t profitable because of royalty fees.
Lastly I will Define the Music Genome Project and how they are the key factor that makes Pandora so unique. This project has created a narrowcast by developing playlist to adhere to the listeners particular genre or artist interest.
To conclude I will state how Pandora is shaping the way for future radio and how the ability to personalize radio stations to the listeners musical interest will allow them to grow.
The discussion questions will relate the conformity of terrestrial radio and why listeners are attracted to internet radio.

Satellite Radio- Sirius XM merger

2011-10-20T06:37:00.000-07:00

Today in class, October 20, I will be discussing the law and policy issues related to the Sirius and XM satellite radio merger of 2008. The question of the week is about older media serving as a template for a wireless culture. Satellite radio does this because it brings the older form of media, radio, into the wireless/digital culture by providing a way for listener’s to pick the stations of music they most enjoy. Radio has transformed greatly since its first existence in 1896 with Marconi’s wireless telegraph and Morse code. It then became popular as a form of entertainment and extended further into the creation of AM and FM stations. Like we discussed in class, radio turned into a money- making industry where competition is fierce. Then in the early 2000’s, satellite radio made its introduction into the radio industry. Sirius and XM were two satellite radio providers, but neither was doing particularly well. In 2007, they decided to begin the process to merge into one hopefully successful company. The merger brought issues of monopolies and lack of competition to the satellite radio industry. There were people on both sides, for and against the merger. Ultimately the merger was approved by the Department of Justice and later the FCC. It was proven that the merger would not result in a monopoly, because of the popularity of iTunes and Internet radio, there would still be competition in the market. The merger brought about profits for the now named Sirius XM Radio. The company did have to pay fees on violations and the merger had stipulations. Since the merger, the company has proved successful, much to the fact that they made headway into the automotive industry by having their service already installed in most vehicles.

News of the World

2011-10-13T07:19:00.000-07:00

Today in class, October 13, I will be discussing the first amendment and ethical journalism. Those two important factors in journalism was disregarded by News of the World in the summer of 2o11. I will discuss the importance of the first amendment and ethics, and how the two elements were disregarded by News of the World.

The beginning of my presentation will define the first amendment. I want the audience to understand that the first amendment in journalism is basically a way we as the people are allowed to obtain different sources of news, through different outlets. The first amendment allows journalist to express their own opinions without government intervention. This makes it more accessible to create journalism, which holds thousands of opinions, to be shared and discussed amongst each other.

The second thing I will be defining is ethical journalism. Ethical journalism is one which ethical standards and codes are formed by the credibility for media organizations that can affect their success at all levels. Ethical journalism is the acknowledgment of creating stories by hard work and honesty which most journalist choose to follow. The main focus of ethical journalism I will be acknowledging in my presentation is not breaking the law to create a story the other competitors in the newspaper industry have not come up with.

I will then be discussing the case of News of the World. News of the World hacked into innocent civilians phones all throughout England. They damaged a missing persons case by hacking into the girl's phone who had been missing and deleting voicemails that could have helped the police solve the missing persons case. The unethical journalist was accused of hacking into other unlawful phones ranging from people of the government, celebrities, royalty, and innocent bystanders. The owner of the newspaper is a billionaire mogul Rupert Murdoch. He owns many news corporations in the UK and also in the United States. His involvement stemmed from not having control over the situation at hand, and willingly knowing what was going on.

I will show a clip of the crime accused by News of the World by the Washington post journalist. This clip will help me demonstrate the relevance this case holds in the newspaper industry. I will conclude with discussion questions which reflect the ways News of the World dishonored ethical journalism, and how it affects journalism in today's society. The presentation will be interesting to participate in because of how the violation of privacy was breached, and how it could easily be done in the media industry today.

2011-10-12T22:27:00.000-07:00

In class on October 13, I will be discussing Twitter's affect on sport journalism and the varies controversies stemming from its incorporation to news. I will discuss Twitter's beginnings and its rise as a "news source."

The beginning of my presentation gives a brief overview of The First Amendment, definitions it placed and the history of newspapers. It is important to understand the structure of free speech and the formation of media in America before delving into issues with new media and Twitter.

Next I will discuss the history of Twitter and its development to the social media power that it is today. A case study broke down Twitter's humble beginnings and predicted it to surpass Facebook and Myspace in the near future. This is important to the topic as social media grows and eventually encompasses other industries, the sports news industry will undoubtedly shift toward utilizing the tool.

I will then give reasons why sports journalists are transitioning toward Twitter journalism, mainly because sports stars use the networking site as a personal branding tool. Shaq, Stewart Cink and Serena Williams all have a large amount of followers on their Twitter accounts. News outlets follow athletes and assume their tweets are factual without getting another source, creating a journalistic conundrum.

I will then describe Twitter journalism and show a youtube clip to better describe this new topic. This will show the other side of the argument as the clip gives a positive view of Twitter journalism.

Immediately following will be an example controversial issues involved with Twitter, regarding fake accounts. St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa sued Twitter in 2009 because an imposter in San Francisco used his name to post demeaning comments of former and current players.

Discussion questions regarding Twitter's legitamacy as a news source will conclude the presentation.

See you there

Twitter: A New Form of News

2011-10-12T20:41:00.002-07:00

In class tomorrow, on October 13, I will be discussing Twitter, and how it has affected the news industry in the last five years. I will look at three different uses of Twitter, and how each of those affects society and the news industry.

I will start out by explaining what Twitter actually is, and then work into the different ways that people use it. The first use of Twitter is for social networking, which is the most prevalent use in society. People use it to keep connected with others, especially influential figures in society, such as athletes, actors, and politicians. Then I look at how Twitter has affected the political realm in America. It has become a very popularly used tool for the politicians in our society, who can spread their ideas and beliefs through Twitter. I show how congress now uses it during speeches and meetings, and how even the president has a Twitter to post information. The third use for Twitter that I believe is important is the use of Twitter in journalism. This has become extremely popular recently, because it allows the journalist to deliver information to the follower much faster, giving the reader a feeling of interaction and involvement with the story (which is often happening in other parts of the world). I argue that Twitter has become important in the news industry because it saves production costs, and can be narrowcasted to a more specific audience, one that wants to hear the news being presented. Humans enjoy getting a more personal experience, and by posting personalized content on Twitter, journalists are satisfying those needs of the consumer (follower).

I believe that Twitter will change the way news is delivered for the rest of the future, just as radio and television did, many years ago. It allows for a more interactive and personal style of news delivery, which is what I believe society wants.

Disney and Globalization

2011-10-02T09:21:00.000-07:00

In class on the 29th of September, a clear image of globalizations effects on The Walt Disney Company was shown and successfully discussed. The purpose of the study was to provide the class with an example of how globalization has shaped media or industry. Through Disney's use of content and mediums, the class was able to see how the company has responded to a continuously globalizing industry.

The class discussion on whether Disney was aiming towards global imperialism or just trying to appeal to a more extensive audience was interesting. Most of the students felt that Disney was just trying to appeal to a broader audience while keeping intone with American ideologies.

I was surprised more did not have something to say about the government using Disney as a source of propaganda. Here is a link I found very interesting. The scholarly article voices the opinions of a few critics of Disney, and it’s use of propaganda:

http://web.ebscohost.com.lib-ezproxy.tamu.edu:2048/ehost/detail?sid=ad63b7b3-2274-46c4-a89e-75a176792b7e%40sessionmgr14&vid=1&hid=9&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=a9h&AN=37019251

I hope I successfully showed two key ways in which globalization has shaped Disney. Also, how the medium can be just as important as the content in these cases. As McLuhan famously said, “The medium is the message.”

As for the question of the week: “How does globalization shape media products and industry?” I believe there are a variety of ways in which this is obvious. Globalization forces companies to be more diverse in their media products and marketing techniques. They also need to be accessible to a larger audience. Having a diverse selection of media outlets is one way in which to do so. For example, radio station, print publications, TV shows, etc. Using new and old media because not everyone has access to the new.

Lastly, I would like to thank the class for their input in the class discussion and their attention during my presentation.

ESPN = Globalization

2011-09-29T08:46:00.000-07:00

(Michael LaBelle)

Thursday September 29^th

My case study presentation will be covering the topic: How does globalization shape media products and industry? I will be focusing on how ESPN has made the transition from a distinguished domestic corporation and expanded their sports coverage worldwide. The innovation and growth of technology in addition to media outlets has allowed ESPN the opportunities to continuously move forward with their company.

Currently ESPN is the largest sports broadcasting/programming company in the United States. They cover nearly every event nationwide from collegiate basketball to professional hockey. They have now embedded themselves in countless countries in order to follow sporting events worldwide and adjust cultural proximity to make it easier for locals to engage. The newest development ESPN has added to its arsenal is domestic channels in other countries. They signed a deal with the United Kingdom in 2009 that allowed a partnership involving the Barclays Premier League. This enabled them access to each match and the ability to produce news/highlights within the UK. The Barclays Premier League in Europe is the equivalent to football on Sundays in America. ESPN has utilized the surge of “social media” to their advantage giving the consumers instant updates via Twitter, Facebook, ESPN.com, and text alerts. The great appeal of sports communication is that though language is considerably important it’s not a total barrier when it comes to highlights. The majority of fans tune in for exciting plays. In each match the consumer can see the passion and the body language from the players which is almost a language all its own. ESPN has accepted this fact and have generated what seems like an overnight success with the amount of growth already accomplished internationally. However ESPN must elevate much more while following government regulations in each country if they wish to reach their self-announced claim of ESPN: The Worldwide Leader in Sports.

Disney and Globalization

2011-09-29T08:01:00.000-07:00

Later this morning, September 29th, I plan on exploring the question: "How does globalization shape media products and industry?" In order to do this, I am going to analyze The Walt Disney Company and some of the ways in which they responded to globalization, and even contribute. Two key aspects I will discuss are the content and medium Disney uses, and has used throughout the companies history.

Throughout my presentation I would like the class to be reflecting on their view of Disney: if it sounds more like cultural imperialism or if it is just a company trying to appeal to a broader foreign market.

Important dates throughout our nation’s history coincide with many productions and medium changes of Disney. The company has always been known to be strongly right winged, but just how much influence did/does the government have on what the company produced?

As we have studied in class, media has been ever changing. Our society went from messengers on horseback, to print, to telegraph, and now Internet. Disney knew the importance of making the most out of every media medium possible. For example, when the first Disney TV show broadcasted, that was not enough. The company wanted it’s own network, which now they have more then one.

By recognizing the growth and power of the company we can see that their tactics have been successful.

By the end of the presentation I hope the class will be able to clearly see the ways in which Disney has tried and succeed to progress along with globalization. The company’s use of content and mediums is an apparent attribute of Disney’s strategy to move with globalization. From Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, their fist movie, to making on of the biggest purchases in history, the $19 billion dollar purchase of ABC network, Disney has made it’s way around the world and back.

Bollywood as a Manifestation of the Global Media Industry

2011-09-29T06:01:00.001-07:00

Today, September 29^th, I will be discussing the case study addressing the question: How does globalization shape media products and industry? I will be examining closely Bollywood as a manifestation of the global media industry and how it relates to us as a society in the United States.

Bollywood is the largest film industry in India and the second largest film industry, behind Hollywood, in the world. The idea of a glocal community and globalization effect Bollywood but more closely I will be examining the cultural proximity and regionalization that surrounds Bollywood today. Cultural proximity relates directly to Bollywood films because although we are exposed to some Indian films in the United states, most of their films are targeted to the Indian audience because of the language and culture used in these films are associated with this particular audience. Regionalization also plays a direct role in Bollywood the bright colors, music, and wardrobe changes can be linked to American Broadway. Many Americans enjoy Bollywood films because of the musical innuendo that is in place in these films. I will also be addressing the issues that Bollywood faces today such as piracy and non-elite audiences in India connecting with the films.

How does globalization effect the media and its products? AlJazeera

2011-09-27T17:08:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, September 29th, I will be discussing my case study answering the question, How does globalization effect the media and its products? I will do this by discussing how Aljazeera has become a predominant player in the global media scene, and address the roles it is playing today. There are many different trends in the media, which effect societies in different ways, but they still manage to integrate us into one world.

Aljazeera is the primary news outlet of the Arabic world, and claims to be the only non-political news outlet in the Middle East. Geographical closeness and cultural proximity helps media cross borders, but globalization allows media to spread even if it has long distances to travel. We now have a global media network that is telling us standardized information throughout the world. There are a few media outlets that dominate the industry, so people are only getting their information from fewer sources. North America is a major presenter in the media scene, meaning that it has an important role in presenting on the national stage. Recently AlJazeera has gained more public attention, and now we see clips of AlJazeera’s on CNN regularly. Transborder data flows carry values and ideas along with it making the world more of a global marketplace. One of the global issues I will be addressing is the unequal flows of information and ideas and how AlJazeera is progressively moving towards the free flow of information.

MPAA Movie Ratings (Media Law & Policy)

2011-09-15T07:57:00.000-07:00

Today I'm going to talk about the MPAA - what exactly is it, how it self-governs, and whether or not the self-governing system it utilizes is ideal for this system. The MPAA is often argued to be a monopoly, and many people think it would be better if the government intervened and provided a unified standard for movie ratings. While the system is voluntary, it is dominant, and if a filmmaker wishes for their work to be seen by a large audience, it is a necessary process to go through. But is the method in which these films are rated fair? In reference to the question, "who monitors the media?" the answer in this case is the CARA, or the Classification and Rating Administration - a board of 10-13 members of carefully selected individuals who judge films based on their own opinions. The goal is to produce a unanimous rating decision about a particular film in order to inform parents on what is safe for their children. But again, is it fair? The identities of these board members are never known, yet they have such a huge influence on the film industry and the way it regulates. I myself did not realize how this process worked until I did more research, and I hope my presentation can shed some light for the class on the MPAA system and how it works.

Law and Policy Case Study

2011-09-15T06:03:00.000-07:00

Media Law and Policy is a topic most people don't realize is out there. With the media these days being at the top of the interests chain, someone there to watch over and reason through the good and bad is quite necessary. So, I ask myself, "Who controls/monitors the media?" Tuesday in class, we discussed many organizations that protected the media in several different aspects. One struck me instantly, the Federal Communications Commission. This organization regulates interstate and international communication circuits. Recently, the FCC has built a plan, a National Broadband Plan costing $350 billion. The plan would be to implement internet access nationwide, providing internet to over 100 million people. The National Broadband Plan has many different sections, one particularly, Public Safety. I chose to explain this aspect of the monstrous plan because it indeed shares a large part of monitoring the media. Public Safety in the National Broadband Plan has been created to enhance emergency communication lines, build a safer place to live, and improve issues with cybersafety. I have thoroughly enjoyed studying on the subject of law and policy of the media. Because of the FCC, I now understand and see it all on a large scale. Media is everywhere, all around us! Without it life as we know it would not be the same. Appreciate the FCC, the National Broadband Plan, and Public Safety because without them, who would control/monitor the media?

http://www.broadband.gov/issues/public-safety.html
http://urgentcomm.com/policy_and_law/commentary/national-broadband-insult-20100408/

2011-09-14T18:52:00.000-07:00

Howdy! I will presenting my case study tomorrow (Thursday September 15th) under the main headline, media policy and law. Upon reading the chapter in the textbook I realized that there is no main governing body to censor and regulate the internet unlike older media forms. So, this led me to question, who censors new social media, specifically blogs and personal websites?

I will begin my presentation by discussing the ease in which one can create their own website and then discuss the difference between company websites and personal websites. They are censored in different ways. Like I said earlier, there is no one governing body censoring the internet. Much is reliant on the marketplace of ideas which encourages self censorship so that companies can maintain their consumers. Personal blogs are different however because the motivation behind their creation is much different. They are held to their own standards, which to others may not always be appropriate.

I will follow this by introducing my specific case, mypsychoexwife.com. The ex-wife brought this website to the attention of a family judge who forced the website to be taken down because of the libelous statements and privacy invasion. Again, online content is only subject to federal law. And the 1st amendment does not protect against: defamation, obscenity, plagarism, invasion of provacy, and inciting insurrection. When creating blogs there are different privacy settings one can use. In this case the man, Mr. Morelli, used an open, searchable forum. The wife took this and argued that this represented an invasion of privacy, to both herself and their children. This case defends my argument because, the fact is, if the ex-wife had not complained the site would still be up and running. This man offended his consumer and she had the responsibility to take the issue to court.

My thought upon taking on this topic were to see how regulation effects the everyday users of social media. The fact is, the general public, the social media users and participants, are going to be the ones who report and censor the internet.

Law & Policy Case Study

2011-09-14T14:55:00.000-07:00

Howdy! This Thursday I will be presenting a case study on the Federal Trade Commission. This weeks topic is over Law and Policy of new media and this week's question is "Who controls/monitors the media?" I hope to answer this question on the basis of the Federal Trade Commission and its mission.

The Federal Trade Commission was founded on the basis of other acts known as the Sherman and Clayton Anti-Trust Acts. These acts were passed in the 1800's to do away with trusts, which were considered monopolies. They were enforced in order to preserve a competitive economy and protect consumers. Woodrow Wilson then passed the Federal Trade Commission Act in 1914 which gave birth to the Commission. The Commission was given power to investigate and stop companies which were becoming monopolies and practicing unfair methods of competition. The Federal Trade Commission is run by five executives known a Commissioners. In order to keep up with the multiple diverse companies in the market today, the Commission has nine offices and three bureaus which process complaints and undergo the investigation and court procedures. Since the Federal Trade Commission deals with many situations throughout media, we will also be looking into some current events. Issues such as the Watchdog and Harmful Product situation have caused the Commission to undergo intense investigation.

Hopefully my presentation of the Federal Trade Commission will help you to understand a piece of what the government is doing to enforce fair usage to consumers of the media markets today. Thanks and Gig 'em!

case study

2011-09-08T09:10:00.001-07:00

Today I will be discussing face book's convergence in the new media making industry. I will start by discussing the key trends of how Facebook and New Media Markets relate. Facebook makes a profit by selling ad space. They then use 3rd party cookies to track your information to distribute your interests to the advertising companies. I will discuss that 3rd party cookies are not only used in SNS and that many new media industries are making profits with your information. This is an instant feedback method.

Case Study Summary

2011-09-07T19:22:00.000-07:00

Howdy! On Thursday, I will be presenting my case study answering the question, how does media convergence affect new media markets, by discussing the monopoly that has been created by Google. Because of the convergence of many types of media, Google is becoming a monopoly and trying to weed out all the media competition.

Google is a company that was originally created by two college students at Stanford University. They were trying to create a new kind of search engine listed the most visited or most popular sites having to do with the search first. They thought that this would help them and their classmates when the time came for them to research things for school. Since then, Google has grown to a multi-billion dollar company with multiple resources and ways to search different types of things on the Internet. The developers at Google are trying to combine many new media services all on the same website. New media is media that is networked and interactive, such as a search engine, a social networking site, and an e-reader. Google is trying to compete with lots of individual companies by creating their own versions of types of media created first by other companies, such as Google+ to compete with Facebook. For the most part, Google’s versions of different services have been successful, but they have not all become the most popular versions of the services. Because off the convergence of media that Google has created, they have become a monopoly. This is changing the new media market because Google does not have competition as a whole. It seems as if Google is trying to wipe out all the competition in the Internet and new media field. If Google is the only new media company in the world that will definitely affect the way that we use new media.

2011-09-07T17:03:00.001-07:00

On Thursday’s class, (September 8^th) I will be presenting a case study on Hulu and how it relates to the New Media market. Hulu is one of many technologies formed out of the convergence phenomena. It serves perfectly as an example of how television is being influenced by new media. Hulu is a website comprised of television shows and movies from various networks. Although you may categorize Hulu among other video websites such as YouTube, there are many key differences. I will discuss in detail what sets Hulu apart and the potential problems with the business structure Hulu operates by and what effects it could have on you. One distinction of Hulu is that the content producers own the technology and not a competing technology. Does this pose a threat to other companies? And how have they responded? Next, I will be discussing the role that advertising plays in Hulu. I will talk about why Hulu is attractive to many advertisers and their push to get networks to narrowcast. Furthermore, I will discuss the ways in which Hulu is challenging or helping the film industry.

Hulu is the future of internet video and revolutionizes the way internet video will interact with New Media markets. As a result of my presentation and Discussion questions, I hope to clarify certain aspects of New Media markets and where technologies such as Hulu fit in and take part in an ever changing market economy. And If all goes well, I hope to generate enough curiosity so that you may wish to find out more about Hulu and its market effects on your own.

New Media

2011-09-05T20:16:00.000-07:00

Media has been evolving since the beginning of time. The first form of media started hundreds of years ago through oral media such as stories past down through generations, and it has changed to a world of new media in which we can interact and find out information and news that is occurring on the other side of the planet within minutes of its occurrence. New media has many different attributes that have made the entire planet able to network with one another on a very personal basis. Media was made for one purpose and through new technology, ideas, and complexities, is now used to form new media. New media allows any person to share information with the entire world. It has been artificially constructed and given meaning through every person using new media today. New media is a complex form of technology created by the world as a whole.

What exactly is "New Media"?

2011-09-01T08:47:00.001-07:00

The term "new media" has been an important topic within media studies used to discuss the difference between digital, networked technologies and older forms of media. But what exactly is "new media" is a subject pf great debate and discussion. Based on today's class lecture how would you respond to the questions: What is "new" about new media? Post your responses here as a comment.

Welcome to COMM 330!

2011-08-23T20:45:00.000-07:00

Howdy all and welcome to the fall semester of COMM 330!

COMM 330 is a course designed to survey the history, growth and structure of technological systems underpinning the contemporary media landscape of the information society. A subtitle for this class could be the "history of the digital transition" Together we will explore the different issues and questions that emerge at the intersection of new technology, media industries and culture.

The class blog is a space for further discussion of issues raised in class. It will also be used as part of your case study presentations. You will post a 300 word blog post summarizing the core argument of your presentation prior to the start of class when they are scheduled for their presentation. Following your presentation students must also post a response to their blog summarizing class discussion raised by their presentation and reflection on how they would answer the week’s discussion questions stated in the syllabus. You are also encouraged to post helpful links to articles or web site related to their presentation. Posting of these comments online is due by start of the next class following your presentation.

Here is a great example from last semester of what this should look like.

Happy blogging!

Convergence - iPhone

2011-04-26T16:51:00.000-07:00

2011-04-26T12:36:00.000-07:00

Convergence: Google

2011-04-25T15:40:00.000-07:00

2011-04-25T15:27:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-a_ZunqXhA

2011-04-25T10:39:00.000-07:00

Follow Up to my Blog Post

2011-04-18T20:30:00.001-07:00

So to answer the question: what social and economic forces shape the telecommunication infrastructures, lets look at Skype again. Economically, since Skype makes use of telecommunication systems that are already in place, Skype makes use of existing technology and therefore they can provide their service much cheaper than traditional phone systems. Skype will beat competitors international rates just about every time, because it has lower overhead and thus can pass that savings on to the user. Social, people want convergence. We see this and know this is true because of products like the Apply iPhone. People want devices and software that can do "All-in-One" features. Skype meets this demand by offering many features that it customers can take advantage of. The network infrastructures that provide Skype the ability to work will keep up with the demands of users as more and more products seek to be on the web and as Moore's Law continues to play out. People have push for more bandwidth and the infrastructures have grown accordingly, look at 3G and 4G technologies and how far they have come along since the smartphone was invented not that long ago.

One of the questions that was asked that I left thinking about was internet regulation and how that might affect Skype. I don't for see any major regulation affecting Skype, even though it is a heavy bandwidth application, it uses no more resources up than what Netflix's might use as it streams movies or to its customers. I don't believe that Skype is a Monopoly, nor will their be any regulation against it, like I mentioned tonight there are several other companies that can provide their services just as well and I don't think Skype will get themselves in that situation. Also, Skype gets around alot of possible regulation as the government does not consider them as true VoIP service provider, since they can not provide 911 emergency calling.

All in all, I thought my presentation went very well tonight and I enjoyed learning about Skype and hopefully teaching others of its many benefits.

-Jeremy Carter

What social and economic forces shape communication infrastructure?

2011-04-17T20:56:00.001-07:00

Skype is a revolutionary modern technology that is at the forefront of shaping telecommunications. We see people and businesses need for a more connected society. A society where cost truly matters to business and corporations. Global Markets are here more than ever. People need to be able to communicate and collaborate easily and cheaply with people on the other side of the plant. Economically, businesses that choose not to stay ahead of the curve will be swallowed up. Too many new businesses are out there ready to fill old businesses shoes. Communication Infrastructure is shaped around these needs and wants. The technology has come so far from where it began that it integrates into almost every aspect of our lives. The networks that power these data-intensive digital signals and software have to increase in capacity to meet the demands of its users. Skype is the future if the telecommunications industry. IP based telecommunication systems provide a lot of features that users really like. Convergence is King! People want easy of use and flexibility of applications to meet their everyday needs all within a single application. Skype not only empowers people, but also empowers business to make a smarter choice about how they communicate. In these economic trying times, Skype provide cheap alternative to expensive telephone networks. The Skype system is smart in the fact that it is based on a peer-2-peer type networking system. Little overhead is placed on Skype’s infrastructure; they simply just establish a connection and are done. I will ask the class what are some disadvantages to the using Skype. I believe that with every technology comes a downside. A Few ways that I can see Skype being and issue are: 1) Bandwidths needs for a company to have lots of users using the application at once 2) Constant connectedness with work phones being forwarded to cell phones. And. 3) People placing personal calls at work more because they are on Skype with their friends as well as co-workers.

- Jeremy Carter

Follow up of Google

2011-04-11T15:38:00.000-07:00

After presenting my case study of Google to the class, I feel like the class was left with just a better understanding of the sort of monopolistic control that Google has on the internet. Although I failed to generate a lasting discussion throughout the class, it did seem however that most students were interested in what I had to offer about the company. I hoped that the class left the round table discussion with the thought of how powerful and overwhelming the corporation can be and how that can have many negitive and positive side effects. We all know of Google's easy ability to use as well as finding quick information by "googling" on the internet. This can also be dangerous as anyone who has the time to use the website may be able to uncover a lot of personal information about one person. I hoped I opened the student's eyes and made them wonder to themselves what sort of control Google has on the network that is the internet and if they feel this is beneficial or harmful to society as a whole.

Response to: ICANN Can Control

2011-04-11T13:53:00.000-07:00

After giving my presentation in class on Wednesday I feel that the class was left with a better understanding of the opposing views on who actually controls the internet. Discussions that were brought up in class included the U.K.'s view on Internet governance as well as the U.N.'s view on the Internet governance. The key topic for discussion was that of third world countries which are being left behind due to advancing internet technology and increased user costs that the individuals are not able to afford and replace older pre-established signal relaying devices. Do these countries that have very limited access to the internet and lesser ability to pay for internet usage deserve a say in who is governing the internet as well as what method is used to govern the internet. From what i picked up during the group discussion, leaving these countries out of the actual decision making process would be more beneficial however it would be expected of us to make an effort to include such countries in surveys and internet usage statistics. The question of who controls the internet can be answered that it is the U.S. that controls the internet. More specifically it is the not for profit organization called ICANN that actually controls and monitors the World Wide Web.

ICANN Can Conduct Control

2011-04-09T13:07:00.000-07:00

The not for profit Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers is the group that currently monitors and distributes gTLDs. That is a global Top Level Domain system that allows users of the internet to create web-sites for business, informative, as well as group support. It was established in 1998 to ensure that websites were inter-operable and accessible from locations all over the world. I will be covering the current topics of the creation of new gTLDs as well as the multi-stake holders business model that ICANN is proposing. I will touch base on the other nations opinions about the current control of the internet. We will discuss the oversight of the GAC as well as the US DOC. The controversy over the establishment of the most recent new TLD being the .XXX will also be discussed. I will provide evidence that the corporation is a well developed and stable organization that is conducting the control of the internet.

Cory Hodges

Who Owns the Internet

2011-04-06T15:40:00.001-07:00

Today I am going to be trying to answer the question who owns the internet? Although there are many companies or services that could claim that they own the "internet" I am going to go over the basics of Google and how Google has used multiple platforms to expand its ownership of the web. I am going to look at some eye opening stats to help explain my point. I hope to convince the class that although there are many entities on the web Google by far has the vast ownership. I am also going to point out many things Google is apart of such as Blogger, Youtube, Myspace and even Yahoo!

RESPONSE TO: HBO case study old media informing new

2011-04-04T09:29:00.000-07:00

After presenting my case study to the class it appeared to me that the class understood the main point that I was trying to get across which was that HBO has learned from older forms of media in both the technological and programming aspects. I was a little surprised that not very many questions were raised about the Programming of HBO now in regards to how the company divides it programing between mini-series and films, other than the question Dr. Campbell asked there were none. From this project I discovered that most major media companies try to be on the leading edge of technology so they can provide the best viewing services available to their customers. They also listen to the wants and concerns of their viewing customers and when necessary adapt their programing to fit changing popular opinion. In short, to answer the discussion question assigned in class, I believe that older forms of media inform new media markets by being role models showing the importance of being on the leading edge of technology as well as listening to the wants of paying customers so that the company can change when necessary.

HBO case study old media informing new

2011-03-29T20:04:00.000-07:00

Today I will be explaining how Home Box Office incorporated(HBO) is a perfect example of how older forms of media inform newer media forms and markets, through a look back at the history and development of HBO and its impact on today’s media markets. This in depth look of television’s and HBO’s interrelated pasts will show that old media can inform new media by demonstrating the importance of being on the leading edge of technology as well proving that it is essential for new media forms be able to adapt to the times and preferences of its consumers. HBO started in 1971 with an economic model that was completely different from the commercial model of the big three; HBO used the Pay TV model which charged a subscription fee to its viewers. This practice wasn’t well liked in the beginning but once viewers realized that HBO programing had far less commercial interruptions, same if not greater viewing quality, and the capability to broadcast live international events it quickly became “the gold standard for pay television”. HBO past experience with near failure caused by not providing programing that met viewer expectations caused the company to restructure to catch up with the times and meet viewer needs in 1995. Coming after the radio and film industries, TV knew that having the best technology, picture quality, and up to date programing were crucial for success in the media industry. Knowing this HBO lead the way for satellite broad casting, miniseries, and edgy programing. As demonstrated by its ability to air sporting events across the globe and edgy shows such as “The Sopranos” or “Sex and the City”. In short, HBO has learned its lesson from older television media and programing and has adapted itself so that it can change with viewer preferences and technological advances.

Thomas Rakowitz: TV - Adapting For Tomorrow

2011-03-29T13:38:00.000-07:00

Today I will be discussing how television is adapting to cope with the new media that we have today, adapting with what we have and see how it integrates with the film industry and the Internet. In 1956, two thirds of the United States population had purchased televisions. As of 2008, it is estimated that there are 327 million television sets. That is quite the jump, but not all of those televisions are being used how they used to. Where televisions in the old days were more of family gathering places, television has seemingly been replaced with computers, video games, and other forms of new media. The fact that television shows can now be watched on the Internet doesn’t help either.

But the industry is adapting to this. Putting a lot of priority on user-generated shows that involve voting has brought in huge audiences, such as America’s Got Talent. There are even shows that are using the audience to create the show. Will Wright, the creator of The Sims, is working on a show for Current TV, called “The Creation Project”. It could lead to a surge in how shows play out, and what it means to really write shows.

Along with new shows, the television industry is adapting with technology. Netflix and TV’s with Internet capabilities are flooding the market, changing the way we use them. Netflix allows us to watch movies that can be downloaded directly to the TV, if we so choose and are capable of doing so. TV’s that can access the Internet have apps to keep consumers updated without having to reach for their mobile phone or laptop.

As television adapts, the consumers change their demands. The television industry will adapt, but it is looking as if they are keeping up a good pace.

RESPONSE:

The class seemed to understand what I was talking about with the user-generated content business. I wish I could have been more helpful on the technology front when asked about the price of Google TV. I'm also glad to learn that there is a productive user-generated content channel within Current TV.

For this project, I learned about how old forms of media inform new media. It seems to me that old protocols and decisions about content are reflected in how we observe new media. The idea to keep certain regulations, borrow others from different industries, and the sharing of audiences come from our old forms of media. The user-generated content came from the audience's need to have their input matter and the industry's need to make cheaper shows.

Morgan Burcham-Hollywood and Bollywood Comparison

2011-03-23T09:55:00.000-07:00

Today I am going to present on the marketing differences between Bollywood and Hollywood. They have a lot of things in common, but they also have many similarities that I will explore further in the presentation.

One of the largest differences I have found in my research is how Bollywood is about 10-20 years behind of whatever the technology is.

During my presentation I will look at one film in particular that has joined the two, Hollywood and Bollywood, to create a mega moneymaker.

Everything that is happening in the world today in films is catching on so quickly and Hollywood is maybe losing a little bit of their personal touch. While Bollywood is keeping theirs intact.

Response:

I feel like the class agreed with me in the fact that Bollywood has a direction to go and Hollywood has already reached their peak. This topic is something I consider very interesting. Combining these two things can create a wonderful product. An example of a combination of these two products is Slumdog Millionaire.

Bollywood affects Hollywood with their style of films. An example of this is the film Moulin Rouge this film was said to have based this off of the Bollywood style.

Hollywood has affected Bollywood by the product advertisements in films and by taking american films over to Middle eastern countries and creating jobs and a new industry.

Film - Michelle Blevins

2011-03-09T14:09:00.001-08:00

Today in class, I will present a case study on the website hitRECord.org and social media's impact on digital film. This website is an online, fully functional production company created by the Hollywood actor, Joseph Gordon-Levitt. He describes the site as a place for everyone interested to submit their work and collaborate with others to make art, especially films. They have even premiered a few of the products at the Sundance Film Festival and South by Southwest in Austin. I researched how production companies like this one have developed and function within, or rather alongside, the traditional film industry.

I will begin my presentation by discussing the advances in technology that made companies like this one possible. The transition to digital film began in the traditional film industry with advances like computer animation, green screen technology, and especially non-linear editing. The increase in availability of high-quality editing tools and high definition cameras removed the power from studio executives, and placed it in the hands of the willing public. Those who wanted to make movies now had the ability to do so. Making a film was never a cheap endeavor for an individual or a small group, but they had the potential of making a profit down the line.

This website is one step farther than a regular independent film production company. It's online! The benefits of having an online production company is that you can communicate from anywhere. There isn't any need to meet in a conference room or all live in one city. People on hitRECord collaborate from around the world. In this way, the increase in competition helps the talented filmmakers and worthwhile productions really rise to the top. There is even a liking system on the website for collaborators to promote their favorite works.

While I'm uncertain on whether a company like this one could ever actually rival the traditional studios, I really applaud Joseph Gordon-Levitt on this endeavor. I think this use of new media and audience involvement really brings something new to the film industry. At the least, I think this will hold studios accountable for their products and their production systems. They now have a check on their power, no matter how small. While hitRECord is a quite novel situation in the scope and success of its product, I hope that the film industry can, in this way, embrace new media even more and find the best talent out there to keep our entertainment of exceptional quality.

Film: Rene Ruiz

2011-03-09T13:22:00.001-08:00

Later on this evening I will be presenting my case study on the topic of film and how new media industries are shaping media audiences. I decided to focus in on the DreamWorks Movie Company and Jeffrey Katzenberg, who is one of the co-founders of DreamWorks and chief executive/head of the animation department. Katzenberg has made it his mission to bring the 3D film into the spotlight. He is the self proclaimed ‘3D evangelist”.

Overall my presentation will be mostly about the new movement of 3D films in the movie industry and how they are now shaping the audiences all around the country. In my presentation I will first give a little background on 3D film, the DreamWorks movie company and Jeffrey Katzenberg. The bulk of my presentation will be about Katzenberg and his actions which are pushing this new phenomenon of 3D film. Some of his actions include partnering with major directors and producers such as Spielberg, George Lucas, Peter Jackson, and James Cameron. He worked with producer James Cameron to create a new 3D, high definition camera, which improved the quality of 3D film dramatically. He also speaks publicly about 3D films wherever and whenever he can. Katzenberg also speaks personally with theatre managers persuading them to embrace this new technology and run with it. As a result of the work of Katzenberg and DreamWorks, the phenomenon of 3D film has been growing rapidly; this is evident in revenues and earnings of movie theatres and movie companies around the world. Like with any other new innovation there are of course critics of 3D film and I will also briefly touch on their arguments and problems that they say they have with this new movement. The movie industry as a whole seems to be embracing this movement with open arms, with DVD sales decreasing, 3D movies are making up revenue for them.

This new 3D film movement is catching on and spreading rapidly. Katzenberg and DreamWorks have been like pioneers in this new phenomenon. Katzenberg even believes that this 3D movement will spread to the home, eventually to television, video games, and even laptops and cell phones.

Chris Edmundson- Case Study Summary: A look into New York Times Co. v. Sullivan and the establishment "actual malice" in libel cases.

2011-02-22T21:30:00.001-08:00

This week I will be presenting a case study on the establishment of the need to prove actual malice in libel cases involving a public figure. In 1960, the New York Times published an ad called “Heed Their Rising Voices” in which actions of Montgomery Alabama were, in some cases inaccurately, depicted against Civil Rights protesters. L.B. Sullivan then proceeded to sue the New York Times for libel stating that by virtue of his position of superiority over the police he was identified and falsely represented in the article, though he was never specifically named. Sullivan won $500,000 in an Alabama court only to have the decision overturned by the Supreme Court with a vote of 9-0 in favor of the New York Times.

This court case demonstrated that a need for proof of actual malice in cases of libel against a public figure were necessary. At a time in which news organizations and other media outlets feared reporting on the Civil Rights movement for fear of being sued for libel, this case allowed a greater range of truth to be told. Before this decision was rendered, there was $300 million in outstanding libel actions in the southern states alone. The decision of this case has evolved into the modern requirements to prove one has fallen victim to libel, whether simple negligence proven by a private person or actual malice proven by a public figure.

I will be presenting, not only the context and content of Sullivan v. New York Times Co. (Sullivan’s original case) as well as New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, but I will also delve into the social impact of the actual malice ruling and its releasing of reporters from a passive to a more active position in reporting on the civil rights movement, I will also clarify the definitions of Libel, actual malice, simple negligence, and the five requirements to win a libel case as well as the three successful defenses against such an accusation

Cari Elliott-Summary of Case Study: What are the constraints on free speech & the First Amendment for the news industry?

2011-02-21T13:53:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday’s class, (February 23rd) I will be presenting a case study over the Supreme Court Case, Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier. This was a landmark case in 1988 which ultimately resulted in giving school districts the power to censor their school newspapers. I will begin with a background of the First Amendment as well as touch on the evolution of the First Amendment (specifically in regards to free speech and free press in the newspaper industry). I will then introduce the case of Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier, explain the background of the case, the decision of the Supreme Court, and talk about some issues raised since the Supreme Court’s ruling. I will also try to answer some questions that have become major issues since the ruling of this case. These questions involve Public Forum and constraints on other newspaper industries besides school newspapers. Finally, I will finish my presentation with a summary of my findings as well as the main conclusion I have come to regarding “Free Speech and the First Amendment in the news industry.”

As you can probably infer through my summary, my main argument of this presentation is to prove (through my research of this case) that protection from the First Amendment in the news industry is not equal for all different types of newspapers. Through our discussion questions, we will converse about whether this non-universal protection of the First Amendment is fair or unfair. (Most of our opinions probably being that it is unfair, which I agree with.). Lastly, I hope to have by the end of this presentation, successfully answered the weekly question of “What are the constraints on free speech and the First Amendment for the news industry?” I feel as if there is no way to answer that question without understanding the Supreme Court case of Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier since this case now sets the standard for newspaper censoring in most states. Those reasons and many more whcih you will hear about on Wednesday, are why I have chosen to present a case study specifically over this Supreme Court case.

Global Media: Stephanie Bishop

2011-02-09T21:48:00.001-08:00

Today I am going to talk about the television show Pop Idol. I will be talking on the topic of global media and will be answering the following question, “How does globalization shape media products and industry?” I will be giving specific examples from the series Pop Idol to demonstrate key aspects of globalization.

Globalization can be defined as a reduction of difference that existed between nations in time, space and culture. It makes the world seem more connected and possessing an integrated market based in capitalist/market place economics. An important aspect is the idea of glocal. Glocal is where local productions are produced with global forms and ideas. Pop Idol is a great example of glocal and globalization as it has shaped media products and industry.

Pop Idol first aired in England in 2001 and then was exported to the United States in 2003. This was a new beginning for Idol as its production expanded to 35 different countries and has been viewed in hundreds of countries around the world. Although there are 35 different versions of Pop Idol, it still has four fundamental components that remain constant in every country. The variations are changed to accommodate to the cultural proximity of the audience. These variations and cultural values are chosen and adapted in local markets as to create interest and revenue for the show.

Idol is a big business which has a format that has elements of universal appeal to any citizen of the world. This format is exploited in order to generate maximum revenue. Idol has become a business changer for all of network television as it has been a leader for other television series and networks. This exerts pressure on nations to make media more commercial through its support by advertising which is aimed at its target audience, the consumer. Not only is the global idea of Idol taken locally to hundreds of countries in the world, it is extremely popular due to its global franchising and format interactivity.

Global Media: Mason Surber

2011-02-09T14:12:00.000-08:00

How does globalization shape media products and industry? In the last fifty years media influence has grown exponentially as technology has advanced. In our society today, people all over the world depend on information and communication to keep them moving in the right direction. As technology continues to advance globalization and its influence on all forms of products will continue to evolve. When I first began researching for this case study I was somewhat skeptical of the effect that globalization would really have on the media industry. Globalization has not only provided new mediums for media exchange, but also allows people to share ideas and experiences with others no matter their geographic location.

The first part of my presentation today will include insight into the company ESPN. I will provide ESPN’s company background information and the role that globalization has played in the formation of their successful business. I will also provide the audience with some statistical information regarding their revenue and affiliation to one of the top media firms and the current ownership of ESPN.

The second part of my presentation will break down the driving forces of globalization and the benefits it can provide. In this portion of the presentation I will also discuss ESPN’s current business ventures, affiliates, and ground-breaking feats in the form of media products. We will also look at the consumption of media on a global scale, and what forms of media are prevalent throughout the world. After comparing the mediums in which people partake, I will present ESPN’s revenue generation from previous years.

My questions for thought will be asking the class about ESPN’s effectiveness in reaching the global population. They will also be asked if there are any actions that the company could take to give them advantages over similar media companies. These questions will not only stem from the information presented, but from personal beliefs and ideas as well.

Media Law and Policy: Lauren Mackey

2011-02-07T11:58:00.000-08:00

Who influences the media? When I started this case study I thought that my end result would be that our government controls the media. However, I did end up changing my view on this after some research. I believe that the FCC does have some control over what we see in the media, however their role is not as strong and clear cut as I would of thought. They are given some guidelines to bring order to the media in regards to obscenity and violence, but the guidelines are so vague that it often inhibits them as well. They don't have clear cut requirements and they base every decision off what is the society 'norm' so the guidelines are changing along with our society. They base their investigations largely on complaints they receive from the public, this plus the fact that the public establish society's norms lead me to lean more to the side of the public has a bigger role then the FCC on what we see on TV.

The first part of my presentation I will quickly discuss some media law and policy terms that pertain to my focus on the FCC and television media in regards to obscenity. It is important to know the difference between how obscenity is defined.

Next I will explain a little more background information on the FCC and what exactly their function is. As well as capture theory which is the fear the FCC protects the industry instead of the people watching TV. This is a major concern with the FCC and a problem they have been said to struggle with. Linking the FCC is what I will do next explaining the criteria for deciding if something is considered obscene or not and the distinction between obscene and indecency, which is protected by the 1st Amendment, obscenity is not though.

I will then go into my two examples of questionable TV shows out right now. The classic example being South Park and their long list of complaints by viewers to the FCC. Then I will talk about the new MTV show Skins, which is getting a lot of heat from concerned parents.

Rounding up the presentation I will show that their are two sides to every argument with the teens versus parents in relation to the show Skins and show the audience how they can have their voice heard by the FCC.

My questions for thought will be asking the class how they think the FCC is doing based on what they see on TV, and if they would ever consider filing a complaint themselves.

Who Controls the Media?

2011-02-02T15:01:00.000-08:00

Today in class I will attempt to answer the question “Who controls/monitors the media?” I intend to show how the FCC essentially silences free speech over broadcast and question whether or not they are in direct violation of basic 1^st Amendment rights. I will cover relevant cases and analyze the results and implications of each, including FCC v. Pacifica Foundation and FCC v. Fox Television Stations. I will show how the FCC has completely reversed its existing policies and then punished companies which had broadcast instances before the changed policy. I will also explain how even a lack of guidelines can limit what networks put on the air out of fear of being fined, simply because they don’t know what will or will not be seen as indecent.

The first part of my presentation will cover the basic history of the FCC, including their purpose and structure. This part also explains how the FCC’s status as an independent agency gives it a unique ability to set, and enforce, its policies. Afterwards I’ll briefly mention the 1^st amendment and cover the law from which the FCC draws its power, 18 U.S.C. §1464. I’ll then move on to the court cases relevant to the issue. FCC v. Pacifica Foundation deals with obscene words spoken over radio and sets the precedent for future indecent broadcasts. FCC v. Fox Television Stations shows how this had instantly been reversed to cover words on a much broader scale. My closing will explain the effects caused by the FCC not having clear guidelines to explain what is, or is not, indecent speech. I will also present information to listeners which suggest that the current regulations are quickly becoming outdated and ineffective in today’s new media society. Lastly, I will present questions to the class about whether or not the FCC is violating 1^st Amendment rights, if the FCC is effective, and if there should be regulation at all.

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2011-01-24T16:20:00.000-08:00

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Welcome to COMM 330 Spring 2011

2011-01-24T13:18:00.000-08:00

Howdy All! I am looking forward to this semester where together we will explore different issues and questions that emerge at the intersection of new technology, media industries and culture.
The class blog is a space for further discussion of issues raised in class. It will also be used as part of your Case Study presentations. Students will post a 300 word blog post summarizing the core argument of their presentation prior to the start of class when they are scheduled for their presentation. Following their presentation students must also post a response to their blog summarizing class discussion raised by their presentation and reflection on how they would answer the week’s discussion questions stated in the syllabus. Students are encouraged to post helpful links to articles or web site related to their presentation. Posting of these comments online is due by start of the next class following their presentation.

Happy blogging!

Case Study Presentation: The Amazon Kindle

2010-04-27T10:25:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday I presented a case study answering the question, "What is 'new' about new media? I used the Amazon Kindle as an example of a 'new' piece of technology in the new media industry. I began by giving a brief history of printed word, explaining that printed word has been a major component in the history of our society, especially in the realm of media. I also gave a brief history of e-books and e-readers (electronic books and readers). This helped explain the beginning of convergence in the realm of books. I researched the beginning of convergence in the world of books and found that it began with Project Gutenberg in 1971. This was the first time that printed books were put into a digital format. Although in the beginning they were limited by file size, only having the capability to digitize a 300 page book, the technology continued to evolve creating the ability to digitize any text imaginable. I continued to dive into the continued convergence of traditional books by discussing Amazon.com's selling books online as well as the beginning of e-readers.

I then discussed the introduction of Amazon's Kindle and how it was the first e-reader to really take off. I gave an overview of the product, discussing its features and capabilities. This helped give a better view of how this product is an example of convergence. The Kindle is completely digital and wireless. It also has wireless internet capabilities with its own network so that there is no hunting for wifi hot-spots, which also makes its wireless capabilities accessable in over 100 different countries. I brought to light the advancements that the Kindle has made in its three models over the past few years and how it continues to converge in the new media atmosphere. The Kindle gives the user access to thousands of books that can be downloaded in 60 seconds virtually anywhere.

I also discussed the Kindle's competitors, the Sony Reader and the iPad. I explained that the Sony Reader was the first completely touch screen e-reader and that it was originally cheaper than the Kindle. But even with these exciting differences, the Kindle is still the more popular of the two. I then discussed the iPad and how Apple's hopes are to have a big e-book market. Even with this, the iPad does not come pre-installed with the iBook software, which gives users the decision on whether to download the free iBook app or Kindles free app. I explained that this gives Kindle a major opportunity to expand their market and make even more profit.

All in all, the Kindle has been a great example of something "new" about new media. This is because it has taken an old form of media and made it digital, while encorporating the internet as well as the telecommunications industry through its wireless network. This also makes it a great example of convergence. Below I have attatched a link to the Kindle's main webpage, which gives a full overview of the product, as well as all of its capabilities and uses. It also gives a look into new innovations that the Kindle wants to encorporate into their newer devices and explains the benefit to these new features.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0015T963C/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=5222105697&ref=pd_sl_a6eh7sgtv_e

Skype: What is 'new' about new media?

2010-04-27T05:06:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday, April 22^nd, I presented my case study answering the question, “What really is ‘new’ about new media and how is it impacting upon society?” I decided to answer this question by using Skype as an example. I started off my presentation by giving a brief definition and overview of Skype. I explained to the class that Skype is a free online telecommunication service that allows users to communicate all across the world via calls, video messaging, and instant messaging. I researched the usage of Skype in today’s society and applied it five of the six characteristics of New Media; digital, interactivity, audience generated, narrowcasting, and multi-media forms. It is digital because Skype’s use of instant messaging is computer compressed and readable. There is interactivity between two or more people taking turns responding to each other. Skype is audience generated because it gives each user the ability to personalize their account. Skype is a form of narrowcasting because it is geared toward people who wish to communicate over long-distance, like families and business men/women who need to make conference calls. Skype also has many multi-media forms including video messaging, instant messaging, and phone calls.

I then went over a brief history of Skype and how it has progressed to where it is now. I also gave the class a brief overview of some of the benefits and features of Skype including Skype’s use of contacts, calls, messaging, and the brand new Skype Mobile. Skype Mobile was created March 2010 when Skype partnered with Verizon to allow free Skype-to-Skype calls and instant messaging through Verizon Wireless 3G smart phones. Skype Mobile is a form of new media because it converges many different forms of new media. Also, in any form of new media, there are always mishaps and room for improvement. Because of this, I briefly went over the controversy Skype had with surveillance issues in China.

I concluded my presentation by adding a little pop culture. I used Brad Paisley’s lyrics to his song ‘Welcome to the Future’ to help me explain what really is new about new media and how it has an impact on our society. In his song, he talks about how his Grandpa in World War II had to send letters to his Grandmother, but today we now have the use of video chat where we can communicate with others all around the world in an instant. It is amazing to me how far technology has come. Technology and new media is the future, and the future is now. I’m very interested to see where our society will be technologically in just a few years.

Below I have posted the official Skype website, as well as Brad Paisley's music video 'Welcome to the Future' if anyone is more interested in learning more about Skype or what Brad has to say about where our society is headed as far as new media is concerned.

http://www.skype.com/

http://www.cmt.com/videos/brad-paisley/428157/welcome-to-the-future.jhtml

Media in The Classroom

2010-04-26T20:51:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday I presented a case study based on the question; what is new about new media? As a future educator myself, I felt the most effective way to answer this question would be to present something that would affect my future.
Over the course of the semester, we have discussed all aspects of new media and new technology that is in our lives today. Whether it be the new Ipad, satellite radio, 3d movies, or the explosion of social media, they are all intertwined in our everyday lives, but have any of us thought about where we are sitting right now, or where we spend the majority of our day? The classroom. The new media and technology is becoming a bigger part of our learning experience, even right now I’m using technology in the form of a PowerPoint and new media of YouTube to give this presentation and make a blog post. Online learning in the form of elearning, virtual worlds such as second life used to teach classes, social networks along with blogs, and multimedia presentations are making up a large part of the classroom, extending for the kindergarten age all the way to the college classroom, and it isn’t going anywhere.
Each one of these new media outlets is opening doors and presenting new opportunities to the future of our children and the future of the education world. Like I said in my presentation the technology is here to stay and we must get used to it and learn to incorporate it into our everyday lives. It is amazing how an elementary student is more computer savvy then I was the day I graduated high school. The question I present to everyone, is this too much too soon, and what will this technology craze at such a young age lead to in our societies future?

The Impact of the iPhone by Sandra Aderibigbe

2010-04-20T14:36:00.001-07:00

For my case study I decided to evaluate the impact of the iPhone. I briefly explained the history of the iPhone, some of the features that make it stand out, and the impact it has on the consumer, manufacturer, and technology itself. My main point was to point out that the iPhone was revolutionary in the sense that it shifted the focus of cell phone companies from the network to the actual cell phone itself. Prior to the iPhone, most carriers were only worried about the network and services. The iPhone was one of the first phones created for the pure enjoyment of the consumer. It offered a mini portable computer, and mp3 player, and countless applications that you could download to personalized your phone to fulfill your needs.
The discussion question that I asked was “Why do you think the iPhone continues to stand out amongst other phones. Many people first pointed out the fact that the internet ran very fast and looked just like how the internet would on a computer. Others pointed out the fact that the iPod had countless applications that one could use. There is basically an application for just about anything including various games but also useful tools such as maps. Others liked the fact that it had an MP3 player on it but specifically iTunes. A few people pointed out the fact that you can sync your iPhone to your computer, and its very easy to back it up. Lastly, people pointed out the fact that when the iPod does update their phone you don’t have to go out and buy another one, you can just download the update from iTunes.
The iPod is a phone that continues to evolve in very many ways. Because the iPhone is so advanced, in order to keep up with technology, many cell phone companies are finding ways to make better phones that consumers will love and purchase.

AT&T and Communication Infrastructure by Lupita Salgado

2010-04-20T00:21:00.000-07:00

The roundtable discussion following my presentation last Thursday, which answered the question: “What social and economic forces shape communication infrastructure”, answered a couple of questions and while raising others.

No, AT&T shouldn’t be hurt as the end of their contract with Apple approaches and they lose exclusivity to the iPhone. This is not only because they have many other high quality products and services to offer, but because they will not lose existing customers to other cell phone companies.

Recently, there have been several complaints about the quality of service AT&T has been offering and whether or not they can keep up with its customers (because of the network overload created by iPhone users). However, AT&T has responded quickly. They have launched Femtocell, a product that provides better cell phone coverage in your own home. However, what incentives has AT&T provided to its customers to go out and splurge $150 on a mini-cell tower whenever their families on the other side of town receive excellent service without paying for anything other than their standard monthly wireless bill? Although this may not be AT&Ts most economical idea, many students don’t believe that existing AT&T customers will leave for other service providers.

One major reason named by students is the expense of breaking a contract; it’s just not financially worth it. Some students have not experienced problems with AT&T at all. This may be because problems are occurring in densely populated cities, which AT&T is trying their best correct these problems. So if you’re currently experiencing problems with AT&T they are soon to be over anyway, no reason to switch just yet.

AT&T has always provided communication services and they have continued to provide services as new technological advances in communication are created. They not only make it a point to provide people with what they need, but they also do their best to maintain connected to the different facets of technology that have come together to create communication as we know it today, (such acquiring McCaw Cellular Communication and their relationship with NPR-a computer maker). We now can call, text, email, IM, tweet, and do all sorts of instant forms communication from a single device. It's thanks to service providers like AT&T that we are able to do so.

Universal Service Goes Mobile, By Lacy Muntean

2010-04-19T09:34:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, April 15, I did my presentation on Universal Service. Universal Service is the idea of providing quality telecommunications services at just, reasonable and affordable rates for all consumers. The question of the week was, "What social and economic forces shape communication infrastructure?" I answered this question in my presentation by showing how Universal Service is being carried out what what the future plans are. Free cell phones are now being offered to low-income Americans. Our government is working to provide free high speed internet to this same group. As more and more telecommunications services become available to everyone, newer technologies will need to be created to satisfy consumers. People want the newest and coolest things, and when everyone has access to them, they lose their appeal. As things that were once considered luxuries become more readily available to everyone, no matter what social class, there will become a recurring need for new and more advanced technologies within telecommunications.

During my presentation I defined Universal Service, stated its goals, and gave two examples of telephone providers that are providing free cell phones to low-income Americans. These two examples showed the difference between the first provider of free cell phones and the most recent provider to offer the same service. Safelink provided only 60 (or more depending on the state) minutes to low-income Americans, but Assurance Wireless has increased the number of minutes to 200. As the realization that a cell phone is a necessity increases, providers work harder to provide low-income Americans with more services related to their cell phones.

The discussion question I posed to the class was "Do you feel that a cell phone is a luxury or a necessity, and should they be provided to low-income Americans?" A majority of the class felt that cell phones have really become a necessity. They are needed in case of an emergency, if someone loses a job and for many other reasons. One student stated that if someone already has the tools needed, such as a cell phone, the service should be provided for free. He felt that a cell phone is not a necessity. Another example he gave was if you already have a computer, internet should be provided, but if you don't have the means to purchase a computer, the services should not be provided.

To learn more about Universal Service, go to:
http://www.fcc.gov/wcb/tapd/universal_service/welcome.html

2010-04-13T06:41:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday on April, 8^th I did my case study presentation on the up a coming sources of Wi-Fi and where it is headed in the future. To answer the question of the week, “Who controls the network?” I proposed the idea that although Wi-Fi doesn’t have direct control over who controls the Internet, it indirectly controls the Internet by giving consumers (us) more access to the internet. I believe that no particular person or organization has complete control over the Internet. The government can keep putting more restrictions over the Internet, but inevitably we are the ones who control the Internet because we are the ones who keep changing it.

I went through the different phases of the Internet from the WiFi form 802.11 to 802.11g to WiMax. To me the most interesting form of wireless Internet, or the one I believe will have the most effect on people the years to come is WiMax. The thought of having wireless Internet available to a whole city, and eventually even a whole country in the years to come amazes me. Wi-Fi technology has a lot of security issue that pose a problem with owning a wireless Internet, but if it is password protected you should be OK, but it is good to keep in mind the different risks you are taking as well as how you are protected under Wi-Fi. (For example, with the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act and with the Electronic Communications Privacy Act.) With technology like this, and more and more people having access to the Internet requires more restrictions by the government, but a more versatile and changing Internet in the end.

“Will the future of Wi-Fi cause the Digital Divide to get larger or smaller?” This is the question I proposed to the class during my presentation. I got very interesting feedback, but this seems to be an overall concern with how fast technology is growing. I believe that with more access to Wi-Fi that there will be a number of people where the Digital Divide’s gap will close especially among the older generation because the Internet will be even more prominent in society and even a bigger number of people have access to it. I also believe that with fast growing technologies, technologies are only going to be cheaper. Soon I believe a computer could be like a radio where almost every family owns one, and in fact they are even putting computers and Wi-Fi in vehicles, like the radio. One thing that I do think is discouraging for the Digital Divide is the facts that as technologies keep advancing; it is hard to keep up with it if you are just beginning to learn.

My case study presentation really taught me a lot about Wi-Fi, more than I ever thought I could know about it. I’m really interested to see where the 802.11 technologies will lead us in the next 10 years and what Internet access will be like. In the end I will be more and more restrictions placed on the Internet society, but its quick advancing and educated users will lead government protection in the dust.

Here's a quick video with more information on Wi-Max -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chlGqhRKVjQ

Robyn Wooderson

Facebook Case Study Reflection

2010-04-13T06:19:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday April 8th I presented a case study to the class over one of the largest social networking sites used across the world, Facebook. In order to answer the question of the week, “Who controls the network?” I concentrated on Mark Zuckerberg’s product Facebook and the websites control of the social part of the internet.
I believe that Facebook does control a large portion of the social networking sites mainly because it is the extremely common and has easy to use features. Almost everyone has a Facebook, whether it is for personal use or to even promote another person or a store’s products. There was not one person in our class that admitted to not having a Facebook. This is a small scale example of how common the social networking site is. With Facebook one can remain in contact with someone across the room, city, state, country, and even world. There are only four countries in the world right now that have restrictions against Facebook. When an advertisement comes on the radio, television, billboard, etc. it now includes the common phrase, “Find us on Facebook and Twitter.” Everyone wants to remain connected and with Facebook it is the most popular way created yet.
In class I did not have time to propose any of my discussion questions. If I would of have had time I would have asked “Do you think Mark Zuckerberg has invaded our privacy?” The reason I wanted to ask this question was because after researching Facebook’s privacy rules I realized that the regulations are not as strict as I thought. I also learned that Facebook has a lot of control over what they can obtain from your computer, cell phone, MP3 player, etc. after you log on to Facebook. To answer my own question, I believe that Mark Zuckerberg has invaded our privacy but we have allowed and agreed to this in order to use Facebook.
After researching Facebook for my case study, I learned that Facebook does have a lot of control over social networking sites and also over our privacy. Unless you manually change your privacy settings online, Facebook is allowed to access almost everything they want to know about you. I also learned that every time you post something on Facebook they analyze it and generate the advertisements on the side to “fit” you best. In conclusion, I believe Facebook does control the social network of the internet and will continue to until another site is created bigger and better. However among the website Facebook.com individuals have the option to control some of what happens on Facebook.

Links relating to Facebook:

Facebook's Privacy Regulations
http://www.facebook.com/privacy/explanation.php

Facebook's Safety Center
http://www.facebook.com/help/?safety

The Face Behind Facebook
http://video.search.yahoo.com/video/play?p=who+is+mark+zuckerberg%3F&ei=UTF-8&fr=hp-pvdt&fr2=tab-web&vid=0001526571074

-Jocelyn Lidrbauch

Google Case Study Reflection

2010-04-12T16:27:00.000-07:00

On Thursday April 8th I presented a case study over one of the largest multinational public Internet search technology corporations in the world, Google Inc. To answer the question of the week, “Who controls the networks?”, I focused on Google and specifically their control over the internet through their large selection of inventive Internet-based services and products.

I believe that Google Inc. does control large portions of the internet primarily because their products unite many very useful and popular services that millions of people use every day. One of the main reasons that Google Inc. has become so popular is because they make online services convenient to users, and who doesn’t want internet use to be made convenient? They are the “masters” of converging all of their services so that you can easily log into your Gmail, for example, and then utilize each of their services (Google Docs, Google Calendar, Google Search, Google Translate, etc) from one convenient location. One of the reasons that the Google Search is the most popular search engine in the world is because it’s said to be the most thorough and the easiest to operate and manage. These characteristics carry through to all of Google’s other services which is why they are one of the most successful companies on the Internet.

In class, I proposed one of my discussion questions, “Do you think that Google has too much control over the Internet?” and I thought it was very interesting that no one said “yes”, or at least no one voiced this opinion out loud. In order to prompt more discussion I asked if people would rethink their answers after knowing that Google’s search engine isn’t even a comprehensive search of the entire web, but just a search of Google’s own index; this means that technically Google does control what people see when they use their program. People still didn’t seem to think that Google has too much control in this area and I think that’s very interesting! Most people just commented that Google’s search index still seems thorough enough for them and that they feel like their results are “comprehensive enough”. I didn’t have time to propose my other two discussions questions, but I am interested as to what other people do think about where Google will expand next. I could definitely see them expanding to having an online radio/song search engine similar to Pandora.

In this case study, I learned so much about Google and especially their search engine program and advertising strategies. I was very surprised that Google’s search engine pulls information from their own search index and not actually the entire web; in fact, this startled me the most and led to my personal view that Google controls a large portion of the internet. In the end of class when we proposed our summaries I stated that I believe that individuals ultimately control the Internet. From the individuals who choose which search engine to use, to the individuals who invent the search engines, like Larry Page and Sergey Brin, the co-founders of Google Inc. The government will continue to attempt to regulate the Internet and its content, but in the end it is in each of our own hands.

Links to the two Google videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ka4tCkYXHiE - How Search Ads Work

Http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNHR6IQJGZs - How Google Search Works

-Emily Walters

Satellite Radio and the Wireless Advances of Radio

2010-04-08T11:48:00.000-07:00

On March 4, I presented a case study that summarized the merger between Sirius Satellite Radio and Xm Satellite Radio, and how satellite radio has become a template for a wireless culture. The two companies were the only two in their industry, and now that they have combined, .many think that they have formed a monopoly of sorts. Both separate entities offered over one hundred channels that varied from different music genres, to sports and news broadcasting. Also, many athletic events were given their own channel so that fans could listen in their vehicles or at home without using a tv. Both required a special installation to access their services and they had very competitive prices that were based on a monthly payment. More recently vehicle makers had been making deals with the two companies so that their service automatically came with the purchase of the car, and the installation was built right in the vehicle. Due to the amount of money that it took to start up this industry the businesses were not reaping any profit and eventually in 2008 they were forced to merge. After the merge, most recently in 2010 they have begun to see the profits of their services. Now they the Sirius Xm Satellite Radio company is working on reaching more customers, and designing their stations to be more user satisfying and run by the listeners.
The question of the week that was asked of us was, “How do older media serve as a template for wireless culture,” and this raised many new questions in class. I chose the Satellite radio industry because I think that it has done exactly that, and taken a somewhat outdated source of entertainment and made it technologically advanced and available to people everywhere. Also proposed to the class was the question of “who owns the media.” When radio first took off the main producers were companies like RCA and AT&T, companies that no longer have an interest in this medium. Today with every radio station playing songs based off of requests, satellite services that have a hundred different channels, and technology that allows you to only listen to the songs you want, it seems as thought the listeners own the media. If the producers were in charge of the media there would be a few select stations and we would be forced to listen to whatever they decide to play. The radio has come a long way from family shows and in home systems. We now have so many ways of accessing music and new technological advances in the franchise that it is obvious how the oldest form of radio was merely a template for our new wireless ways of living. With that being said, it is obvious how satellite radio is providing for the customer based off of the customers preferences and I encourage you to invest in their product if you enjoy music as I do.

Useful links:

http://www.sirius.com

http://www.xmradio.com

http://www.siriusxm.com/changinghowyoulisten?

HDTV & 3D Television

2010-04-05T10:54:00.000-07:00

Thursday April 1st was the day that I presented my case study over the way that Television has been affected by older media forms. Television has come a long way ever since it was created in 1946. The biggest difference that comes with today’s televisions is that they are beginning to be developed to be viewed in HDTV and in 3D. Thanks to the development and evolution of old media, new media forms come equipped with high quality technology that makes the audience seem as if they were viewing live. What I did was present a brief history of how television was invented and the changes it went through leading up to the newest form of television which is in 3D.

Something that I noticed about my presentation which really enthused me was that everyone was really talkative about my topic. Everyone had heard about this new version of television and everyone had their own opinion. I felt that my presentation had a nice flow to it and I felt that my discussion really interested my classmates. I felt that the other presenters had really interesting topics and it was good to learn about who and how the rating of television programs is processed. Another thing that I really enjoyed was hearing about the PBS corporation and taking down a trip through memory lane as I we heard about our childhood programs like The Magic School Bus. These presentations really enhanced my knowledge over the media and how the older forms have informed the new media markets. If it wasn't for the past, all these new forms of technology would have never been possible. It was interesting learning about these other corporations and the way that they have been changing over the years. In response to the question "How do older forms of media inform new media markets?" I would have to say that they inform them through the mistakes that have been made and also by the changes that have been made. The past is of course the foundation to many of these inventions and without them these new media markets would have not been possible.

The Nielsen Company

2010-04-04T21:54:00.000-07:00

This past Thursday on April 1^st I presented on the Nielsen Company’s rating system for Television. Nielsen rates television shows on how many people are watching and they also measure more than 40% of the world’s viewing behavior. They use a national sample, composed of a cross-section of representative homes throughout the United States to count the number of people watching TV. Arthur Nielsen introduced the Audimeter (his first metering device) in 1936 when there were only about 200 television sets in use worldwide. His measuring service was officially established in 1950. Today is common for households to have multiple TV sets and the measuring systems are constantly evolving to keep up with today’s innovations surrounding televisions and their programs.

The theme of the week asked the question: How do older forms of media inform new media markets? In the beginning the Nielsen Company just focused on rating radio programs because that was the most current media. Then entertainment advanced to television so they moved to monitoring TV programs as well. Currently people are now watching TV from their cell phones and iPods. Nielsen is now trying to find a way to monitor the use of these mobile devices.

Before my research on this type of rating system I had no idea how television stations were finding out which of their shows were being watched the most. The question that sparked the most class discussion was the one asking how they felt about Nielsen putting “miniature meters” into their mobile devices and tracking what they are watching. A few students believed that doing that would be crossing the line and was an invasion of privacy. I think people would be more comfortable with this type of technology if they knew more about it and were able to give consent to the company to allow them to do this. Nielsen plans to do away with all of their paper diaries by 2011 and so they are trying to keep up with our fast paced world and the future.

www.en-us.nielsen.com

Pixar

2010-03-30T18:05:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, March 23, I presented on Pixar and its role in today's film industry. Pixar is a computer animation studio with the ideas and capability to create a new generation and new projects that deal with animated feature films. It was started in 1979 when George Lucas hired Ed Catmull, who worked at the New York Institute of Technology. In 1995, Pixar released Toy Story, which was the first ever feature length animated movie created only using computer generated graphics.
Pixar used the Walt Disney Feature Animation studio, whose corporate partner would later become a major partner. In 1991, Pixar made a $26 million deal with Disney which would lead to the creation of three computer animated films. The first was Toy Story, which ended up being a huge profit. On January 24, 2006, Disney put up an offer to buy Pixar for $7.4 billion in an all stock deal.
For Pixar's animation process, they use a process called rendering. Rendering is "the process of generating an image from a model, by means of computer programs. The model is a description of three-dimensional objects in a strictly defined language or data structure." They use "RenderMan" which is a fast, and very efficient program.
In Pixar movies, they usually target a younger audience but in many cases, adults enjoy the movies. In fact, Pixar rarely uses children as characters in their movies because they want kids to remember the character after they watch the movie. They want to leave a lasting impression on the viewer.

One website you may like to check out is: www.pixar.com