The end(s) of journalism

• notices and features
• 14 years ago
• Categories: Media
• Tags: journalism, University of Auckland

Journalism’s future at stake

Is serious journalism dying? Was it in any good it the first place? What must be done to ensure its survival?

These are some of the questions to be tackled at The University of Auckland’s forthcoming Winter Lecture series on ‘The end(s) of journalism’.

The six-lecture series will examine the decline in serious journalism brought about by digital convergence, media proliferation, fragmented audiences and the global recession.

It will look at the long-term implications of these developments, given how vital the media are to democratic deliberation. Alternative technological possibilities, programming forms and funding alternatives will be canvassed.

Academics from the University’s Departments of Political Studies, Film, Television and Media Studies, and Māori Studies will present the lectures along with Colin Peacock, presenter of Mediawatch on Radio New Zealand National and Gavin Ellis, former editor-in-chief of the New Zealand Herald.

The lunchtime series begins on 20 July with a lecture illuminating journalism’s present predicament and prospects by returning to its roots. Subsequent lectures will consider the current state of New Zealand journalism, the Māori presence in media stories, citizen journalism on the internet, news satire, and the near-term future of serious journalism.

‘The media in forms old and new affect everyone, and play a key role in supporting democratic purposes,’ says series organiser, Dr Joe Atkinson. ‘This is a timely series in a period of extreme upheaval for traditional media and the lectures will be of wide general interest.’

Further information: www.auckland.ac.nz/winter, phone (09) 373 7599 ext 876