Lecture 7

In lecture 7 we discussed commercial media verse public media. I could gather just from the title of the PowerPoint that I should have invested in some lollies beforehand to keep me awake. Public media was defined as media whose mission is to serve or engage a public. The lecturer went on to mention some well-known Australian, International and Community public media companies. After discussing that Public media should have public value, we went on to learn what exactly public value is. Such definitions described it as embedding a ‘public service ethos’ and weighing public value against market impact. As thrilling as this was, we went on to discuss two vey well-known media companies: ABC and SBS. After a very dreary and obvious 10 minutes learning that the ABC holds local and national radio as well as TV, and that SBS is a multicultural channel owning the same, the lecturer continued to blabber on about Public media functions and mechanisms. Something I luckily stayed awake for was learning the news style of Public media (I figured this is only SLIGHTLY important!). Such positive news styles include seriousness, broadsheet style, importance over interest and considered, not quick and unchecked. Adverse news styles include being boring, elitist, of limited interest, poor presentation and out of touch. Similar to commercial media, public media also need audiences and in order to do so it can be recommended that they produce quality, make themselves relevant, engage with the democratic process, inform the public and be independent. I found this last point to be very important to know and be aware of!