kaiserdave

ERASMUS REPORT-University of the West of Scotland (Hamilton Campus)

2011-09-26T13:06:00.000-07:00

Student Name: David Kelly

Year of Study: 4th

Host University Code: UK PAISLEY01

Arrival

You can get cheap fares from Dublin to Glasgow Prestwick (Ryanair). Glasgow Prestwick also has a train station. Take the train from Glasgow Prestwick to Glasgow Central (no more than £3.50). Take another train from Glasgow Central to Hamilton West (£3.90 return). The university is approx. 5 mins (walk) away from the train station. Contact Nina Downs accommodation@uws.ac.uk prior to arrival if you have booked university accommodation in advance (to get keys to your block/room). You may have to meet a security officer inside the Almada building to sign forms and get your keys-organize this prior to your departure. There was no orientation programme, but you can organize an information session with your course leader and/or lecturers.

I didn’t know anyone on arrival (except my UL counterparts), but it didn’t take me long to make new friends-the locals/uws students are very friendly. The campus is located five minutes from the town centre and a short walk away from restaurants, newsagents, and other shops. The town centre has everything you need (a shopping centre, a cinema, pubs, a leisure complex, etc.)

Accommodation

University accommodation was pre-arranged (needs to be booked) for us at the Halls of Residence, 2 Barrack Street, Hamilton (Postcode: ML3 0HZ). Contact Nina Downs to book university accommodation well in advance (details are available online and/or from the university service). We shared a flat with five other students (two toilet facilities, two shower facilities, and a kitchen/living room area. Bedroom facilities include a sink and mirror, a study desk and chair, a wardrobe and bedding sheets, etc. The cost per week was in the region of £70X18 weeks=£1260. It is good quality and affordable accommodation. However, additional costs may include purchasing a TV, cooking equipment, forks, plates, etc. (which was split between the six of us). The Halls of Residence is located two mins away from UWS and various shopping outlets (Asda and Spar). However, the university accommodation service clamps down on parties and noise disturbances at halls (they have several security officers), as well as inviting friends to spend the night, etc. so if you have a hectic social life you might consider commuting from Glasgow. While there is nothing wrong with Hamilton town centre, you may find that there is much more going on in and around Glasgow (concerts, festivals, entertainment, etc.) You can purchase household items, clothes, and so on in the town centre at relatively cheap prices (so just bring the necessities). Hamilton is 25-30 minutes away from Glasgow Central (by train). A lot of students go on a night out in Glasgow as it has several popular nightclubs. Hamilton and Glasgow are safe places in general. However, things can turn nasty, especially after Celtic vs. Rangers (football games) so if you are out and about or supporting one of these teams-be careful and don’t go home alone (cover up your colors). Pubs and restaurants won’t allow you in if you are wearing football jerseys (unless they are a designated Celtic/Rangers pub for example). You can be hit with substantial cleaning/damage costs if you leave your accommodation in a poor state.

Selection of Courses

I had planned to do a sociology module, but due to timetable restrictions this was not possible. I did not know how many modules I had to undertake prior to arrival (due to weighting/ECTS), but it later transpired that individual modules were worth 10 ECTS credits (needed to do three modules). I chose to do An Introduction to Broadcast Journalism (Year 2), Issues in Journalism (Year 1), and Sports and News Production (Year 3). I fully recommend these modules as I believe they are essential for any budding journalist in any field. Here is a brief sample (overview) of what we covered in each of these modules:

An Introduction to Broadcast Journalism:

· How to source and write radio pieces and scripts, how to write news stories from press releases, how to record interviews inside and outside the radio studio (using the Burli system), interview techniques. Examination layout (coursework): A report on the similarities and differences of two news programmes (treatment of stories, style, etc.) Recording and editing interview clips/writing news reports on a topic of your choice.

Issues in Journalism:

· A literature review (1000 words=30%) on one of the topics covered (news and celebrity, citizen journalism, politics, etc.)

· A 2000 word essay discussing how a research proposal on this topic could be researched and executed (methodology, research questions, etc.) An accompanying PowerPoint presentation (10 mins) 70%.

Sports and News Production

· Working in a TV studio, setting up a sports website, how to record a sports/news show.

· (coursework): setting up and running a sports website of your choice (excl. soccer), putting together a sports package on an event of your choice (related to your website).

There is plenty of information available to help you choose what modules to study (prospectus guides can be delivered upon request, online information, and guidance from lecturers can prove very beneficial). Below are some of the contact details for journalism lecturers at UWS:

Ronnie Bergman (Broadcast Journalism lecturer) Ronnie.bergman@uws.ac.uk

Margaret Hughes (Issues in Journalism lecturer) Margaret.hughes@uws.ac.uk

Elizabeth McLaughlin (Sports and News Production lecturer) Elizabeth.Mclaughlin@uws.ac.uk

*Amanda Geary (Programme Leader) Amanda.geary@uws.ac.uk (our main contact in the journalism department).

Examinations tend to take place in/or around the end of April (throughout the term). I contacted student services (Almada building) prior to departure to organize obtaining a transcript of results (which can be posted to your home or home university). Their number is 01698 894448. However, some lecturers offer unofficial results when available (subject to the approval of the external examiner(s)), so a friendly email may give you an idea of your overall grade.

The UWS grading scheme (respective bands): A 70-100, B1 60-69, B2 50-59, C 40-49, D 30-39, E 0-29.

Integration

There was no orientation session available at UWS. However, UWS students are incredibly friendly (they hosted a welcome party in our flat on arrival!!!) You will have no problems making new friends. The student union hosts several weekly events, be it football or fancy dress. Lecturers will introduce you to the class and conversations and friendships strike up from there. My only advice would be to join a sports club and/or society. I joined the cricket club (having never played the game before in my life). I made great friends through the club and even managed to win a game (scoring four runs). Just get out there and have fun-Do what you want to do! If you have any problems contact any member of staff. They are really helpful and will listen in a non-judgmental manner. One of my lecturers gave me extra time to finish an assignment because I was under pressure with other demands. It took me a few days to get used to the Glaswegian accent (vice versa), but you won’t have any difficulties with the language.

Registration Procedures

(a) Local or national authorities

I brought my birth cert and passport (four id photos) just in case I needed to register with the national authorities, a football team, or open up a bank a/c. You will need id to gain entry to certain events, buy alcohol, avail of student discounts, etc. so it is essential to have at least one or two forms.

(b) Registration with the university

You will be able to register with UWS once your application has been fully processed (within one or two weeks). You will need to fill in some forms at student services and check regularly to see if you application has been approved. Then you will be photographed and given a student id card (needed to withdraw books from the library, access computers, etc.) at no extra cost.

Academic Differences

Class size varies from module to module (under 10 (Sports and News Production) to over 40 (Issues in Journalism). Lecturers and other members of staff are very approachable (students can, and are encouraged to schedule appointments, send queries via email, etc. without feeling inferior or being hesitant. We had three hours of class time per module p/w (max). For Issues in Journalism we were afforded with 140 hours throughout the course of term to spend completing assignments and studying, researching, etc. Access to library computers can be a problem as demand tends to exceed supply. However, the Creative Industry (block 7) has its own set of computers for journalism students (access to the net and InDesign, etc.) The Halls of Residence has its own internet network, so this can be a valid resource and investment for students. Laptops have to be configured before they can gain entry to this network (go to the ICT dept. on the 2^nd floor). However, the library still boasts an impressive collection of journalism guides and books (just not on the same level as UL). Don’t forget you can still access journals through the UL network and UWS’ Blackboard portal.

Student Clubs

UWS boasts an array of vibrant clubs and societies: http://www.sauws.org.uk/Sports and http://www.uws.ac.uk/about/facilities/student-unions.asp .I would recommend joining the American Football, Cricket, or Football teams. Alastair Adamson is the main contact for American Football. Ryan Wood is player/manager for the UWS Cricket team. I made great friends through my involvement with the cricket side (even though I never played the game before!!!) You may also get the chance to travel to Edinburgh and further afield so give it a go. However, please note that not all UWS’ sports clubs are located in Hamilton (they may be located in Paisley), so this might impact on your ability to travel to training, matches, etc. (usually you can carpool and/or get the train).

Town

I would recommend going on a tour of the Scottish Highlands: http://www.highlandexperience.com/tours/glasgow/Loch-ness-tour-scottish-highlands.htm . You will get to see the beautiful Scottish landscape (lakes, mountains, etc.) and the surrounding areas (Glen Coe, Stirling, and Inverness). It is a must for anyone interested in history (culture) and nature. Hamilton has a cinema, football team, various pubs and nightclubs: http://new.myvue.com/latest-movies/cinema/hamilton

http://www.acciesfc.co.uk/ (the football stadium (New Douglas Park) is five mins away from university accommodation (The Hamilton Halls of Residence)

http://www.celticfc.net/ (Celtic Park can be reached by getting the train to Dalmarnock and walking for 10 mins. CP has a terrific match atmosphere, esp. vs. Rangers. A stadium tour of CP is a must for any hoops fan)

The Bay Horse pub is two mins away from uni (a friendly atmosphere coupled with great food and staff, show most sports events (soccer, rugby, etc.)

Transport

The quickest way of getting around Glasgow is to use the train (see http://www.scotrail.co.uk/ for a list of relevant timetables, to purchase tickets, etc.) Tickets are relatively cheap (£3.90 for a return ticket from Hamilton West to Glasgow Central). Tickets can be purchased online, at the train station, or even onboard. Most trains in and out of Glasgow run every 15 mins or so. Taxis can be expensive so it’s best to carpool or share a taxi with mates if possible (establish a set price with the driver beforehand). http://www.citylink.co.uk/index.php (using the Scottish bus network is another cheap way of traveling in and around the city, with student discounts if you register online). Purchasing an all-day ticket is usually the best option if you are planning a day away (outside of) from Hamilton.

Cost of Living

http://www.talentscotland.com/workers/live-and-work/money-and-banking/cost-of-living.aspx

http://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/international/finance/cost-of-living (both have good cost of living guides and general information about studying in Scotland).The latter puts the general cost of living per week (university self-catering room) at £68 (excluding rent). Accommodation at halls was £70 p/w. £30 p/w would be enough for shopping at Asda, Iceland, etc. The biggest cost outside of accommodation is entertainment/enjoyment. I’d say I spent £50-60 once a month going to Celtic games. Don’t forget to claim your grant (return your UL forms in time). This helps reduce the financial burden on your parents, guardian(s), yourself. Shopping at Asda can save you a small fortune (usually have some super offers, as do nightclubs, Vodafone outlets, etc.)

Hints & Tips

Hamilton town centre has a Vodafone outlet (we got a sim card for £5 and 100 mins of international calls per month for an extra £10 if I recall). Bring football boots, shorts, socks, runners, etc. (just in case you want to join a sports club). Travel in and around Scotland, don’t just limit yourself to Hamilton and Glasgow (Paisley, Stirling, and Inverness are historical gems so organize a tour with your mates at the weekend). A stadium tour of Celtic Park/Hampden Park is a must for any football fan, as are match days. Whatever your interests Scotland has something to offer. If you want to play Gaelic Football (join the Glaschu (Glasgow) Gaels) for guaranteed craic agus ceol.

Language

It might take you a few days to get used to the Glaswegian accent, but you shouldn’t have any major problems. Lectures and lecturers follow the same routine/layout as UL (also as regards continuous assessment). You are usually required to write essays, give presentations, etc. The only variation being that UWS has its own referencing system (Harvard system) which is slightly different to the Harvard system used here in UL.

***Thanks to UL student Kieran Foley for use of the photos***

Citizen journalism (research project)

2011-09-26T11:57:00.000-07:00

In a 2,000 word essay discuss how you would undertake a research project on one of the topics studied in this module. Your essay should identify a research question and discuss the range of research methodologies and evaluate the most appropriate method for your report.

***Picture courtesy of: http://www.google.ie/imgres?q=research+project&hl=en&gbv=2&tbm=isch&tbnid=p2JORVsIk_0g0M:&imgrefurl=http://www.ehow.com/how_8273095_develop-proposal-undergraduate-research-project.html&docid=0NcJ2tVQ10PaHM&w=225&h=220&ei=ZcmATu3rDIfs-gaF44WSDQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=653&vpy=347&dur=9906&hovh=176&hovw=180&tx=114&ty=96&page=6&tbnh=169&tbnw=165&start=110&ndsp=23&ved=1t:429,r:7,s:110&biw=1280&bih=929***

This qualitative study will examine how citizen and mainstream journalists research and generate news items from within a newsroom setting. It will also help to determine whether members of the public and professional journalists have the ability to differentiate between content produced by citizen or ‘ordinary’ people and that of ‘expert’ journalists. In doing so, factors considered to characterize citizen and mainstream journalists, and most importantly their work(s), may come to the forefront. The presence of comment, lack of sources, and a limited understanding of legal and moral issues have so often been used to define citizen journalism, and negate why mainstream journalism must triumph over what is largely seen and referred to in current literature as a counterproductive and invalid representation of true and pure journalism. This traditionalist view is echoed by Hudson and Rowlands (2007, p. 5), who suggest that “the technology of story-telling should not be confused with the art of story-telling”. This research project will explore how citizen journalists and their mainstream counterparts formulate news reports (the processes involved), and identify some of the strengths and weaknesses of an ever-expanding citizen journalism arena, as identified by members of the public and professional journalists themselves-thus allowing beneficial observations for training practices and so forth to be made.

Using a variation of the “news writing exercise”, as outlined by Philo 1990 (cited in Devereux, 2007, p. 127), this study will compare and contrast how citizen and mainstream journalists research, source, edit, and write news reports based on a series of photographs from international media organizations. Data were collected from group interviews and focus groups, as well as through non-participant observation of the exercise itself. Six groups were used in the news production exercise (three groups of four, which included; members of the public and non-professional journalists-groups A, B, and C, collectively known as the citizen journalist sample), and another three group sample-D, E, and F, collectively known as the mainstream journalist sample (made up of working journalists from local radio, TV, and print (newspaper and magazine) organizations/outlets). After completing this exercise, the groups were asked a set of questions about the news reports they researched and produced; their primary/main sources of information, the presence of comment and/or fact, why they chose to challenge/retain the dominant discourse(s), different angles on the same story, and so forth. This study took place at the University of Limerick, Ireland. This location was chosen because it contains a fully furnished newsroom (telephones, computers, and recording equipment), and because of ease of access to target samples, members of the public and working journalists.

This essay will briefly introduce citizen journalism commentary, previous studies and so forth (reflecting current literature). It will then address the research aims of this project, detailing in particular the research questions and a range of qualitative methods that have been used/that could have been used. Reasons why they were/were not used will also be provided. The accompanying research presentation will discuss the main steps involved in following a research process as featured/headlined herein; choosing a research topic, reviewing current literature on your chosen research topic, determining your research question(s) and choosing a research strategy.

Introduction

Hudson and Rowlands (2007, p. 545) define citizen journalists as “members of the public who send in pictures from their mobile phones or video recorders of a news event they’ve witnessed, or who contribute news content to internet sites”. However, this narrow definition does not take into account one of the most contentious issues in citizen journalism studies-access to sources and materials (archives, press releases, phone calls updating journalists on events, and so on). Also, it does not explain the rise in popularity of citizen journalism websites such as OhmyNews and The Bakersfield Voice, that are run in a professional manner like those operated by mainstream journalists (Briggs 2010, p. 88).

Reich (2008, p. 740) carried out a study of Israeli citizen and mainstream websites to identify barriers that hinder the progress of citizen journalists. The results of his study suggest that the main obstacle to citizen journalists is limited access to senior sources. He argues that “since citizen news outlets are fledging, unconventional organizations, possessing limited exposure, revenue, and public prestige, potential news sources are not inclined to perceive them as a forum in which they would like to appear” (Reich 2008, p. 741). This has greater implications for citizen journalists, as it means they must rely more and more on junior (often more inadequate or ordinary) sources. In turn, this opens the door for a wave of criticism from professional journalists who see the chance to put forward their own views and interests.

By undermining citizen journalists, mainstream reporters are able to publicise the differences between ‘us’ and ‘them’ (van Dijk 1995, p. 29), that is, the differences between professional journalists and amateur rookies, those working for the public as opposed to those working for themselves, those who are trained and have qualifications, and those who are chancing their arms. This research project will not give weight to these views, although it would make for good commentary.

The growth of social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter, and the presence of online blogs means that information is being disseminated (potentially) to millions of readers or viewers around the globe. Some have embraced this advance, others remain sceptical. The aim of this research project is to analyse how citizen and mainstream journalists generate news reports given the same resources. This study will also examine whether ordinary citizens and professional journalists can differentiate between the two samples (citizen and professional journalists). Central to this will be what each sample uses to characterize the above groups. Will they look for grammar mistakes, instances of bias, use of sources, will they be proved wrong? The results of this study will help citizen journalists and their mainstream colleagues to build on their strengths and eradicate their weaknesses through training programmes. Analysis may show whether these two groups are capable of working in tandem. These issues will now be reflected in the research questions that follow.

Research Questions

RQ1: What are the main processes that citizen and professional journalists go through in order to research, source, edit and write news reports within the same working environment?

Reich (2008, p. 748) found that “the relations between citizen reporters and their sources are far less established than those of their colleagues in the mainstream press”. As a result, this impacts on the ability of citizen reporters to interact with high rank sources (often gained over a long period of time through trust and mutual respect), and also means that they must build relationships from scratch with their sources (Ibid.). This study will attempt to shed light on:

· the sources used by citizen and mainstream (professional) journalists, whether they are primary, secondary, or a mixture of both. Given the same resources (access) to telephones, the Internet, recording equipment, email, documents, and so forth-will citizen journalists attempt to contact senior sources? Will they make greater use of information on the Internet (archives and press releases), and how will they verify fact from fiction?

· the similarities and differences between news reports from samples A, B, and C (citizen journalists) and D, E, and F (professional journalists). Why they chose to write the news report in a certain style, the language/sources used, did they bring forward their own views, and was this present in their coverage?

RQ2: Can members of the public (potential citizen journalists themselves) and professional journalists differentiate between news reports produced by citizen and mainstream journalists, and, if so, what aspects of news reporting do they rely on to explain these perceived differences?

Tapsall and Varley (2001, p. 4) argue that members of the public must understand the societal role played by journalists in order to distinguish between news content that is well or poorly produced. This study will attempt to identify the strengths and weaknesses of citizen and mainstream journalism, as told (evidenced) through the eyes of its viewers and producers. Set out and discussed below are a range of qualitative research methods this study could have opted for. The pros and/or cons of these methods will now be briefly analysed, before an evaluation of the methods chosen will be made. This section will also include references to current research literature, thus reflecting the commentary (literature review) component of the research process.

Methodology

Quantitative research: “the purpose of research is to discover answers to questions through the application of scientific procedures. These procedures have been developed in order to increase the likelihood that the information gathered will be relevant to the question asked and will be reliable and unbiased” (Selltiz et al. 1965, cited in Davies, 2007, p. 9).

On the other hand, qualitative research aims “to reflect upon the feelings and experiences relative to the research question, to explore the nature of the relationship between person and situation, and to take account of the effect of the research analyst’s own background and role” (Davies 2007, p. 26).

To reiterate, the aims of this study were to reflect/shed light on the main processes that citizen and professional journalists go through in order to research, source, edit and write news reports within the same working environment. This study needed to take the experiences of citizen journalists, members of the public, and professional journalists (purposive samples) into account to document any findings in a fair and transparent manner. Attention had to be drawn to/and reflect the different backgrounds of participants (to mirror the notion that citizen journalists can and do come from all walks of life and cultures, and the makeup of mainstream journalism itself). This study required responses from members of the public and professional journalists, to see if they could differentiate between content produced by citizen and mainstream journalists, and also, what they used/looked for to guide their decision-making process. Therefore, the exploratory emphasis of qualitative research/data (Davies 2007, p. 35) formed the basis of this research project. Davies (2007, p. 139) also argues that the nature of qualitative research is less arduous than that of quantitative research: “there is a seductive appeal about being able to ‘get involved’ in face-to-face encounters as quickly as possible”. Successfully implementing qualitative research methods allows “to some extent the interviewee can direct the flow of conversation, so avoiding the risk that the researcher’s own background sets the agenda in an autocratic way” (Ibid., p. 140). This means that expansive observations and greater analysis of the subject area can be made in an objective manner, and without the interference of the interviewer/observer, thus ensuring the research is well accredited.

A range (selection) of qualitative research methods that could have been used/that were used in this research project, and justification for their inclusion/exclusion.

Reconstruction interviews and case studies could have been used in this study as primary modes of research. According to Reich (2005, 2006, forthcoming), reconstruction interviews have “proven to be an effective and reliable tool for systematically studying the actual performance of journalists, as it provides the researcher with access to even the most sensitive news processes”. However, while reconstruction interviews would give a unique insight into how citizen and mainstream journalists create news, it would also be a time consuming research method. It would take far too long to interview 24 individuals (citizen/mainstream journalists) who undertook our study through involvement in a variation of Philo’s 1990 (cited in Devereux, 2007, p. 127) “news game exercise” (explained below), and transcribe their opinions, views, and so forth-never mind the responses of members of the public and mainstream journalists to this process. Furthermore; this study is not measuring the performance of citizen and mainstream reporters, but rather identifying and analyzing the processes and procedures undertaken to research, source, edit, and write news reports. Nevertheless, interviews will play their part in this research study. Group interviews within focus groups will allow our purposive samples (citizen and mainstream journalists) the chance to demonstrate their knowledge of the news-making process and discuss why they wrote their news reports in a certain way, who they interviewed, sources used, and so on. This method will aid discussion among the sample groups (interviewees) while allowing the interviewer the option to explore important aspects of the research question (primary research/quoted sources used by citizen/mainstream journalists, structure of news reports (inverted pyramid), etc.

This method will also help to show what “members had taken from television and to trace actual influences on beliefs and attitudes” (Philo 1990, cited in Devereux, 2007, p. 127). This may be beneficial because it will demonstrate whether citizen journalists simply copied and/or replicated what they had read, heard or viewed prior to the exercise or whether they used established knowledge of the inverted pyramid/other knowledge/experience to inform their decision-making.

Case studies could have also been used in this project. They allow researchers the chance to “investigate contemporary real-life phenomenon through detailed contextual analysis of a limited number of events or conditions, and their relationships” (Zainal 2007, p. 2). Case studies could help to create a detailed picture of how citizen and mainstream journalists research, source, edit and write news reports. They would have allowed the researcher access to participants in their natural setting, going beyond the staged setting (limitation) of this study. However, as outlined by Zainal (2007, p. 2), this project would not be able to draw any reliable conclusions and/or findings from a single comparative study of a citizen and mainstream journalist. Although this method helps “to explain the complexities of real-life situations which may not be captured through experimental or survey research” (Ibid., p. 4), it too is seen as being rather time consuming and a forum for the expression and manipulation of biased views and evidence (Yin 1984, cited in Zainal 2007, p. 5). Hence, it will not be used as a research method in this project.

In conjunction with group interviews within focus groups, non-participant observation was also used as a research method. This involved the researcher remaining “outside the focus of the study…and record[ing] activities, verbal and non-verbal interactions and consequential happenings” (Davies 2007, p. 30). This is beneficial because the researcher can record and/or note important non-verbal cues (body language, signs, and so on) that otherwise could go unnoticed. Non-participant observation also ensures that researcher interference is kept to a minimum. However, in order to collect relevant data, video-recording will be used. Participants have been made aware of this, and they have every right to cease involvement at any stage.

Finally, the news game exercise will be employed as a research method in its own right. This exercise, as developed by Greg Philo and the Glasgow University Media Group in the early 1980’s, involves using a set of photographs as a writing stimulus and examining the content produced by relevant groups (samples), that is, the reasons why they wrote the news report in a certain style and so forth (Philo 1990, cited in Devereux, 2007, p. 127). One main advantage of using this exercise is that it can “operate either as a projective test (i.e. reproducing the beliefs of group members) or as a re-enactment test (i.e. representing what they believed the… account would be)” (Ibid.). This means that our study could be run on two fronts/different levels; individually and within groups. This would allow for a comparison of findings and results, outlining the role played by group dynamics/working individually within a journalism setting (editorial meetings, working with a partner, working alone, and so forth)-enhancing even further our understanding of the citizen journalism/mainstream journalism arenas.

Conclusion

This essay has discussed how a research project on citizen journalism would be undertaken. A research proposal was chosen, literature reviewed, research questions analyzed and a strategy decided upon. The pros and/or cons of various qualitative research methods were then identified and discussed. A range of resources were used to research this essay and to give weight to opinions expressed herein.

Reference list

Briggs, M. (2010) Journalism next: a practical guide to digital reporting and publishing. Washington: CQ Press.

Davies, M. B. (2007) Doing a successful research project: using qualitative or quantitative methods. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.

Devereux, E. (2007) Media studies: key issues and debates. London: Sage Publications.

Hudson, G. and Rowlands, S. (2007) The broadcast journalism handbook. Harlow: Pearson Education.

Reich, Z. (2008) How citizens create news stories: the ‘‘news access’’ problem reversed. Journalism Studies, Vol. 9(5), pp. 739-758.

Tapsall, S. and Varley, C. (2001) What is a Journalist? in Tapsall, S. and Varley, C. (eds.) Journalism: theory in practice. Oxford: Oxford University Press, pp. 3-21.

Van Dijk, T. (1995) Discourse analysis as ideology analysis in Schaffer, C. and Wenden, A. L. (eds.) Language and peace. Aldershot: Dartmouth Publishing, pp. 17-33.

Zainal, Z. (2007) Case study as a research method. Jurnal Kemanusiaan, Vol. 9 (Jun), pp. 1-6.

2011-09-26T08:37:00.000-07:00

Issues in Journalism (Citizen Journalism)

Picture courtesy of: http://www.google.ie/imgres?q=citizen+journalism&um=1&hl=en&sa=N&tbm=isch&tbnid=XMZsxtLRjI5vXM:&imgrefurl=http://www.inwent-iij-lab.org/projects/2010/wordpress/2010/a-new-trend-called-citizen-journalism/citizen-journalism/&docid=HNPjAOZzTVhV-M&w=500&h=374&ei=Xp2ATp7OC8mg-wauh_yRDQ&zoom=1&biw=1024&bih=566&iact=rc&dur=375&page=1&tbnh=114&tbnw=146&start=0&ndsp=18&ved=1t:429,r:3,s:0&tx=94&ty=77

1. Choose from one of the topics covered in the Issues in Journalism lectures and seminars and conduct a literature review that will provide an overview of the subject. (c. 700 words)

This literature review will provide a brief overview of the concept of citizen journalism (1), and its perceived strengths and weaknesses (2). It will also discuss and make reference to some of the key citizen journalism studies done to date and provide a brief synopsis of some of their findings. An array of analogies will be used, where possible, to strengthen and/or contradict arguments expressed herein.

Hudson and Rowlands (2007) describe citizen journalists as ordinary people who witness extraordinary events and are empowered to send their video clips and pictures to various news outlets. This occurs when they are ‘‘in the wrong place at the right time’’ (Allan 2006, cited in Reich, 2008, p. 740). Although this view acknowledges the significant role played by citizen journalists as breaking stories unfold, it does not acknowledge the often mundane tasks completed by mainstream and citizen reporters alike, for example, court and council reporting. It attributes their coverage of breaking stories to sheer luck rather than journalistic ability and prowess. It should be noted that citizen journalists were among the first to report on the recent Japanese earthquake and tsunami. Similarly, after the September 11 attacks, citizen journalists immediately began publishing video footage, photos, and blogs, while the country’s main news organizations couldn’t cope with the level of user demand (Allan 2002, p. 119). Ordinary citizens turned to citizen journalism sites during the above crisis, while various mainstream news networks failed and/or malfunctioned when really tested-a view echoed by Allan (2002).

Hudson and Rowlands (2007) state that the rise of citizen journalism has coincided with the digital and new media revolution. Citizen journalists were also among the first to use social networking sites, such as Facebook and Twitter, as a way of spreading news. Tens of thousands of tweets, messages and statuses have made their way online in recent days, for example, tweets from survivors of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami/ messages about pro-Gaddafi forces bombing rebel strongholds. Some mainstream media quarters have acknowledged the role that citizen journalists play in relaying such news stories and in holding democratic institutions to account (McNair 2003). Institutions such as the BBC have introduced their own citizen journalism arena (iReport) based on Briggs’ notion (2010, p. 87) that: ‘‘no news organization can be everywhere, all the time. Readers can help provide the ‘‘what’’; journalists can then provide the ‘‘why’’’. Such examples point to a gradual shift in the way citizen journalism domains are being viewed by mainstream journalists and reporters.

Apart from mastering this new era of technology, citizen journalists have many strengths and weaknesses. Reich (2008, p. 740) carried out a study of Israeli citizen and mainstream news outlets to ‘‘shed light on...the daily conduct of ordinary citizens doubling as reporters’’. The results of his study suggest that citizen journalists are much more likely to base their stories on the actual witnessing of news events than their mainstream counterparts (Reich 2008, p. 739). This in itself provides mainstream journalists with a challenge, as the battle for unique access to unfolding news events and content takes centre stage, for example, a fresh or local angle/hook. Hence, it was no surprise to see both the BBC and Sky News provide citizen produced content (photographs and video footage) on air when the Japanese tsunami struck. A lack of resources on the ground meant an over-reliance on Japanese media sources and citizen reporters. Reich (2008, p. 749) also found that citizen reporters were almost twice as likely to use ‘‘text-mediated’’ (the Internet, email and documents) and ‘‘non-mediated content’’ (face-to-face interviews) than their mainstream counterparts. This has further implications for mainstream reporters: citizen reporters have greater access to fresh and/or unique sources and ordinary citizens (Gans 1979, cited in Reich, 2008, p. 743). With greater access to ordinary citizens, citizen reporters are readily informed about what issues are affecting their readers’ lives.

However, citizen journalists also have faults and weaknesses. Because the majority of them are ‘untrained’ amateurs- journalists, researchers, and academics are well within their rights to point to the ‘‘traditional skills of the journalist’’ (Hudson and Rowlands 2007, p. 4), when comparing and contrasting them with their mainstream counterparts. By emphasising the fact that citizen journalists lack the ability to ‘‘present what is truthful and relevant’’ (Hudson and Rowlands 2007, p. 4), the interests of professional journalists are put forward. This allows professional journalists to ward off (disseminate the threat posed by citizen journalists) who they may be competing with for jobs. Citizen journalists are said to be lacking in terms of ‘morals’, ‘ethics’, and their understanding of ‘legal issues’. While this may be true in some respects, it does not account for the rise in popularity of citizen journalism websites such as OhmyNews and The Bakersfield Voice (Briggs 2010, p. 88). It could also be argued that such a statement only serves to undermine and degrade the many contributions made by citizen journalists and publicise the differences between ‘us’ and ‘them’-professional journalists and amateur rookies (van Dijk 1995, p. 29). It has been noted by Harmon 2001b (cited in Allan 2002, p. 133), that the Internet can also act as a haven for false rumours and information. Given the fact that citizen journalists source a lot of their information from the net, they would do well to heed this warning (Reich 2008, p. 749).

In conclusion, this literature review has provided a brief overview of the concept of citizen journalism. Drawing on a wide range of sources, this review has described and analysed the strengths and weaknesses of citizen journalists and citizen journalism. If citizen journalism is to fulfil its future promise then it must capitalise on these strengths (having unique sources and access to live footage) and eradicate its weaknesses (over-reliance on the Internet as a news/background source and accuracy/ethical issues). If this occurs, there is no reason why citizen journalism cannot but continue to be successful long into the future.

Reference list

Allan, S. (2002) Reweaving the Internet: online news of September 11 in Zelizer, B. and Allan, S. (eds.) Journalism after September 11. London: Routledge, pp. 119-137.

Briggs, M. (2010) Journalism next: a practical guide to digital reporting and publishing. Washington: CQ Press.

Hudson, G. and Rowlands, S. (2007) The broadcast journalism handbook. Harlow: Pearson Education.

McNair, B. (2003) News and journalism in the UK. 4th ed. London: Routledge.

Reich, Z. (2008) How citizens create news stories: the ‘‘news access’’ problem reversed. Journalism Studies, Vol. 9(5), pp. 739-758.

Van Dijk, T. (1995) Discourse analysis as ideology analysis in Schaffer, C. and Wenden, A.L. (eds.) Language and peace. Aldershot: Dartmouth Publishing, pp. 17-33.

2. Write a review of a journal article related to your chosen topic. (c. 300 words)

In his most recent study of citizen journalism, Reich (2008, p. 741) looks at how citizen journalists are restricted in reporting news stories by having limited access to senior sources and PR representatives. Using data gathered from interviews with Israeli mainstream and citizen reporters and websites, Reich was able to interpret and analyse the journalistic role played by citizen reporters, the challenges they face, and the strengths and weaknesses they must overcome to challenge the dominance of their mainstream counterparts.

The focus of his journal article was to answer five key research questions and to ‘‘shed light on...the daily conduct of ordinary citizens doubling as reporters’’ (Reich 2008, p. 743). His research aims were clearly stated, among them were to look at how citizen journalists:

• Interact with their sources-do they use more or less sources than mainstream reporters?

• Source their news-the role played by the Internet and new (one-off) sources.

His findings suggest that citizen journalists prefer less interaction with their sources and tend to source most of their information through the Internet and other text-mediated channels (nearly twice as much as mainstream journalists) (Reich 2008, p. 749). I found his article easy to read because it is clearly labelled and structured in terms of incorporating headings, for example, a methodology section and a findings section, and his data collection is shown and collaborated in the form of tables, which helps break up the heavy text and allows the reader to see vividly the differences between mainstream and citizen journalism.

The results of this comparative study were well presented and discussed. I did not expect to see a research finding suggest that citizen journalists are better at using their own initiative than mainstream reporters (Reich 2008, p. 751). However, one reason for this could be that citizen reporters have the option to work at their own pace, often with the intent of breaking into mainstream journalism or ‘making it big’. For this to happen, enthusiasm and vigour is required. Although his research study is among one of the first and finest comparative studies of citizen reporting and journalism, his article is not without weakness. I would have to question the conclusions he draws from the study. In particular, he suggests a number of stories that ‘‘citizen journalists are well-equipped to cover’’ (Reich, 2008, p. 751). I do not think that such a generalization can be made based on one study. I would argue that a number of research studies need to done worldwide before such a specific conclusion can be made. His study did not pinpoint or take into account cultural differences and work practices in Israel and abroad for example.

Current Affairs in Irish Media

2010-04-26T08:21:00.000-07:00

Newspaper industry faces online financial burden

NEWSPAPERS worldwide face economic challenges, as the industry moves from print to the web, Press Ombudsman Prof John Hogan said.

Newspapers will have to compete with other media resources to generate advertising revenue in order to support the rising costs of their own websites, according to Prof Horgan.

He said that the example of the New York Times must act as a stern reminder to all newspapers as they aim to find a way to convert online visits into cash. The New York Times was forced to borrow $250 million (€193 million) to pay off a $1 billion loan.

Prof Hogan, who was speaking to journalism students at the opening of the University of Limerick’s newsroom, said that while these challenges pose a threat to the industry, he expects the press to win the battle.

‘‘Journalism is constantly reinventing itself and I have no doubt that journalism will see itself into the new era with verve,’’ he said.

Prof Horgan added that journalism will survive and flourish ‘‘only if it remains credible.

‘‘There are few more satisfying jobs in the market,’’ he said.

However, he warned that trials and tribulations by media sources against certain people in the public domain are no longer tolerable, unless they are in the public’s best interest.

‘‘There is a tendency in the media to kick people who can’t kick back. Some newspapers have a very narrow view as to who is vulnerable and who is not,’’ he said.

Prof Horgan added that journalists should not interfere with the role of the justice system, but if journalists feel that these institutions are not operating effectively, then criticism is warranted.

‘‘It is important not to forget that we, the people, employ the gardai to catch criminals, and judges to sentence them. If journalists don’t think that these institutions are doing their job properly, then criticism is in order. That is what a free press is for, and very important it is too,’’ he said.

After a very interesting and lively discussion, Mr Horgan added that the current crop of journalism students face exciting times ahead, and that they must adopt a ‘get up and go’ approach to succeed in their future career.

All in all it was a well received discussion and the students were given a great chance to learn about the many positions that journalism graduates have open to them in the future at home or further afield.

In what I felt was an accurate account of the media today and the problems it faces, both economically and physically, Prof Horgan was realistic on the prospects for the media in the future. He noted that accuracy and correct sources must be at the heart of all good journalism, which is a view that good journalists must share.

He discussed the sensationalism of stories by some newspapers, both tabloid and broadsheet, which I thought was an interesting and critical view towards the industry.

It was the first seminar of a 12 long series on Current Issues in the Irish media, designed to give student journalists an insight into the many career options available to them after their degree.

‘‘Comment is free but facts are sacred,’’ says Murtagh

PETER Murtagh is a man who has been through testing times: the Haughey era, the shoot to kill policy, the Troubles and the infamous Geraldine Kennedy phone tapping scandal. He is quick to admit that as an investigative journalist living in this period he had his fair share of the media machine.

He’s worked as a Foreign Editor at the Irish Times, an Opinion Editor, an Editor with the Sunday Tribune and the Guardian. He currently is the Managing Editor of the Irish Times and a motorbike blogger on Outsidein.

In the words of Rubin Frank ‘‘News is what someone wants to suppress. Everything else is advertising,’’ said Mr Murtagh.

Investigative journalism is no routine processing exercise said Mr Murtagh.

‘‘You must act like a police detective,’’ he added.

Verifying sources and using them wisely are the key tools for any investigative journalist, he said.

‘‘Your really only as good as your sources,’’ he added.

He echoed the Press Ombudsman, Prof John Horgan’s comments that journalists cannot assume the role of the gardai and justice systems when investigating crime. There is a danger where people think they are ‘elitist’ and take the law into their own hands, he said.

Mr Murtagh, who was speaking to University of Limerick journalism students, urged them to have the tenacity to keep going when finding a lead story. ‘‘If you knock on 55 doors and get no answer, knock on the 56th,’’ he said.

‘‘Freesheet papers are often scot on,’’ he said before congratulating the UL Graduate Diploma/MA journalism students on producing their own paper The Moyross Voice.

Mr Murtagh, a co-author of ‘The Boss’, discussed the reign of Charles Haughey and the paranoia that surrounded his term in office. Haughey demanded a pledge of support from cabinet ministers in October 1982 and wondered whether he could have a number of Fianna Fail TDs or senators arrested en route to Leinster House to prevent them voting against him during coups against his leadership, he said.

He said that his worst experience during the Haughey affair was when Haughey told him he knew a lot about his family. I wanted to kick the head of him, but I couldn’t, he added.

In a very informative speech delivered to the journalism students, they learned about the life of an investigative reporter, the challenges they face and also about the uniqueness of the career.

Students were also told about the importance of the Freedom of Information act in gaining important documents, which could, in turn lead to front page stories.

Mr Murtagh’s speech concluded the second seminar in a 12 part series of Current Affairs in Irish media at the University of Limerick.

CONOR Kavanagh began his career writing obituaries for his local paper the Dundalk Democrat, now he produces the Pat Kenny show on RTE Radio 1.

He says that his first job set him up for his career as it demanded accuracy and a high degree of knowledge. If you got a Priests name wrong you would certainly know about it, he added.

He’s worked on several RTE programmes including Morning Ireland, Drivetime and Today FM. He attributes his success to his father, who was a photographer and cameraman with the Dundalk Democrat during the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

‘‘From an early age I was out with my father during the Troubles taking photographs,’’ he said. He recalls the IRA car bombs in Newry and the riots in Derry and he showed us some images from his father’s camera, he recalls the early days of his youth.

The Pat Kenny show covers a broad range of topics such as Lisbon debates, alternative transport, economic turmoil, right down to reviewing a book, he said. It involves a lot of organization and planning, he added.

‘‘We do a lot of brainstorming, we start at seven and go through the papers and exchange ideas,’’ Mr Kavanagh said.

"We kick around ideas and sometimes each other. My day really starts when it ends,’’ Mr Kavanagh said, referring to the allocation of time slots for the next days programme.

It’s wonderfully dynamic, a great team spirit, he said before discussing the range of subjects the Pat Kenny show aims to cover. The economic crisis, the FAS scandal and fat cats having a good time at the public’s expense are all in the public interest.

He is quick to issue a stiff warning to the journalism students about judgment and accuracy. There is a ‘‘rush to print and a rush to judgment’’ in today’s media, he said.

‘‘Our reputation rests on accuracy,’’ he added and as RTE is not driven by the need to make money this rarely ever occurs.

In my opinion he summed up broadcast journalism in the words; ‘‘It’s a place apart.’’

He carried himself very well and he was very interesting and easy to listen to. He was eager to learn about what we thought about broadcast journalism and you got the sense that he knew what people were affected by and what makes good news.

It was a stark reminder, however, of the impact of the Troubles, when he told us about a loyalist bomb that went off in Dundalk in 1974, just around the corner from where he worked and two people were killed. He was so open about nearly being killed and he was non-judgemental.

Mr Kavanagh’s speech concluded the third seminar in a 12 part series of Current Affairs in Irish media at the University of Limerick.

DERMOT Mullane is a man who has been around the block. He has worked in both print and broadcast journalism, with the Irish Times and RTE and with TG4 on a consortium technology project.

He also was an anchorman for the evening news and the first Editor for RTE’s Six One and 9 o’clock news respectively.

He echoed the words of the Irish Times managing Editor Peter Murtagh, ‘‘Comment is free facts are sacred,’’ he said. It’s as valid today as it was some 50 years ago, he added.

He discussed the high prestige of the Irish Times and said that it has an international reputation and it is the reporter’s newspaper.

He urged journalists to remember the ‘‘Where, what, when, where, who and why’’ rule when preparing to write any article. He also said that they must not forget the one foot rule, have a dictionary not less than one foot away at all times.

‘‘It’s a question of professionalism, not a matter of pride,’’ he added. He said that if journalists are in doubt about any aspect of their article they should leave it out. Otherwise, he said the threat of legal action against your paper could spell the end of your career.

Grammar and language are the key tools in good journalism, he said. He took the example of ‘‘Man killed in fall off of bus’’ as the worst constructed headline he had ever seen. He also said that while advancements in technology have helped speed up the process of news writing, it has removed vital checking stages and the likelihood of correcting errors.

‘‘The concept of a style book has also vanished,’’ he said and this has removed a certain degree of clarity, he added.

Mr Mullane called on all journalists to follow the KISS method of news writing-Keep It Simple Stupid, he says with a profound smirk on his face. He added that trust also plays a huge role in news and ‘‘people have in the past gone to jail to protect their sources.’’

The reporter should be a facilitator, he said and they must seek to give the right of reply where possible to all sides in their article.

He added that the news agenda dictates the order of stories covered by RTE news and that the people who deliver the news must have a speed of three words a second or 180 words a minute. Mr Mullane said that broadcast journalists give the news in a short and direct manner, referring to them as the ‘‘fighter squadrons’’ and print journalists go into broad and descriptive detail. They are the ‘‘heavy bombers,’’ he said.

‘’Reporting is the bedrock of journalism. Don’t bring yourself into the news,’’ he said.

In a very interesting discussion on print and broadcast journalism, I found the points on grammar and language to be very interesting. Mr Mullane seems to be old fashioned, but he is right about the use of ‘Americanisms’ and words that convey an opposite meaning to their original use. ‘Presently’ and ‘in what’ were two good examples.

Another interesting point that he mentioned was technology as a hindrance to good journalism. It had never occurred to me that errors could be easily missed by today’s technology, so it was a bit of shock to hear this revelation from Mr Mullane.

The emphasis that he placed on trust and protecting your sources really hit home and was another topical issue which had never before crossed my mind.

Mr Mullane’s speech concluded the fourth seminar in a 12 part series of Current Affairs in Irish media at the University of Limerick.

BRENDAN Keenan is a Group Business Editor with the Irish Independent. He is a man who tells it how he sees it and is not afraid to speak the truth whatever the consequences.

He started his career with the Sunday Times business desk over 30 years ago and he is glad to see that business pages have become a more lucrative attraction today, than they were in the 1970’s.

‘‘Business has moved from the specialist back pages to the front pages,’’ he said.

Business Journalism appeals to two kinds of readers, the specialist reader and the general reader. ‘‘Business Journalism is a bit of a haven for serious matters,’’ he added.

He compared this years recession to that of the 1980’s and said that it will take three years of ‘‘touch and go’’ for the economy to get back on its feet. ‘‘People have not understood how serious the situation is and what we say or write can magnify the effects,’’ he said.

He called on journalists to avoid the blame game and to report on what happens, not what should happen or what might happen. ‘‘There is a question of reporting vs. advocacy,’’ he added.

He said that the banking crisis has also created a bad reputation for Ireland, where confidence and belief is low. He said that eastern countries may blame us for the recent state of the economy and it is up to the Government to punish those involved in the banking scandal.

‘‘It wasn’t just wrongdoing and law breaking.

‘‘Giving capital to a bank is like giving money to an alcoholic,’’ he said.

He urged journalists to stay away from future predictions as they can impact on the economy. ‘‘You can’t talk your way out of the recession, look at what happened at Northern Rock,’’ he said.

He added that those who were involved in the banking scandal may never be brought to justice. ‘‘Our liable laws are draconian, our company laws so complex,’’ he said.

The future will be bleak for the foreseeable future, with 35 Bn in taxes needing to be raised, we face the worst challenge since the civil war, he said.

‘‘Public spending will drop for four years,’’ he added.

He said we must remain optimistic for the future and added: ‘‘History gets re-written very quickly.’’

In a very lively speech, Mr Keenan spoke about the economic crisis in simple terms. He was quick to state the mistakes that were made by bank officials and the Government and the pension situation, which will affect public sector workers.

He was an interesting character and he spoke his thoughts, even tough they caused some outrage and commotion amongst the journalism group. ‘‘Politics and sports are repetitive, business is not,’’ he said.

I admired his tenacity about how the banking perpetrators must be brought to justice and how the Government has got very bad at politics. His analysis of the economic challenges that face the global business world was interesting and well researched.

FRANK McDONALD knows all too well the cause of this recession. The Irish Times Environment Editor pins the blame on the Government, the banks and the property market.

The Builders, a book which he co-wrote with his fellow Irish Times journalist Kathy Sheridan chronicles how the property market went from boom to bust and why the only way the property bubble could go was down.

The share of the blame lies with Government. They, along with the banks led ordinary people on the notion that ‘‘the only way the property market could go was up,’’ he said.

The bust is worse here than in other countries because everyone lost in the property game. People forget that the Celtic Tiger was an export lead boom, which lasted for six years, he added.

‘‘Houses were being sold at inflatable prices and house prices in Dublin were greater than those in Paris. Something had to give and unfortunately for us it was the property market,’’ he said.

Our property market has since evaporated, our migrants have gone home and it is impossible to get credit from the banks. We are in a bad state, he added.

Ireland owes billions in property debt and these loans have to be covered. In turn, people are losing their security, their cars, their homes, their business and livelihood, he said.

Despite this Mr McDonald predicts the market will revive itself within two to three years.

However, he remains critical of the re-zoning process, which he describes as a ‘‘level of squandermania of community resources.’’

He argues that Ireland hardly functions anymore. With parts of Dublin now in Leitrim, Cavan, Laois and Wexford, he does not see an end to our problems.

Councillors are doing individual favours for individual constituents and money is exchanging hands, he said. ‘‘The view of a lot of Councillors is build wherever you like whenever you like.’’

Councillors are acting as retail agents and auctioneers and until we establish a zoning commission and project money into sustainable development we are at nothing, he said.

It is time for our ‘‘roguish’’ banks to start paying their way too, he added.

Mr McDonald’s analysis of the current recession was a valid one. His focus on the property market and why we relied too heavily on it, just as we had over-relied on the

Potato before the famine, allowed students to see the full extent of damage caused to our economy.

He gave a thorough account of what exactly happened and he called it as he saw it. He also spoke about local government and how it is plagued by corruption, which also linked into Dr Fisk’s speech on conflict and war in the Middle East.

He spoke about urbanization and parts of Dublin moving into other counties. This was another valid point because more and more houses are going up in the outskirts of Dublin and beyond, but they are remaining empty. Who will have to bare the brunt of the cost should they fail to be sold?

‘‘I LOVE a cut off Mr Grandeur and Mr Self.’’

Those are the words of the Irish Daily Star Editor Ger Colleran, who is used to cutting chunks out of our politician’s and celebrity’s ego.

Mr Colleran began his career with the Irish Daily Star in 1999, following 15 years with the Kerryman. He knows the trade, the challenges it faces and its strengths.

‘‘Newspapers are in freefall, there has been a collapse in advertising and share price,’’ he said. However, since 1988 the Star has gone from selling 16,000 daily copies to over 111,000 in 2008, an increase of over 95,000 copies in 20 years.

The intrusion of foreign imports and newspapers is what Mr Colleran puts the downturn and economic climate down to. With competition from the Irish Independent and the Irish Times, Mr Colleran’s fears may well prove to be valid.

‘‘My main concern is survival. There has been a 40 per cent drop in advertising and this is worrying,’’ he said.

Among our biggest challenges and problems are deformation reform and the Press Council, he added.

Mr Colleran is very much a man who believes in letting the truth be heard. He does not believe in privacy for celebrities and those in the firing line.

‘‘Privacy has very little to do with ordinary people,’’ he said.

Our human characteristics should penetrate their way onto the paper, he added. ‘‘Freedom of speech, Brits and overlords need to be pushed back,’’ he said.

He defended his papers reputation of ridiculing people in the public domain and coverage of sensitive issues. ‘‘Good journalism is good business,’’ he added.

He said that there used to be three things that you could rely on: the church, GAA and Fine Gael and that only one remains-GAA. He was critical of RTE and said it was not doing its job of acting as public sector broadcaster. ‘‘RTE is in the Government’s back pocket,’’ he added.

He advised students to pay attention to detail, but not to be afraid of making inconsistencies.

In a very lively and topical speech, Mr Colleran described the style of his paper and voiced his opinion on many topics, including the Government, what makes news and privacy. His views were very extremist and radical and as a student myself, I don’t think they went down altogether well.

Firstly, I don’t believe journalism should be about ‘‘good business’’. Journalism should be about passion and love of the job and about informing people of what is going on in their world. Business has to take a back seat before accuracy and relevance.

Secondly, privacy does affect everyone and everyone should have the right to privacy. I would not go into the house of a dead person and ask for a picture and statement of a grieving parent as Mr Colleran said must be done. Even celebrities deserve privacy, not intimidation and harassment.

He also had a hate campaign against the Irish Times for some unexplained reason which put me off. It comes down to a matter of taste and values as to which paper you buy.

His comment on RTE being in the Governments pocket is a false accusation. RTE is for the people and they have been just as critical of the Government as anyone else has. RTE gives viewers two sides of every story in a balanced and fair way and it is up to the viewer to seek the truth. I don’t think I can say the same for the Star though, it is not my cup of tea.

Mr Colleran’s speech concluded the eight seminar in a 12 part series on Current Issues in Irish Media at the University of Limerick.

Collison predicts recruitment drive for journalists to restart within two years

GERARD Collison is a man who has been around the block. He’s worked with the Irish Press, the Broadcasting Complaints Commission and the Clare Champion.

Today, he has helped to establish perhaps one of the finest regional papers, a rival to the Clare Champion- the Clare People.

He believes the news industry is in a ‘‘depressed’’ state at the moment, but news media will survive and prosper. He is a man who calls it as he sees it.

‘‘I predict a recruitment drive in two years time. Jobs will change more than those two or three years ago,’’ he said.

He added that the narrow skill base of journalists in the past is no longer a viable option and these changes have been driven by technology and what the market demands.

Not only was this change accelerated by the market, but also by the change in press ownership. ‘‘Ten to fifteen years ago regional papers were privately owned, now Irish media groups have transformed the landscape beyond all recognition,’’ he said.

Editing skills and software are a must. Reporters now are required to have sub editing skills, it is a one way process. Our style book is our ‘‘Bible’’, it allows us to troubleshoot and learn our trade, he added.

He said that among the best newspaper performers are the freesheets, such as the Limerick Post and the Galway Advertiser. He was sceptical of relying on websites and podcasts to generate revenue. They should only be used as a ‘‘backburner’’, he added.

He gave students some helpful advice on what their job will entail. ‘‘It’s a passion, you are never in it for the money,’’ he said. He warned students to ‘‘own up to mistakes as you have the capacity to destroy people.’’

‘‘I look for curiosity, passion, and bravery in a journalist. You may not be the best writer but being honourable covers a multitude.’’

Mr Collison’s speech covered a lot of issues surrounding the media. His focus on both the print and broadcast media allowed students to envisage what work they will be carrying out on a daily basis.

His emphasis on journalism being a passion, not a job and being enthusiastic couldn’t be more true. If you are passionate about something you love then it is easier to do.

His analysis on what job prospects are out there now was bleak, but truthful. ‘‘Sixty jobs are going in the Irish Times and most of the jobs have still to go because we over egged the pudding.’’

Mr Collison’s speech concluded the tenth seminar in a 12 part series of Current Affairs in Irish Media at the University of Limerick.

LIMERICK’s Live 95 FM Head of News and Current Affairs Joe Nash had a career with UTV’s Public Relations team before joining the popular radio station.

It was little surprise when UTV announced it was buying the radio station for €16 million in 2002. Mr Nash’s influence was clear and since then the station has gone from strength to strength.

‘‘We have an 81 per cent of the average population of Limerick and Munster on an average week, which accounts for 44 per cent of our market share,’’ he said.

Our programmes include: News and Currents Affairs, Sport and Entertainment, General information and Job line, he added.

However, with the emergence of Spin South-West as a popular music and entertainment radio station targeting teenagers across Munster, Limerick’s Live 95 faces stiff competition.

To deal with this, Mr Nash is responsible for speech output and selecting stories that run. ‘‘We are half-way between Jerry Ryan and Morning Ireland,’’ he said.

When running with stories I judge them on their merits, their accuracy, relevance and their fairness and balance, he added.

‘‘If it bleeds it leads,’’ is Mr Nash’s dictum. Among the most appealing stories that run on his programme are: the gangs of Limerick, crime in general, news of sport, the local economy and politics.

However, Mr Nash is quick to remind the broadcasting industry of the challenges they face in the coming years. ‘‘We have to be careful of being trial, judge and executioner,’’ he added.

The public’s feeling of ownership of Live 95 FM is what is important. ‘‘Cork people love themselves and they have a strong loyalty to the brand that is Cork, they have inner confidence,’’ he said.

With Limerick’s ‘’unique reputational perspective’’ and focus, it is safe to say that Limerick’s Live 95 FM is safe in the hands of its producers and listeners. With the station adopting its own values and guidelines, Live 95 FM is on the up.

Mr Nash’s thoughts on these core values: balance, relevance and accuracy showed his enthusiasm for the job and what his station strives to achieve. His insight into Limerick stories that fly proved very beneficial, showing students what makes news and how to make news relevant to your reader or listener.

He raised the issue of the media adopting the role of ‘‘trial, judge and executioner’’ which is, as important in today’s world as ever, for example, the Irishman shot dead in Bolivia has already been judged by certain Irish papers and portrayed as a terrorist despite the ambiguity between fact and fiction.

Mr Nash’s speech concluded the seventh seminar in a 12 part series of Current Affairs in Irish Media at the University of Limerick.

‘‘Work first and last for yourself,’’ says Molloy

‘‘I WAS lucky to be involved in a train crash within my first three months’’.

That is the view of former Editor of the Mail on Sunday and the current Editor of the Irish Independent Philip Molloy.

Renowned for his work with the Irish Press, a supposed Fianna Fail paper which he questions, a film critic and working with RTE Radio One’s Art Show, Mr Molloy said that this disaster helped to establish him at the ‘‘best training paper in the country-the Evening Press.’’

Referring to the train crash which killed five people at Gorey in County Wexford during December 1975, Mr Molloy said that it was left in his hands to report back that days horrific events.

‘‘There is an absolute necessity to work on your own initiative. There are always avenues, wider ways, possibilities to look at things,’’ he added.

‘‘You can never have enough contacts. They are invaluable, develop them, drink with them,’’ he said.

He urged journalists to ‘‘work fist and last for yourself and to decide your own values.’’

He said that blogging culture is a niche market where journalism is heading. Although he did not say whether it would be viable for newspapers to go on the net, he said: ‘‘Bloggers are hungry, cheap and deliver copy once an hour. It is a quick response approach, but more suitable to colour writing where it acts like horses for courses and could sell like crazy.’’

He reiterated Gerard Collison’s advice; ‘‘have an interest that will stand to you, think as a freelance, your job is a vocation not a vacation.’’

He said journalists must attend conferences and meetings. ‘‘Nothing is beneath you,’’ he added.

He described his time with the Irish Press, a supposed Fianna Fail backed newspaper. ‘‘I was never hit on the knuckles or told to write an article a certain way whilst I was there,’’ he added.

However, he was angered and offended by what happened in the lead-up to the General Election of 1997. ‘‘Fianna Gael were in power and Fianna Fail were trying to get back into power. We were covering the election in a balance way and giving it coverage for at least three weeks during the final month. The final article was published prior to the election and it went on the front page having bypassed me. It stated: It’s Payback Time.’’

Never before had I lost my temper, I was furious for months on end after that and I think the Irish Independent lost some credibility as an impartial paper after that, he added.

Mr Molloy’s insight into the world of journalism was met with applause and students felt that what he said was very relevant into how they hope to start and end their career in journalism. Taking heed from his opinions on establishing good contacts from every walk of life, such as the gardai outside the courthouse as he suggested and following up on what interests you, we were left with a better insight into the world and mechanics of journalism.

His idea of a mentoring arrangement in the future, where journalism students would be able to bounce ideas off him and other newspaper editors and get them published was great and students were open to the idea of enhancing their talent in the public domain.

Overall, it was a great speech from a highly influential and charismatic man and the journalism students were impressed by his enthusiasm, passion and love of his job.

Mr Molloy’s speech concluded the eleventh seminar in a 12 part series of Current Affairs in Irish Media at the University of Limerick.

HIS CAREER has spanned some 40 years to date and he is not done yet by a long shot. He has worked as a Foreign War Correspondent during the Portuguese revolution, the Iran-Iraq war, the war in Lebanon and more recently, the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Today, Dr Fisk is the Middle East Correspondent with The Independent in England. He has a strong connection with Ireland however, having covered the Troubles in Northern Ireland with The Times in London. He has a PhD from Trinity College Dublin and has won many prestigious awards for his books, which include In a Time of War and Pity the Nation.

His father was a soldier based in Cork during World War 1 and escaped being sent to the Somme because of the 1916 War of Independence. ‘‘In a way I owe my life to Padraig Pearse,’’ he said.

He is very critical of journalists doing what he described as ‘’50-50 journalism’’, where they mask the truth and give only one side of the story. ‘‘We should be neutral on the side of those who suffer,’’ he added.

He said the Iraq war was a failure. ‘‘Liberation will compete with our occupation,’’ he added.

Today’s journalists and reporters are not speaking the truth. ‘‘Television has made war normal and I fear that,’’ he said.

It is injustice that fuels Hezbollah and Hamas, he said. When you see the Israeli’s speaking of Palestinian’s they are portrayed as terrorists. It’s all about perspective, he added.

The source of many of these conflicts is us, he said. ‘‘They want freedom from us (the west). We wanted the oil, we didn’t want the people,’’ he added.

We forget about the illegal Jewish colonies on Arab land and the Palestinian struggle. American President Barack Obama will not bring change to Gaza, to Israel or Palestine. ‘‘He spent 24 minutes in the West Bank and 24 hours in Israel,’’ he said.

He argued that Washington will let these settlements continue and that we must all now question ourselves and challenge those in power to act now. ‘‘Challenge authority, the Middle East is not a football match,’’ he added.

Dr Fisk believes that religion is not the problem and argues that the West has been the ‘‘enemy at the gates since the 16th Century’’. He remains sceptical of our political leaders. He said: ‘‘Corruption goes from the book boy to the president.’’

He is also critical of our failure to initiate war crimes against Israel and refuted claims that their army is a ‘‘moral’’ army. We set new rules in each war and until we re-introduce reality and suffering in a serious way, we are at nothing, he said.

This is the job of the journalist, he added.

Dr Fisk’s speech was the highlight of the seminar series. His impeccable account of war and conflict and its futility left the aspiring journalists in awe. His account of the injustice, not only of the Palestinian’s but of those in Bosnia and Northern Ireland was frightening but needed to be told.

His insight into the corruption and flaws of the Western democracy left students with a valuable taste of what goes on behind closed doors. Having heard such graphical descriptions of many conflicts worldwide how could one not be inspired to change our stance on war and help those in suffering?

His point on television desensitising the viewer was very valid. Everyday we see films and series of a graphical nature and this has shaped how we view reality. Just because we have not experienced war or conflict does not mean it does not exist.

Dr Fisk’s speech concluded the final seminar in a 12 part series of Current Affairs In Irish Media-entitled ‘The Middle East, Politics and Journalism in a Globalised World’ at the University of Limerick.

2010-04-22T04:07:00.000-07:00

IRELAND must learn the lessons of the 1980’s if it is to recover from recession.

In his first public lecture since quitting Fine Gael, former RTE Economist George Lee said Ireland should focus on securing investment ahead of satisfying loans payable to Europe.

“We didn’t know the 27 gateways to Europe as we do now. Our problem is capital, we need money.

“When we joined Europe we gave away all our economic policy instruments bar a few. We have control over Europe in terms of our income tax and corporate tax rate, as contained in the Maastricht Treaty. We cannot passively wait, why talk about it if you are never going to use it?” he said.

He stated that Ireland should also follow in Britain’s footsteps. “In the Leader’s Debate in Britain they said you must be mad to correct the deficit. They are out of recession. They cut interest rates to zero, began printing money (quantitative easing) and cut vat rates to ensure competiveness, while we increased them. Their recovery plan was backed by Nobel Prize winners.

“This is the worst crisis since World War I in Europe. Unemployment, a zombie like banking system, we are fearful,” he added.

He said that politicians and economists alike could not claim they didn’t know the implications of joining the euro were. Our GNP growth is -11.2%, while Britain’s is at -0.5%, and they are effectively out of recession, he said.

Mr Lee said that he was fully Pro-Europe, but that reducing the deficit from 13% to 3% by 2014 was a man made rule for normal circumstances. “These are beyond extraordinary circumstances. Think, stand up for ourselves. We need assistance, we are part of the club.

“We need pension funds to be invested here. People need to see real physical infrastructure, projects and colleges. Invest in energy and water.

“Unemployment is a scourge, workers have lower skills and are walking in and out of employment. We have 50 percent long term unemployment. Our investment is walking out the door,” he added.

Ireland needs to look at competitiveness. The cost of goods here are 20 percent more expensive than in Britain and our services are 32 percent dearer, he said.

While Mr Lee hinted at a return to RTE in August, he said that his return might not necessarily be in the economic journalism arena.

“I can’t go back in the manner I have done. Negotiations are ongoing, so I hope to be back around August time at the least.

“Commentators call me biased, but I know that isn’t true. I won’t be able to discuss government policy stories, but I can give financial and international advice,” he added.

His lecture themed Ireland’s Economic Collapse-Where to now? concluded the University of Limerick’s Investigating Current Issues in Irish Journalism Series.

Front: Mary Dundon, Denise Calnan, George Lee and Aisling Hussey
Back: David Kelly and Kieran Foley

Garda Review

2010-04-19T13:25:00.000-07:00

Magazine’s concept
Founded in 1923, the Garda Review “gives a voice to gardai who are denied a political voice. They are part of the community and central in preventing and detecting crime. This magazine raises issues relevant to their lives, including: policing, stress, transfers, pay cuts, etc.”

The Garda Review see’s “policing through the eyes of people who deal with it day and night. It is a strong voice for the members of An Garda Siochana, both as individuals and collectively.”

The Garda Review is “much more than a trade magazine, in some ways it is a community magazine. It tackles contemporary issues in Irish society and incorporates elements of news, sports and leisure, whatever is relevant to members of the garda force.” (Neil Ward, Editor)

The magazine comprises of 2 main parts: 4 features Regulars: editorial, competitions, garda stories and news, garda sportsfile, in the job, the last word, eyewitness, legal and informal.

The magazine is printed in full colour and 10 issues are produced annually.

The Garda Review is a subscription based magazine. It is mailed directly to members home address for €1 per week deducted from salary.

Market and funding strategy
The Garda Review’s target market are members of An Garda Siochana. The magazine is the official magazine of the Garda Representative Association whose numbers total over 12,000.

80 percent of the force are at garda rank, so the Garda Review circulates approximately 8,000. copies.

“While the magazine specifically targets garda members, it is also used by politicians, members of the Dail, Seanad, various journalists and students who study criminology.”

It is funded through subscription-€1 deducted at pay.

“This cost is fixed depending on general numbers of subscriptions they receive. It rose steadily in the past few years as we invested heavily in the magazine and in our online edition.”

Circulation X3=readership-8,000 X3=24,000

• 96% are subscribed readers • 2% read a colleague’s copy • 2% read a family member’s copy

(Dyflin Media)

Advertising
The Garda Review “is a national magazine for the police force. We are not interested in local advertising. We need national advertisers to help fund our magazine.”

“Advertising must be relevant to gardai, examples include EBS, insurance, mortgages, etc.”

The Garda Review does not ‘actively sell’. Advertisers who are interested in promoting their product come to them. This is a huge benefit because it helps secure loyalty amongst national advertisers.

They have a set number of pages for advertisements. This increases their reach and rewards their loyalty.

They are adamant that adverts have to be specific to members of the force and it is a ‘waste of money and resources’ placing an advert outside the interests of gardai.

Between 7 and 10 pages are designated to advertising. This includes full page ads, half and quarter page ads.

This represents a 15-23 percent divide (out of a 44 page publication).

Less designated space to advertise online

STANDARD RATES: PAGE COLOUR €1,600 SIZE: A4 (Medialive 2008).

Garda pay rates between €27,000 and €50,000 (GRA payscales 2010). Disposable income?

Amongst the regular national advertisers are:

St Paul’s Garda Credit Union

PenPro-pension and protection consultants

3 mobile

Motorola

EBS

Irishrail.ie

Each advertisement usually has a marketing tool to draw in members-e.g. Special discount for members of An Garda Siochana.

Advertising continued: http://www.gardareview.ie/index.php?article=homepage
DPS Page -1/2 page-1/3 page-1/4 page

Black & White: € 3350 €1900 €1100 €850 €675

Colour €4500 €2700 €1400 €1000 €800

SPOT COLOUR

€125 per standard colour

Cover positions €200

(Dyflin 2008)

Marketing tools
How the Garda Review justifies its price:

The magazine is published 10 times a year. It costs one euro a week or four euro a month.

The magazine can easily justify its price. Made from quality paper it is appealing to look at. Its use of photographs and neatly written content justifies its price.

Contributions by Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy and GRA President Michael O’Boyce .

Editorial staff include: General Secretary of the GRA Pj Stone, GRA President Michael O’Boyce, Donal Flannery of the Garda College and Kerry GRA Spokesperson Dave McMahon.

Expertise of writers:
Competency- “We are looking for competent and accomplished writers. We need someone who can but together an article in a few hours. A professional would take a few hours, whereas with a non-professional it could take days, and even then the quality could let you down.”

“We need writers with a unique and mature style. They must be able to view things through the eyes of our readers. They need to have good interviewing skills and work together as a team. The ‘I’ factor is no good to us.”

The Garda Review produces 44 pages per working month (22 days). They look for 2 pages a day-anything up to 1400 words and 3 photographs.

The professional standards associated with the magazine force it to ‘go outside’ for talent and expertise. While some writers are former members, this is not a requirement as it is ‘very hard to maintain’ and they don not have the same skill bases as working journalists.

Circulation and online presence
The Garda Review circulates around 8,000 copies per month. The highest costs associated with the magazine are:

Postage

Printing

Labour

The magazine has varying staff costs based on full time and part time positions. In the future it is proposed that the publication will be emailed to subscribers. But while there is demand for hard copy this will not be the case.

Online presence:
While the magazine would like to have the same reach as The Guardian, this is not the case.

“Having the magazine online is purely about existence, so that when people Google us they can get basic information from our site.”

Being online the magazine raises extra advertising revenue, although this is limited. It is used to offer some public content while maintaining the exclusivity of being a member.

It provides a platform for discussion and blogs (members only).

“An online presence for us is to accommodate those members who can access the net and share there views in a secure environment without prejudice. It is also about giving the public an insight into life as a garda and how they can make a difference.”

FREE TIME AND INTERESTS: • 69% of readers have internet access in their home • 38% are current gym members • 60% of Garda Review readers plan to change their cars in the next 2 years • Over 40% of readers take at least three holidays every year

Figures based on 2005 Garda Review Reader’s Survey from overall readership 7,500

“Our online strategy for the future is to produce a backlog/reference library of previous issues. It is also about trying new features, which may be added if market research indicates the need for it. For now it is about having an online presence. Who’s to say in the future we may be forced to go it alone online? If it is dictated by demand then that is where we are headed.”

Online presence
Age profile and geographical spread may help understand decisions made by the Garda Review with regards advertising and having an online presence, etc.

(Dyflin 2008)

Challenges and opportunities
The Garda Review faces challenges including “having an audience, giving the message to the wider world and having an online aspect relative to our competitors”.

The magazine does not have any real threat in its target market. “The only threat per se is from the Garda Times, but that is a yearbook for retired members, so we don’t really look at it as a real threat. We would help provide information to them on a regular basis. What comes around goes around.”

“We are well equipped to deal with these challenges because of our strengths. We have a unique distribution twinned with the GRA and a security policy for our members. We offer unique content, something there is always demand for.”

The future:
“Policing is changing, we are becoming more involved in industrial relations. We have been around for 87 years. Someone obviously had great vision and foresight. We have stood the test of time. There will always be a need for a police force, so there will always be a demand for the Garda Review.”

Success
The magazine is enjoying unprecedented popularity among readers. How

can we measure this? Paying subscriptions have risen from 3,470 in 2003
to 7,926 in September 2007; considerably more than doubled.

Over 8% of Garda Review readers responded to our readers’ survey.

Of these respondents, nearly all (98.4%) read every issue of the magazine

and over half of readers (52.7%) read the entire magazine cover to cover.

(Dyflin 2008)

Advice: “Working with the Garda Review will provide opportunities to learn how to write hard news stories, soft articles, features and develop photography skills. You will gain contacts for life. Don’t overlook a small magazine when your starting out.”

References

Dyflin Media (2008) ‘The Garda Review Reader’ [online], available: http://www.dyflin.ie/rp_garda_review.htm [accessed 16 Feb 2010].

Garda Review (2007) ‘The Story’ [online], available: http://www.gardareview.ie/index.php?article=The_Story [accessed 16 Feb 2010].

Garda Representative Association (2010) ‘Salary Scales’ [online], available: http://www.gra.cc/payscales.shtml [accessed 16 Feb 2010].

Media Live (2008) ‘Magazines: Garda Review’ [online], available: http://www.medialive2.com/general-market/ [accessed 16 Feb 2010].

Periodical Publishers Association of Ireland (2009) ‘Research on Advertising in Magazines’ [online], available: http://www.ppa.ie/market-research.html [accessed 16 Feb 2010].

Interview with Mr. Neil Ward, Editor of the Garda Review (16 Feb 2010).

2010-04-16T05:32:00.000-07:00

Question 2- Discuss the main differences between the Liberal, Social Democratic and Conservative models of Welfare State as identified by Esping-Andersen (1990).

Introduction: In my essay I will discuss the main differences between the ‘three worlds of welfare capitalism’ as identified by Esping-Andersen (1990). They are the Liberal, Social Democratic and Conservative/Corporatist Welfare States. I will discuss how they differ in terms of decommodification and destratification. I will make reference to the U.S as a Liberal Welfare State, Sweden and the Netherlands as Social Democratic Welfare States and Germany as a Corporatist Welfare State. In my conclusion I will argue why I believe the Social Democratic Model to be the best way forward. To start, I feel it is necessary to briefly discuss three key concepts that are an integral part to understanding each world of welfare. They are:

• Ideal types
• Decommodification
• Destratification

Ideal types: In using countries to exemplify the different Welfare States, it should be noted that these are ideal types. Ideal types have been described as categorization based on broad characteristics, which may or may not be present all of the time (Abercrombie et al 2006). In simpler terms the U.S is viewed as a Liberal Welfare State based on characteristics that embody this Welfare State, such as: promoting individualism and favouring the free market (Considine and Dukelow 2009, p.126). This is not to say that the U.S has all these characteristics or that it doesn’t have elements of the Social Democratic and/or Corporatist Welfare State. This should be taken into account when analysing each Welfare State to maintain objectivity.

Decommodification: Huo et al (2008, p.5) describe decommodification as the fulcrum of the Welfare State, which may be “defined as exit from the labour market with little or no loss of income”. Based around this concept, Esping-Andersen created “three individual decommodification indexes (pensions, unemployment and sickness)” (Bambra 2006, p.74), in which to contrast how effective/ineffective the three Welfare State regimes were in allowing individuals, or families the option to partake or withdraw from the labour market (Huo et al 2008, p.7). It will later be discussed how each Welfare State regime fares in terms of being decommodifying-thus moving on from the view of seeing people as just capitalist workers there to be exploited, to seeing them as social beings, who can be impacted upon by the market and inadvertently by the state and its policies.

Destratification: Focuses on whether the differing Welfare States maintain or challenge the existing social stratification order (Bambra 2006, p.74). It can be best described by asking does the Welfare State seek to uphold the ‘status quo’ (things as they are) or challenge it? It should be analysed by looking at the “relative roles of the state, the family and the market in welfare provision” (Ibid.). An example of destratification would be where the Social Democratic Welfare State tackles the low level of participation by women in the labour market by providing child care facilities, which helps to remove this barrier, thus ensuring more women have the right and/or choice to work. This concept is also linked to decommodification and it no doubt had and has influenced the decommodification indexes already discussed. The role of the three Welfare State regimes in destratification will also be discussed in the main body of my essay. I will now begin by discussing the Liberal Welfare State and how it relates to decommodification and destratification.

Liberal: The Liberal Welfare State is noted for its focus on individualism, the free market and a limited role for the state (Arts and Gelissen 2002, p.141). Individualism is seen as promoting self-responsibility and liberals argue that individuals will perform best in a free market economy. Thus they deny and are opposed to social rights and state intervention, unless it is vital (Considine and Dukelow 2009, p.123). With such an emphasis on individuals and the free market one could and should argue about the state diminishing its role in favour of an ‘equal’ world which it knows doesn’t exist under capitalism.

Headey et al (1997, p.332) apply the historical perspective of the sociological imagination when they draw upon the distinctions that the Liberal Welfare State makes between the ‘deserving poor’, “who due to age, disability or family circumstances, could not be expected to earn an adequate living in the labour market” and the ‘undeserving poor’, who receive lower entitlements, which may be means-tested to encourage them to work, i.e. stay within the capitalist system. They argue that the Liberal approach to welfare seeks to provide a “decent minimum standard of living for households unable to generate adequate income in the labour market”. Surely such an approach only keeps households just above the poverty line and makes no attempt to eradicate long term poverty. Even when benefits are made universal to all who meet the strict criteria, it is argued that these benefits are set at low flat rates in an attempt to mask ‘abject poverty’ (Ibid.). Thus, I am led to believe that liberalism does nothing to eradicate poverty and inequality, on the contrary-it creates it.

The Liberal welfare approach preaches a false concept of dependency, where payments are considered enough to keep people dependent and removes the incentive to work (Considine and Dukelow 2009, p.204). However, this idea has been discredited by “studies examining the employment effects of different decommodifying policies” (Huo et al 2008, p.6). If there is such a high rate of unemployment, it is common sense to know that people are losing their jobs faster than they are being taken on, thus this view is not applicable and I curtail this stance. I would argue against this viewpoint and it is my belief that this is just an attempt to undermine and restrict the impact and advantages that the Social Democratic Welfare State model holds over Liberal ideology.

Headey et al (1997, pp.329-359) in their comparative study on how the three models of welfare capitalism contrast in terms of poverty, inequality and the redistributive impact of governments, concluded that, based on one and five year comparisons, the U.S Liberal welfare regime “works least well along all those dimensions in the short term works little better in the longer term”. It is no surprise then to hear that Liberal Welfare States demonstrate a low level of decommodification and destratification because their welfare provision is strictly tied to market regulation, more so than government intervention (Considine and Dukelow 2009, p.154). It is thus harder to escape the market without losing income and putting yourself in the poverty line or below. Clearly these states are ineffective in addressing inequality, poverty and in challenging meritocracy –an equal chance based on individual effort (Ibid., p.289).

Corporatist: The Corporatist Welfare State shows some similarities and differences to the Liberal Welfare State. The basic idea that encapsulates this welfare system is the policy to ‘unburden’ the state (Offe 1996, p.69). This links in with the limited role of the Liberal Welfare State in welfare provision. People at risk of poverty are expected to rely on family, friends, the church or any other social network before seeking state aid (Headey et al 1997, p.332). In contrast with some liberal states, the corporatist state in Germany legislates for social insurance, continuity of income at “something close to the level of the breadwinner’s normal labour income” (Ibid.). It is perhaps a little more generous than the Liberal welfare system, but in terms of challenging the existing social order (destratification) it fails in this regard.

German social stratification is based on broad occupational categories; they are “Beamte (tenured civil servants), Angestellte (salaried employees) and Arbeiter (workers)” (Ibid.). The state helps prepare people for work through various schemes including; training programs, education and apprenticeships, but it cannot guarantee the right to work, even through subsidised work as seen in social democratic welfare states (Ibid.). Unlike the liberal welfare model, the Corporatist Welfare State discourages married women from working in the labour market. This is based on the traditional values of family and the influence or intrusion of the Christian Church into other aspects of life (Bambra 2006, p.142).

Unlike the Liberal Welfare State, Corporatist Welfare States do not reject the welfare state ideology, but they are ‘sceptical’ of the welfare state because of fears it could potentially damage core values and the role of the family (Considine and Dukelow 2009, p.128). Despite the role of the family being paramount than that of the market or state, which is the opposite for Liberal Welfare States, Corporatist Welfare States like Germany are “much more redistributive over five years than would ordinarily be expected” (Headey et al 1997, p.331). Likewise, their main aim is not directly to reduce poverty and income inequality, but to establish the upkeep of the dominant social order (Ibid., pp.332-333).

The Corporatist Welfare State greatly reduces poverty over time and surprisingly it nearly achieves as much income equality as the Netherland’s social democratic regime (Ibid., p.354). The German Corporate Welfare State demonstrates a greater level of decommodification than the U.S Liberal model despite its low level of destratification as I have detailed. It is easier to drop out of the market in these states without losing income and with more people being transferred out of poverty than in the U.S you have a greater chance of staying above the poverty threshold (Ibid.). The argument about Corporatist Welfare States being more beneficial than Liberal Welfare States has been profoundly passed. The Corporatist model has been proven to tackle poverty and redress inequality more so than the Liberal Welfare State, despite this not being their objective.

Social Democratic: The Social democratic Welfare State is best depicted by Sweden and to a lesser extent the Netherlands-because of its Corporatist past. The main characteristic which separates this model from the others is ‘Universalism’-this concept embodies that benefits should be universal-available to all, independent of their circumstances as a social right (Gilbert 2002, pp.135-136). This comes into conflict with both the Corporatist welfare regime, to a lesser extent and the Liberal welfare regime which advocates selectivity and dependency or need (Ibid.).

Social Democratic welfare regimes also recognise the importance of social rights in advocating equality and in striving for social justice (Considine and Dukelow 2009, p.137). Again this brings it into confrontation with the Liberal Welfare State and the Corporate State, who advocate responsibility and obligations before social rights and/or in order to achieve these rights. Furthermore it recognises the need for state intervention in addressing the inequality generated by capitalism and the provision of comprehensive services (Ibid.). It sees the family as having a marginal role, as does the Liberal welfare regime. It also agrees with the Corporatist welfare model, in terms of the market having a marginal role. However the labour market regulation in Social Democratic states-such as Sweden and the Netherlands is at an unprecedented scale. “Taxes, benefits, encouragement of reduced differentials in occupational earnings (‘wage solidarity’) and active labour market programs (job retraining and subsidised jobs for those who might otherwise be unemployed) are all used to promote income equality and a standard of living for all citizens” (Headey et al 1997, p.333).

It is clear that equality is the central goal of Social Democratic welfare regimes. Earlier I addressed how corporate labour market policies allowed for training programs and education, but did not advance to the right to work (Headey et al 1997, p.332). This right is copper fastened by a people’s social welfare policy. I will explain this statement in my conclusion. In total disparity to the Liberal and Corporatist ideology underpinning their respective welfare states, Social Democratic Welfare States see the individual as the ‘intended beneficiary’ (Ibid.). Women are actively encouraged to enter the labour market, both because the welfare state needs full employment and huge taxes to maintain the universal provision of services, and because it seeks to counter the Liberal ‘male breadwinners model’ (Ibid.)

In comparison to Liberal and Corporatist Welfare States, poverty spells have a short lifespan in the Netherlands because the state intervenes to prevent ‘social exclusion’-benefits are universal and at a high level in parity to those in Liberal welfare regimes (Ibid.).

One thing is for sure-“The social democratic (Dutch) welfare regime transfers more people out of poverty, shortens their poverty spells and reduces recurrence of poverty much more over five years than one” (Ibid.). This is the kind of welfare state that I would like to live in.

Conclusion: It comes as no surprise to find that Social Democratic Welfare States, such as those in Sweden and the Netherlands have one of the most generous and highly developed systems in the world (Gould 1996, p.91). As I have already mentioned, these states also are most effective in combating extreme poverty and in terms of decommodification and destratification they are the undisputed champions. It therefore allows a huge degree of immunity and offers protection to workers-it protects their work from being viewed as just a commodity and if they had to fall outside the system of labour they would be well protected (Gilbert 2002, p.19).

While the Social Democratic Welfare State is not without its faults, namely high taxes and high market regulation (red tape), it is still a hugely effective model in fostering equality. Critics will indefinitely argue against how it has become a burden on the economy and how the rising costs of welfare destroy “growth potential and competiveness”. While this may be partially true, it should be noted that by alleviating poverty you not only help citizens to improve their standard of living, you help the unborn generation have an equal start in life. If you are proactive rather than reactive and you take on the cause before it becomes a problem then you will save the state a fortune than if you let the problem (poverty or inequality) foster and spiral out of control for a few years and then decide to solve it. It makes practical sense, yet the Liberal and Corporatist Welfare States forget that people aren’t just collateral or a commodity, they are social beings too. Maybe if they used the sociological imagination and perspective a little more often then they too could see their own shortcomings.

When I said that the Social Democratic Welfare State was a people’s welfare state, I was referring to (Marshall, cited in Haynes 2010, p.232) which describes ‘The citizenship approach’. This approach describes three distinct rights: Civil, Political and Social. Civil rights include: “freedom of speech, the right to own property”, political rights include: “the right to participate in the exercise of political power” and Social rights include: the whole range from the right to a modicum of economic welfare and security…to live the life of a civilised being according to the standards prevailing in the society”. I feel that these rights are guaranteed under the social democratic model and personally it incorporates these rights better than the liberal and corporatist regimes. For me, a universal, democratic and equal society is the greatest success of the 20th and 21st century. I would sacrifice high taxes, and market regulations just to be a part of it.

It needs to be noted that Headey et al (1997, p.331) carried out their research based on the period 1885-89. While critics will try to defeat this research on the basis it is irrelevant, there is no such evidence to counter their research. By relative means I believe their research is still young, 20 years is such a small time period by all acounts. It must also be made known that they intend to cover a ten year period stretching from 1985-94 (Ibid., p.355). Only then can we see if the ‘three worlds of welfare capitalism’ identified by Esping-Andersen (1990) have learnt from their past failings.

In drawing my argument for the Social Democratic Welfare State to a close, I have demonstrated the main differences between the Liberal, Corporatist and Social Democratic model of welfare. I have addressed the question posed, with reference to the relevant literature and by using the main sociological tools-the sociological imagination and the sociological perspective. I have also used examples where necessary to strengthen my argument. While I did not go into detail on individual welfare regime policies, such as workfare, etc. I felt this was necessary to remain impartial and objective. I also showed my ability to be critical and my understanding of key concepts throughout. I hope that you have found my argument informative, argumentative and enjoyable.

Bibliography

Abercrombie, N., Hill, S. and Turner, B.S. (2006) The Penguin Dictionary of Sociology, 5th ed., London: Penguin Books.

Arts, W. and Gelissen, J. (2002) ‘Three worlds of welfare capitalism or more? A state-of-the-art report’, Journal of European Social Policy, 12(137), available: http://esp.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/12/2/137 [accessed 20 Oct 2009].

Bambra, C. (2006) ‘Research Note: Decommodification and the worlds of welfare revisited’, Journal of European Social Policy, 16(73), available: http://esp.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/16/1/73 [accessed 20 Oct 2009].

Considine, M. and Dukelow, F. (2009) Irish Social Policy: A Critical Introduction, Dublin: Gill & Macmillan.

Esping Andersen, G. (1990) The Three Worlds of Welfare Capitalism, Cambridge: Polity Press.

Gilbert, N. (2002) Transformation of the Welfare State: The Silent Surrender of Public Responsibility, Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Gould, A. (1996) ‘Sweden: The Last Bastion of Social Democracy’, in George, V., and Taylor-Gooby, P. (eds.) European Welfare Policy: Squaring the Welfare Circle, London: Macmillan Press Limited.

Haynes, A., comp. (2010) Sociology, Essex: Pearson Education Limited.

Headey, B., Goodin, R.E., Muffels, R. and Dirven, H.J. (1997) ‘Welfare over Time: Three Worlds of Welfare Capitalism in Panel Perspective’, Journal of Public Policy, 17(10), available: http://www.jstor.org/stable/4007582 [accessed 20 Oct 2009].

Huo, J., Nelson, M. and Stephens, J.D. (2008) ‘Decommodification and activation in social democratic policy: resolving the paradox’, Journal of European Social Policy, 18(5), available: http://esp.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/18/1/5 [accessed 20 Oct 2009].

Loney, M., Bocock, R., Clarke, J., Cochrane, A., Graham, P. and Wilson, M., eds. (1987) The State or the Market: Politics and Welfare in Contemporary Britain, London: Sage Publications.

Offe, C. (1996) Modernity and the State: East, West, Cambridge: Polity Press.

2010-04-16T05:21:00.000-07:00

Discourse Analysis on a multimodal new media platform

1. An account of the approach you are taking to discourse analysis:
Before analysing van Dijk’s ideological approach to discourse analysis, we want to briefly introduce the key concepts of discourse and multimodality, which we feel and van Dijk argues are an integral part of discourse analysis. Devereux (2007a, p.247) describes discourse simply as a ‘form of knowledge’. This implies the notion that it is something we know, however Devereux’s definition is a simplistic one that does not tell us how discourse is used and it does not imply that people have varying degrees of knowledge. Van Dijk 1998a (cited in Devereux 2007a, p.175) says that discourse “has a special function in the implementation and especially the reproduction of ideologies, since it is only through language use, discourse or communication (or other semiotic practices) that they can be explicitly formulated”.

Through these semiotic practices we can see how dominant discourses are maintained and how they can be challenged in the new media arena. LeVine and Scollon (2004, p.2) describe modes of communication as “any of the many ways in which a semiotic system with an internal grammaticality, such as speech, color, taste, or the design of images, may be developed”. In essence, they describe multimodality as focussing on “language in use” across these various modes and conclude that we must also focus on design, typography and layout without neglecting written text and vice versa (LeVine and Scollon 2004, p.2).

Keeping these concepts in mind we will now move on to introducing van Dijk’s ideological approach to discourse analysis. Van Dijk’s approach to discourse analysis is concerned with the function of ideology and power relations. Devereux (2007b, p.121) argues that van Dijk’s ideological square is “intended to highlight key ‘functional moves’ in developing an ideological strategy”. Central to this approach are what van Dijk terms “positive in-group description and negative out-group description” van Dijk 1998 (cited in Devereux 2007b, p.121). Van Dijk’s (1995) model has three main levels of analysis: Social analysis, cognitive analysis and discourse analysis. We will introduce this tripartite model, with a particular focus to discourse analysis as this is a recurring theme and the specific aim of our project.

Social analysis: A social analysis according to van Dijk (1995, p.20) would involve an examination of societal structures, political parties, group relations and structures. It is in these societal structures and group relations that ideology will be most evident. Group structures involve specifics such as identity, tasks, position and resources. This may be evident in our multimodal discourse analysis, especially in terms of how the website identifies with its target users and tries to challenge the dominant discourses.

Cognitive Analysis: A cognitive analysis argues that texts do not simply “have” meanings, but are given meanings by language users, readers, viewers, etc. These also include mental and structural processes where the language user will try to make sense of the information in relation to their own systems of beliefs and attitudes (Jensen and Jankowski 1991, p.117). A cognitive analysis would analyse what ideologies and systems of attitudes are evident in the text, however van Dijk (1995, p.20) also argues for the need to look at the sociocultural knowledge, i.e. what we know about society, groups and language. Entwined with this analysis is personal cognition which may be context free or context bound. These include thoughts, ideologies and attitudes shaped by personal convictions or models of events and contexts (van Dijk 1995, p.20). This too may be evident in our multimodal discourse analysis as the attitudes and thoughts of the main user group may reflect how certain points are emphasized and how others are excluded across the various modes.

Discourse analysis: Discourse analysis is concerned with the study of the many media of communication. It is a method of research “focused on the analysis of text and talk, discourse analysis is concerned with the use of language in a social context and the relationship between language use and (unequal) power relationships” (Devereux 2007a, p.247). Discourse analysis looks at the various structures and frameworks of “text and talk”. These would include linguistic features such as nominalization, active/passive sentence as well as use of syntax, rhetoric, lexicon, local and global semantics to name but a few (van Dijk 1995, p.20), as well as an analysis of the colours and images used, paralanguage-“meaningful behaviour accompanying language”, which includes: gestures, facial expressions, choice of typeface and letter sizes in writing, music, etc. (Cook 2001, p.64).

2. A description of the context of the website and your methodological framework:
The website that we have chosen to complete a multimodal discourse analysis project on is lgbtNOISE 2009 (available at: http://lgbtnoise.ie/). The website was designed in response to the Irish Governments rejection of the Civil Union Bill in March 2007. It offers information to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people in Ireland, and it also acts as a tool to attract media attention “on the question of same-sex marriage” (lgbtNOISE 2009). The website also offers viewers an array of information from newspaper archives (bigot watch) and media clips. It keeps them up to date with community news and events (protests, demonstrations and stunts) as well as opening and tapping into the new media environment, where they also supply links to their pages on Facebook, Twitter, Bebo and YouTube to name but a few.

The website seems to be on first inspection, viewer friendly and has a recurring theme of inclusion and activism. Polls, petitions, a subscription tab and comment threads allow viewers and members the chance to become a citizen journalist and create, challenge and/or maintain discourse.

We decided to pick this website because same-sex couples and marriage has been a topic that each of us has encountered in the course of our sociology studies. The sociocultural relevance of gay marriage is a topic that commentators have argued the Irish Government has simply glossed over. With the proposed Civil Partnership Bill soon to take effect, we want to see what dominant discourses can be found on same-sex couples and gay marriage. We also want to see how this website challenges these discourses using the modes of colour, imagery and sound. We will also include analogies, in the form of screen shots as shown above to strengthen any evidence we include.

With journalists arguing that “with divorce and cohabiting both on the increase, it seems that the majority of Irish people aren't all that bothered about marriage” (Murphy 2008), we want to see how this website challenges the dominant discourses around gay marriage and same-sex couples, which we will shortly introduce.
But first we would like to briefly introduce our multimodal discourse analysis methodological framework. The framework that we have decided to use is based on the work of Kress and van Leeuwen. Their work focused on the “meaning potential” of color and typography (Machin 2007, p.296), as well as adopting the notion that visual images can be understood as “text” and “grammar” in their own right (QTP 2002, p.3). If language is never neutral, then by extension the hypothesis visual imagery cannot be neutral because it is in itself language would hold sway. The key aim of systemic functional multimodal discourse analysis (SF-MDA) is to “capture the expansion of meaning which occurs when linguistic and visual forms combine” (O’Halloran 2008).

Using Kress and van Leeuwen’s (1996) model to understanding meaning through its three distinct categorizations (representational, interactional and compositional meanings), we plan to give an analysis of how color, imagery and sound may play a prominent role in challenging the dominant discourse which we will now outline. Please note that Kress and van Leeuwen’s approach will be used as a reference point and expanded upon in our analysis. Entwined with this approach will be reference to van Dijk’s work on ideology and discourse, should the analysis and findings require supported evidence.

Dominant discourse: The dominant discourses which we have identified are the negativity of gay marriage and same sex-couples, the preference of the nuclear family and marriage. We will briefly discuss how these are interpreted and used in the Irish media, etc. The negativity of gay marriage and same-sex couples focuses on the fact that same-sex couples cannot have children. An example where this is evident is from Murphy’s (2008) article entitled 'We just want to be recognised as a couple - the same as anyone else', in which difference is personified. David Quinn of the Iona Institute, which promotes marriage and religious practice, disputes the introduction of equal rights for same-sex couples and the right to marry on the grounds that "Same-sex relationships cannot produce children, and this is why it is not discrimination to treat heterosexual relationships differently from homosexual ones. They are treated differently because they are different”.

The use of the word “different” is used to negate why same-sex couples should be given equal status. Mr. Quinn later argues that to grant marriage to same-sex couples would be a “triumph of tolerance over reason”. With such a discourse focusing on what is shown as problematic, the article tries to maintain traditional catholic values and ethos. An article in the Irish Examiner by Buckley (2010) also distinguishes the difference of LGBT people. He uses a range of case studies to discuss being gay in the workplace and how people coped with being “different”.
The preference of the nuclear family is another discourse which prevails in Irish society. Under the Irish Constitution (1937) Article 41.1.1°: “The State recognises the Family as the natural primary and fundamental unit group of Society”. However, this article does not set out what family is swears to protect. Instead, this has been interpreted by the judges of Ireland, in the Supreme Court. An RTE (2009) article entitled: ‘Sperm donor granted access to child’ proves that this discourse is dominant.

“Ms Justice Susan Denham ruled there was no such institution as a 'de facto' family in Ireland and that the lesbian couple were not a family under the Constitution” (RTE 2009). This discourse of the family is relayed and portrayed as being what is desirable for society across various media in Ireland.

The dominant discourse of marriage focuses on the ‘union’ between a man and a woman. The constitution also tries to protect the institution of marriage where possible. David Quinn argues that marriage should take children into account. His argument and repeated discourse focuses on the “effect” same-sex marriage would have on the children, as well as the benefits of having “natural parents”, i.e. a mother and father (Murphy 2008). It is a discourse that others have not shielded away from-RTE (2009): “She also found that there was benefit to a child, in general, to have the society of his father”. The counter-hegemonic discourse, whereby same-sex couples argue that marriage is needed to protect their children should one partner die and the reasons, legal and otherwise, why they want to marry are largely ignored or masked with the prevalence of these dominant discourses.

3. A strong hypothesis/research question(s):

What modes, if any, can be used to create and/or maintain counter-hegemonic discourse?

We want to investigate the modes of colour, imagery, and sound, in light of how they formulate discourse. We want to see how they counter the dominant discourses that we previously introduced. Based on the notion that new media platforms are also language and grammar arenas (QTP 2002, p.3) we want to see how the lgbtNOISE website avails of these opportunities to express their views and challenge the discourses of difference, negativity, family and marriage.

4. An account of the discourses present and the evidence you have to support your claim:
In order to conduct our multimodal discourse analysis, we monitored the lgbtNOISE website at two selected intervals-Monday the 22nd of March and Friday the 25th of March to track the changes and note any change in attitude and/or discourses present. However, our findings found that there was no evident change over the five days in which we studied the website intensively.

As training journalists, one reason for this may be the newsworthiness of the content. News is not news if it is old. For it to be relevant it has to be new and impact on the lives of the target audience, in this case lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people in Ireland. Content is usually updated when it reflects these values, for example, if the Civil Partnership Bill had been passed during that week, content would almost certainly have reported this event.

We will now critically introduce the modes we have studied and how they related to the discourses present-did they accept or challenge certain viewpoints etc?
Colour: Colour as a mode of language may be used to represent certain moods and feelings, giving strength to what characteristics are more valued over what is reputed (QTS 2002, pp.6-7). Especially prevalent in the lgbtNOISE website are the colours: pink, blue, white (background), black background in photographs and slides. The colours vary from page to page with certain elements distinguishing themselves from the rest. The ‘gay rainbow’, for e.g. can be found in the top left hand corner. Here, the colours red, yellow and blue are clearly vivid. Martins (2009) suggests that this tri-colour flag acts as a symbol of recognition for the gay and lesbian community. The colours, he argues, represent light (red), sun (yellow) and art (blue). They have become accustomed in a global sphere and act as a form of identity among the large lgbt community in Ireland.

We also find that certain points are emphasized over others by way of colour. For example, headlines and the NOISE banner are decorated in black. According to Machin (2007, p.296) this acts as a source of power and strength, enticing the viewer to read this information which is given extra weighting and significance. This fits in with van Dijk’s observation that “We find that preferred, consistent or otherwise self-serving information will be emphasized, highlighted, focused upon, and made explicit” (1995, p.20).

Kress and van Leeuwen acknowledge that colours through how we prescribe association and enable features are collaborated to give meaning. This they argue is done through processes of brightness, saturation, purity, modulation, etc (Kress and van Leeuwen, cited in Machin 2007, p.296).

These features will not however be introduced in the mode of imagery, accompanying this section because we feel it is more important to link in our methodological framework, given the coherent and structured aim of this group project.

Run for Rights
23 March 2010
Noise urgently needs funding to cover the cost of our campaign. Any run is perfectly achievable for anyone with an ‘average’ fitness level, a decent pair of running shoes and the desire to make a real difference!

Examples of the colours used in the lgbtNOISE website. The website makes use of hypertext-highlighting words with links to stories as well as images used to access related topics (Stewart et al 2001, p.72). The design credentials of the website give rise to the colours black and white in every page. QTS (2002, p.7) offer us a western interpretation of these colours. Black suggests “inner strength and determination, as well as power and formality”, while white suggests purity and cleanliness. These colours converge to create a discourse of the oppressed and in doing so they counter the dominant discourse of being negative and “different”. The colour mode of this website creates a ‘unification’ function, where the lgbt members are united against those who oppress them (bigots, etc) and create their own arena in which to fight back (Thompson, cited in Devereux 2007a, p.153).

Note how the website treats media coverage on gay marriage and same sex-couples. The black and white colours are collectively used to emphasize what lgbtNOISE see as important, almost like a hierarchy of elements.

Imagery: Hence, from the analysis of the colour mode, we should expect images to create their own discourse, rallying to counter the discourses of marriage and family previously introduced. Using Kress and van Leeuwen’s Reading Images approach (1996), we analysed a series of images on the lgbtNOISE website.

Below: The image depicting the six fists represents the colours of the gay rainbow. Orange represents healing, green (calmness), lilac (the spirit) and black (AIDS awareness)-adapted from Martins (2009). We could also question the absence of black in the first image and the presence of white, which Martins says represents cleanliness and purity. Perhaps there is a more salient discourse at play, countering the stereotype of the gay couple having unsafe sex.

Each image, we believe acts as a narrative image and conceptual image. Narrative images deal with actions and events, according to (QTS 2002, p.3). On the flip side, conceptual images explain what things are like. They are in themselves a suggestion. The first image, for example portrayed 5000 marchers demonstrating for gay marriage. It not only told a story, but suggested that times are changing and perhaps now is the time for equal rights. The second image also tells a story and questions why Barry can’t marry Gary. It also raises a moral dilemma and the inequality and discrimination faced by lgbt members. The march for marriage image depicts the march for marriage as a sign of strength-members are showing their fists in a sign of triumph over adversity.

We would argue that these images are demand type images because they “explicitly acknowledges the viewer to influence the viewer in some way to enter into an imaginary relation with the represented participant” (QTS 2002, p.4). However, these images target the viewer to get involved in the march for marriage, which is a real acknowledgement and the disconcerted viewer, who may not want to publicly get involved, can still be a member of this virtual community.

Some of the images of people and fictional characters involve the person looking up and others on an equal level. Images which depict people looking upwards suggest that they are not in the position of power and/or equality, but the participant, i.e. the viewer is. On the other hand, those on an equal eye level pegging are on an equal platform with the participant (QTS 2002, p.5). The close angle shots represent a close intimate relationship with the viewer. It also serves in giving them a sense of power and involvement. They are placed in the top left corner because they aid information value, i.e. they are one of the first elements that the viewer will see and thus have a chance to intrigue the viewer.

The presence of text, black and white also links in with the colour modes to create a discourse which challenges negativity and urges equality. Moreover, the images represent an unjust world that needs to change and strives towards a discourse of positivity, rejecting the dominant values surrounding marriage and family.

The images vary in their modality, i.e. high or low reality value. For example the marcher’s image is high because it is real, whereas the Wizard of Oz image is low, because it is fictional. We believe that the Wizard of Oz image especially challenges the discourse of family and marriage because it presents the aims of the lgbt group. Dorothy is looking upwards, while the Tin Woodman looks at eye level, perhaps suggesting the theme of equality. The march of the central characters, who occur in single file and in numerous patterns suggests the march to gay marriage, and subtly the wickedness of the Wicked Witch of the East, which may represent those who oppose same-sex marriage, etc. The text (framing) accompanying the image reads: “Do your friends and family think you are equal? Now is their chance to prove it”. This image demands an action from the viewer. This not only creates a discourse of activity, but we believe it creates a discourse of togetherness and strength, which would override any attempt by dominant discourses to ‘fragment’ the group, i.e. defeat the group by breaking it into sub groups-gays, lesbians, transgendered and bisexual and creating inner conflict to take from their inherent aim (Thompson, cited in Devereux 2007a, p.154).

The above image also challenges the dominant discourse of family and marriage. Although, a low real value image, it still gets its point across. From analysing the colour black previously, this image makes use of strength and power. It creates a bond of love for children and argues that this is a family. It is a demand image because it epitomises the relationship and goal of the lgbt group. Having previously addressed the dominant nuclear family and marriage discourse as evident in RTE 2009 and Murphy 2008 articles, we see a very different portrayal of the family here. It is also ironic then that we find the same court ruling underneath this image. However, even before we open the link, we are presented with what is desirable and the attitude of the lgbt group. A counter-hegemonic discourse is clearly evident in this mode.

Sound: lgbtNOISE also makes use of sound to convey their preferred and counter-discourses for marriage and family. However, this was incorporated by means of audio-visual videos, which provided links to YouTube. Stewart et al (2001, p.111) suggest that video when combined with audio and sound commentary, they prove an effective means of transmitting information.

In particular, the sound aspect of these videos was used to offer commentary and to create a sense of place and mood. In “Sinead’s Hand” for example, we see a nervous man going around to different people asking for “Sinead’s hand in marriage please”. The use of background music helps shape the scene. The speakers chosen to voice their opinions are in themselves very interesting.

We are, in “Will you marry me”, introduced to a narrator, who talks about the government’s failure to introduce civil marriage and equality in Ireland. Over the course of the video, we are introduced to a lesbian couple who went to Canada to get married, feminist writer Nell McCafferty, protestors, MarriageEquality representatives, psychologists, etc in an attempt to formulate counter-discourse. Statements are greeted with applause, cheers, whistles and chants. The presence of music with the lyrics “people have the power”, “only want to be with you” and “Going to the chapel and we’re going to get married” all add to these discourses.

We hear examples of rhetoric, where speakers emphasize the “failure on the part of political leadership”. ‘We’-the lgbt group are fighting for ‘our’ right not ‘our’ gift. These videos are used to give “the users the impression of a speaker’s personality, a personality that adds to the user’s experience” (Stewart et al 2001, p.111). In effect, the speakers in the videos are purported to represent the majority of lgbt people in Ireland. The counter-discourses of same-sex marriage creating a new version and concept of marriage and the family is argued.

The speakers argue on the grounds of the Constitution, that nowhere is it specifically stated that marriage is between a man and a woman and the family is only accepted as the nuclear family. This mode in our opinion, serves in building upon the discourse of equality. We feel it to be one of the strongest modes we have encountered thus far. It also incorporated other modes, including video, images and text, for example the text which accompanied “Sinead’s Hand” read: “How would you feel if you had to ask 4 million people for permission to get married?” This rhetorical question builds on the major discourse of equality and even merges a discourse of shame and discrimination. We will now conclude by briefly linking our analysis with our approach to discourse analysis.

We found that the sound mode was key in challenging dominant discourses regarding parenting, the family and marriage. However, from an image point of view we see that they merge to strengthen their preferred position. Take the image above. This image challenges what was found in the RTE and Murphy articles, which stated the benefit of having natural parents, a mother and father. This picture challenges that belief and replaces it with an ideal type of a loving, nurturing same-sex couple.

5. A concluding paragraph that links your analysis back to your approach to discourse analysis:
It should be noted that our multimodal group project is in itself a limitation. We selected the modes which we as training journalists had some experience in dealing with from previous modules-Professional Skills for Journalists. We picked sound, colour and imagery on the basis that they are all inter-connected and work in tangent. An analysis of typography, language toolkit used-e.g-nominalization, intertextuality and page layout would also have been interesting. However, we decided to stick with these modes because we could provide a critical and detailed analysis of the discourses present. Thus, this research study should make use of the other available modes in order to interpret the effect they have in shaping discourse, i.e. fully answering our research question.

Nevertheless, we feel that we have fulfilled our research question by using our chosen modes in the best possible way. Using van Dijk's approach we were able to see what role various modes play in creating counter-discourse. We found that the new media platform (lgbtNOISE) was able to challenge the dominant discourses of marriage, family, negativity and difference by creating counter-discourses of positivity, equality, marriage, family and building minor discourses of togetherness and identity. Van Dijk’s (1995, p.32) statement that self-serving information will be emphasized while dispreferred information will be rubbished and disregarded was proven by our analysis.

The new media platform studied offered members a chance to view and create counter-discourse, or even accept dominant discourse. It fulfilled certain needs, according to Stewart et al (2001, pp 71-72), who stated that websites provide information, entertainment and emotional needs. We believe and we have proven that lgbtNOISE seized on the opportunity to challenge the dominant discourses of same-sex marriage and families portrayed in the Irish media arena and public sphere.

Our findings should however, not be taken at face value. The challenge remains, that they need to be transcended across other new media platforms, e.g. blogs, facebook, etc and to help regulate consistency and difference.

Bibliography

Buckley, D. (2010) ‘Gay People at Work’, Irish Examiner, 27 Mar, 12.

Cook, G. (2001) The Discourse of Advertising, 2nd ed., London: Routledge.

Devereux, E. (2007a) Understanding the Media, 2nd ed., London: Sage Publications.

Devereux, E. (2007b) Media Studies: Key Issues and Debates, London: Sage Publications.

Jensen, K.B. and Jankowski, N.W., eds. (1991) A Handbook of Qualitative Methodologies for Mass Communication Research, London: Routledge.

Kress, G. and van Leeuwen, T. (1996) Reading Images: The Grammar of Visual Design, London: Routledge.

LeVine, P. and Scollon, R. (2004) ‘Discourse and Technology: Multimodal Discourse Analysis, Volume 2002’ [online], available: http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=Ekl_4xQzohwC&oi=fnd&pg=PP9&dq=LeVine,+P.+And+Scollon,+R.+(2004)+Discourse+and+Technology:+Multimodal+Discourse+Analysis&ots=TR79gPqmgH&sig=hFM0XfdoUV0Exe7XDAZwqBWg8H0#v=onepage&q&f=false [accessed 20 Mar 2010].

LGBT NOISE (2009) [online], available: http://lgbtnoise.ie/ [accessed between 22 Mar and 25 Mar 2010]. See Appendix for page links.

Machin, D. (2007) Introduction to Multimodal Analysis, New York: Oxford University Press.

Martins, A. (2009) ‘Gay Pride/Rainbow Flag’ [online], available: http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/Flags/qq-rb.html [accessed 20 Mar 2010].

Murphy, A. (2008) ‘We just want to be recognised as a couple - the same as anyone else’, Irish Independent, 29 Aug, available: http://www.independent.ie/lifestyle/we-just-want-to-be-recognised-as-a-couple--the-same-as-anyone-else-1465305.html [accessed 20 Mar 2010].

O’Halloran, K.L. (2008) ‘Systemic Functional-Multimodal Discourse Analysis’, Visual Communication, 7(4), available: http://vcj.sagepub.com/cgi/content/short/7/4/443 [accessed 20 Mar 2010].

O’Keeffe, A. (2006) Investigating Media Discourse, London: Routledge.

Philo, G. (2007) ‘Can Discourse Analysis Successfully explain the Content of Media and Journalistic Practice’, Journalism Studies, 8(2), 1-34.

QTP (2002) ‘An Introduction to the Grammar of Visual Design’ [online], available: http://portals.studentnet.edu.au/literacy/uploads/grammar.pdf [accessed 20 Mar 2010].

RTE (2009) ‘Sperm donor granted access to child’, 10 Dec, available: http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/1210/guardianship.html [accessed 15 Mar 2010].

Stewart, C., Lavelle, M. and Kowaltzke, A. (2001) Media and Meaning: an Introduction, London: BFI Publishing.

Van Dijk, T. (1995) ‘Discourse analysis as ideology analysis’, in Schaffer, C. and Wenden, A.L. (eds.) Language and Peace, Aldershot: Dartmouth Publishing, 17-33.

Appendix

In order of appearance (screenshots)

http://lgbtnoise.ie/
http://lgbtnoise.ie/?p=1466
http://lgbtnoise.ie/?cat=9
http://lgbtnoise.ie/?page_id=1070
http://lgbtnoise.ie/?cat=16
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ULdaSrYGLQ&feature=player_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLUxXP36ujo&feature=player_embedded#

The Magazine Industry-a guide for working journalists

2010-04-16T05:08:00.000-07:00

David Kelly

A. Introduction: The Magazine Industry-a guide for working journalists will address some of the key challenges and opportunities that the industry faces in the present and near future. The report will tackle five issues which are of huge relevance to the industry: 1. Challenges faced by private publishers starting out will introduce how publications can secure capital, advertising and distinguish themselves from competition, 2. The usefulness of the “three P’s” in the business model will look at product, price and place and how these factors may impact upon content, circulation and costs, 3. Issues surrounding the provision of online content will look at publishing content online, dual publishing and creating a charging model for providing extra content online, 4. The role of market research in the work of a magazine journalist will introduce the field of magazine market research and how this has implications for the working journalist and 5. Issues regarding production: newspapers v magazines will contrast the production phases involved in writing and producing feature articles.

An array of analogies and references will be used, where possible, to identify and analyse areas where certain publications succeeded and others failed. This will allow the reader to gain an insight into the industry. Start-up or even established magazines may also learn from the plights of their competitors, magazine commentators and personnel.

B. 1. Challenges faced by private publishers starting out: The magazine industry is not immune to challenges. Start-up magazines face many challenges, including securing capital, getting businesses to advertise with their publication and finding ways to distinguish themselves from market competition. In starting up a magazine the issue of income has to be addressed. How much money is required for production costs, staffing costs, etc? Is there sufficient demand for the magazine in the first place? Morrish (2008) suggests that magazine survival follows three distinct categories: those who depend primarily on money from their readers, those who depend on money from advertisers or those who depend on money from an outside party. His advice is to adopt a universal approach where potential investors are lured in to the magazine by way of interest and potential reward. However, he notes that “Publishers must expect to make a loss during the whole period in which circulation is being built”.

This has implications for the magazine: (A) They should seek investment which is greater than the initial start-up costs, because they may need additional investment to sustain the production of the publication in periods of reduced sales or increasing costs-e.g. circulation, printing and (B) They should not over estimate circulation figures. Thus, according to Morrish (2008), what is needed is a magazine that can test the market in its initial start-up phase.

Advertising is a lucrative challenge faced by start-up magazines. How can a start-up magazine be expected to compete with the top dogs or the more established magazines, who, over time have built up a relationship with advertisers they wish to acquire? Pearson (1999) argues that magazines should create an ‘ideal mix’-whereby they write about a product in a way that entices subscribers to buy the product through the publications advertising. This not only creates effective advertising, but also helps the start-up magazine to create and maintain a unique advertiser demographic.

This point was echoed by Garda Review Editor Neil Ward: “Our advertisements have to be national to target our specific demographic. They must be relevant to the lives of gardai across the country. We have a set number of advertising pages which increases advertisers’ value for money. If advertisements come in which have no relevance to our readers, it is a waste of resources and advertising value. It has to be a feasible and mutual relationship”.

Examples of regular Garda Review advertisers.

Magazines also face challenges from competition. The same question reverberates from advertising to competition: How can your magazine cope with more established magazines targeting the same audience. Being cheaper may not always be enough. Pearson (1999) suggests four reasons to help magazines cope with competition: 1. Have a unique subscriber demographic, 2. Have a unique advertiser demographic, 3. Have a magazine that is attractive and unique and 4. Try and find a niche for this publication. He also suggests that the one overriding principle which helps magazines to cope with competition is to spot what they are and aren’t doing. For example, LFC Weekly, a Liverpool supporter’s magazine publishes free posters and gifts. A rival magazine would need to rival or match this, perhaps by way of a sticker album for younger fans or a poster/photograph pullout with every issue.

Are there elements that could be incorporated from both publications in the form of a new magazine?

However, a magazine that goes all out in year one is likely to go bust if the market demands fail to see the potential niche for their product. Instead, magazines should “start small with a less stick, more information packed version of your magazine. Then as time goes on, add the more expensive touches. The nice thing about periodical publishing is it evolves” (Pearson 1999).

2. The usefulness of the “three P’s” in the business model: The 3 P’s (product, price and position) should be analysed before starting up any magazine. They provide challenges in their own right and in relation to cost, content and circulation. The product mix includes the design of the publication and journalistic content. The use of colours, images, etc can be used to make the publication appeal to its readers. Take LFC Christmas Posters for example. It appeals to its readers because it offers content they can’t get anywhere else. It has exclusive interviews and access to players, coaching staff, etc. It also uses marketing tools to its advantage. There are free gifts, posters, bookmarks, door hangers, etc. to entice the reader to buy the magazine. This is also effective in selling the magazine to passive readers or those who would never buy the magazine for its content, but are hooked on seeing freebies, which Davis (1994, p.12) says is “the fastest growing sector of publishing”. From a reader’s point of view, the magazine has design credentials which help distinguish it from the rest. It makes use of Liverpool colours: red and yellow (from the kit) and showcases the Liverpool FC crest. It also builds a rapport with the reader based on the brand of LFC. The word “official” creates a status among the readers who feel they are part of a celebrity culture. They all share the same passion and are all part of the LFC Christmas Posters community.

Behind this description is reasoning. Davis (1994, p.11) suggests that children’s publications should make use of picture stories, comic like strips and effective colours. The reason why he suggests this is because it proves more effective when selling to a younger demographic. If the same style and design was used to target readers of the Irish Marketing Journal then a decrease in subscribers would be expected. Different designs and different styles suit different demographics.

Price also offers its own unique challenge. What is our profit/loss margin and can we sustain it? Who are we targeting and what income bracket do they belong to? These are all questions that need to be addressed during market research. “Good market research enables a company to know if it has been able to satisfy customer needs and whether any changes need to be made in the packaging, delivery or the product itself. This enables a company to formulate a viable marketing plan or measure the success of its existing plan” (Morebusiness.com 2009). The cost of labour and staff adds another strain on the publication as nobody wants to be paying staff when they are already at a loss. Hence, the benefits of working part time and in-house or taking content from outside sources without payment should not be overlooked when the magazine is getting off the ground. The Limerick Event Guide (LEG) and the Hogan Stand GAA magazine are two paramount examples, where they accept some journalistic content on a no fee basis and where they try to keep publishing in-house- the Hogan Stand magazine is produced by Lynn Publications in County Meath and the LEG is produced by Eightball Promotions and Media in Limerick.

Position: The position element of the three P’s is the target audience. This is the specialist demographic-trade, lifestyle and/or news in which the product is placed. For example, the Garda Review is a professional trade magazine for gardai. The magazine may however incorporate elements of all three, which is certainly the case for the analogy used. The Garda Review contains news stories, for e.g. the introduction of pepper spray, sports stories from the Garda College or events ran by garda barracks and stories relevant to gardai, e.g. how to deal with stress, pay cuts, pension levies, etc. Position also refers to the outlay in which the magazine sells. Magazines need to know where to distribute their product. Selling two narrowly, e.g. shops and pubs and two broadly, e.g. shops, supermarkets, cinema, colleges, present their own problems, most notably rising distribution costs for the latter. Davis (1994, p.12) says “sales in supermarkets have been increasing at the expense of traditional newsagent-tobacconist shops because of changes in shopping habits and a decline in smoking”. However, he also notes that supermarkets tend to stock best-sellers and if a publication can’t hack it, then it won’t be on the shelf for long.

3. Issues surrounding the provision of online content: The magazine industry faces a very uncertain future. With many commentators proclaiming the death of print journalism, coupled with the rise in new media, today’s magazine journalist has to tap into every media environment (Allen 2009). Skills like indesign, adobe audition, blogging, etc are needed more now than ever before. The New York Times cut 100 newsroom positions last year. With the media environment transforming and evolving, the provision of online content is no longer a myth. It is a reality.

Magazines may publish online content for a variety of reasons. They see their competitors publishing online and want to tap into the same environment. This outlay allows them to gain a greater market share. Having an online presence garnishes visibility. Not all readers may be interested in hard copy. People with busy lifestyles may check the net for the latest gossip, stories, etc, just like readers read the Times Online.

Dual publication is another issue. Neil Ward (Garda Review) spoke about having an online presence. He said: “Our online presence is purely about existence. We want people to type us into Google and get basic information from our site. We are a small title that offers some public content but largely hidden content, limited to our subscribed members”.

However, he did add that having dual publication allowed for an expansion of content to the wider public and allowed an extra base for advertisers, although the Garda Review has not fully maximised its potential in terms of advertising online. Also, regarding copyright law, should a journalist be paid for dual publication, i.e. if the same article is used twice? Should a journalist write for two different audiences? The answer is enshrined in Irish law-Copyright Act, 1963. The individual journalist does not own the article; rather his/her employer owns the article once it is published. Thus, the employer should decide in consultation with their staff. A freelancer often writes the same article for different newspapers/magazines. Changing the article in terms of the magazine’s style guide and what it represents, essentially allows for double payment.

Can a universal charging model be created for the provision of online content? Media Mogul Rupert Murdoch has taken the first steps in creating and charting a model for online content. Last year he announced that he was planning to charge reader’s for access to content across his various publications and titles in the UK, Ireland and Australia. The Wall Street Journal has charged for online content over the past few years using a paywall system (Lardinois 2009). From June onwards, readers of The Times and The Sunday Times online will be charged £1 for a day's access or £2 for a week's subscription-perhaps the first step in creating a universal business model for online content (RTE 2010).

A large section of magazine titles have an online presence. Some offer free content and others offer specialised content to subscribers. The Garda Review makes use of both. It offers free public content and limited subscriber content. Can we create a model with limited free content and extra specialised content that readers must pay for?

OK! Magazine seems to think so. It offers limited content and the choice for the reader to delve further into the story (at a cost) or withdraw.

4. The role of market research in the work of a magazine journalist: Market research is a valid tool in any business. The magazine industry is no different. Market research allows for what the reader wants and needs. In return the publisher can produce a magazine capable of fulfilling this task. In 2008, for example, magazines helped to generate €215 million in advertising revenue (PPA 2008). They are also acknowledged as being a central player in reaching core target audiences. With over 300 titles catering for all interest groups, demographics and people, MR can shape and aid a magazines success.

According to An Analysis of the Effectiveness and Efficiency of Advertising on the island of Ireland:
• Magazines have a closer, more personal, more individual relationship with their readers.
• Best reflected reader’s personal beliefs and attitudes (30%-double newspapers).
• Advertising in magazines is shown to be more credible and relevant and is often “more referred back to”.
• 35% agreed that it magazines were tailored to meet their individual needs and 18% as a source of information.
• 32% said it was where they found content they were most interested in.
• 69% of readers read more than 70% of the mag-with 80% reading at home.
(PPA 2008)

With this in mind a journalist/editor should: Try to create a bond with their reader-e.g. tackling issues they find important, targeting the passive/casual consumer as well as the expert. This means a journalist should use everyday language instead of professional jargon. The Garda Review tackles this issue head on. It includes a note from the editor, which creates and builds a rapport for the reader, sections from high rank gardai, superintendents, members of CAB, etc, features ranging from community policing to the Special Olympics and an open mike section, for readers to write in with any short stories, observations, etc.

Be the eyes and ears of their target audience: reflect current trends, fashion, news and sport/entertainment, etc. This may mean that they use MR or reader responses to tackle what readers want/need. The journalist will have to cater for this niche in writing; he/she must place themselves in the reader’s shoes and ask what would interest the reader? Again the Garda Review is a reputable analogy. Neil Ward said: “Our aim is to give a voice to gardai, who are denied a political voice. We tackle issues from a garda perspective. Community, policing, new housing and society-these are all issues relevant to our readers. When commissioning work, we look for writers who can look through the eyes of our readers and see things from their perspective. This is paramount for us”. Rarely, if ever would you see the Garda Review criticise its own members. On the other hand, you often see the same come out and criticise the pension levy, overtime shifts, etc. It has a lot to do with perspective. If they criticise internally, then by extension they may be criticising the Force. It’s just not feasible.

With advertising shown to be more ‘credible and relevant’ the editor, in connection with the advertising editor/person in charge must make a conscious decision as to what is in the interest of the public and public interest. This can help generate greater income and loyalty between advertisers. Ads that are irrelevant are a waste of resources and bring the magazine into disrepute and subsequently degrade its value. This is why the Garda Review uses national ads, which include: EBS, Toyota, Vodafone, Motorola and St.Raphael’s Garda Credit Union. It is all down to specificity, reader demographics and reader profiles-all aspects that can be resolved with successful MR.

With such a high number reading magazines from home (80%), a journalist should try and be creative, have a well laid out page with text broken up with an appealing picture/photo. A variation in length may help to draw the reader in and expand their attention span. The images and photography used in the Garda Review serve this purpose. Text is usually separated, kept tight and broken up with a striking image, for example in the Feb/Mar issue there was a photo of 24-year-old Garda Gary McLoughlin’s coffin being carried by his devastated family and colleagues. This story was broken up with text, a main image and several smaller images of the tricolour, his family and his colleagues giving him a final salute/bidding him farewell.

5. Issues regarding production: newspapers v magazines: There is greater scope in general for more opinion and feature pieces in a magazine than in a newspaper. Within a magazine itself, there may be room to have a feature within each sub section, for example, within arts, etc. The relationship between the magazine and target readership will determine what works and what features to run with.

Features in newspapers have now been devised for people standing up, for e.g. take the Irish Independent going compact and the weekend feature sections of the Irish Examiner that can be whisked away from the remaining paper and easily folded. Whereas in magazines there is a casual, almost relaxed layout style with text being broken up with high quality photographs and images (denoted by the Garda Review). Magazine readers are less likely to switch publication, so newspapers have to work that little bit harder to secure loyalty and thus, this impacts on production stages.

Vital to these production stages are intrinsic (balance of story, conflict and news value) as well as the extrinsic (commercial) news values. The editing process of a feature begins long before the first word is written. There must be advanced planning within the magazine publication and a log book will be useful in recording upcoming events in the proximity to be covered. The production period for magazines depends on how often the publication is released. A feature for example on St.Valentine’s Day may have to be planned well in advance. There will also be periods a peak performance, where events that are central to the publication may result in an increase in readership, for example, the upcoming FIFA World Cup in South Africa would impact on sales for magazines of that nature, for example, World Soccer has already included in-depth team reviews and posters for the upcoming World Cup and included posters, player profiles and calendars, etc. Hot Press would be mad to miss out on the Oxygen music festival as its readers would expect to read gig reviews, listings, who to see, features, pictures, etc. They must live up with reader expectations-be the eyes and ears of their target audience.

Failing to live up to consumer expectations may cause a slump in sales and revenue.

4 Key stages can be identified:
Pre-copy phase: Style and vernacular use may dictate writers approach to the article as well as article length. Also contains a reflective period, where features are analysed-for example, can we use this feature in our UK and Europe edition or do we have to change one perspective. For example, the Hand of Gaul wouldn’t be mentioned in a preview of the French soccer squad, whereas it would be used in analysing Ireland’s departure from the World Cup.

Handling copy: The copy is proof read and checked for accuracy and legal obligations. The topic, length, style and angle may come under scrutiny if the feature fails to live up to the magazine’s image, target readership and style guide. Legal concerns, libel, defamation, etc have to be addressed before proceeding to the next stage.

Production: If the approach is wrong-questions need to be asked whether the feature can be salvaged. If it is a format issue-is it easy to solve? A simple issue of grammar correction, while being a hindrance to the sub-editors, can easily be corrected. However, the structure flow dictates four types of response: the writer can rewrite the copy themselves, it can be sub-edited (in-house), it can be scrapped and replaced, or rewritten by the editor or another writer, usually sending the original writer fuming with their tail between their legs.

Post-copy: Usually an editorial meeting will be held to discuss the previous publication’s short-comings and what can be improved. Sales figures and market research play a major role in the production stage. They are central to the design and layout of the publication, as well as subscribing to and fulfilling the target markets expectations. Whereas this is usually a slow process in a magazine publication (given the frequency of production), it is much quicker in a newspaper setting. The argument could be made that newspapers thus lose out on the finer details regarding style and layout, but the counter-argument suggests that newspaper readers accept a more laxed approach because they are mainly interested in content and do not re-read/revisit the publication as much as magazine readers do (PPA 2008).

C. Conclusion: The Magazine Industry-a guide for working journalists has drawn together some of the key issues affecting the magazine landscape in Ireland and abroad. It is clear from this report that the magazine industry is both a vibrant media environment and an arena of conflict and challenges. The provision of online content is an argument that has taken on a new lease of life, with commentators arguing in favour and against a charging model. The vox populi seems largely to have been ignored with the likes of New Corp not shy in phasing in a charging model. Whether it works or fails remains to be seen. The role of market research has been proven to be effective in helping magazines identify and cater for the needs and wants of their readers. Production values, content, style, the role of product, price and place have all been analysed as to how they can better the publication. Differences in production values between magazines and newspapers were also considered in a general manner.

Having drawn on a large base of media sources and data pools, this report should act as a brief guide into the magazine industry, its benefits and short-comings. It should not be taken at face value, as the industry is ever evolving and what works for one publication may not work for another. In the words of Neil Ward: “Don’t overlook small magazines. They offer you an opportunity to learn hard and soft news values, develop your contacts and knowledge base. You can execute photographic skills, feature and technical writing skills. It is vibrant career pathway”.

Bibliography

Allen, S. (2009) ‘The Death of Print Journalism’ [online], available: http://www.awolau.org/2009/11/10/the-death-of-print-journalism/ [accessed 16 Mar 2010].

Davis, A. (1994) Magazine Journalism Today: Journalism Media Manual, Oxford: Focal Press.

Dyflin Media (2008) ‘The Garda Review Reader’ [online], available: http://www.dyflin.ie/rp_garda_review.htm [accessed 16 Mar 2010].

Interview with Mr. Neil Ward, Editor of the Garda Review (16 Feb 2010).

Lardinois, F. (2009) ‘Rupert Murdoch: Let's Charge for Online Content Again’ [online], available: http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/rupert_murdoch_lets_charge_for_online_content_again.php [accessed 16 Mar 2010].

McKane, A. (2004) Journalism: A Career Handbook, London: A & C Black Publishers.

Media Live (2008) ‘Magazines: Garda Review’ [online], available: http://www.medialive2.com/general-market/ [accessed 16 Mar 2010].

Morebusiness.com (2009) ‘Why is Market Research Useful? The Importance of Market Research’ [online], available: http://www.morebusiness.com/running_your_business/management/Market-Research.brc [accessed 16 Mar 2010].

Morrish, J. (2008) Magazine Editing: How to Develop and Manage a Successful Publication, 2nd ed., London: Routledge.

Pearson, T. (1999) ‘The Surviving Small Press: Starting a Magazine’ [online], available: http://www.laughingbear.com/lbn.asp?mode=article&subMode=110_magazine [accessed 12 Mar 2010].

PPA Ireland (2008) ‘An Analysis of the Effectiveness and Efficiency of Advertising on the island of Ireland’ [online], available: http://www.ppa.ie/market-research.html [accessed 30 Mar 2010].

PPA Ireland (2009) ‘The Case for Magazine Advertising Research on Advertising in Magazines’ [online], available: http://www.ppa.ie/market-research.html [accessed 12 Mar 2010].

RTE (2010) ‘Times newspapers to charge for online content’ [online], available: http://www.rte.ie/news/2010/0326/media.html [accessed 30 Mar 2010].

Data pool

Beano (2010) ‘What’s in the Beano this week?’ [online], available: http://www.beanotown.com/index.php?s=latest [accessed 12 Apr 2010].

Garda Review (2007) ‘The Story’ [online], available: http://www.gardareview.ie/index.php?article=The_Story [accessed 16 Mar 2010].

Hogan Stand (2010) ‘Hogan Stand Magazine Subscription’ [online], available: http://www.hoganstand.com/Subscription.aspx [accessed 12 Apr 2010].

Hot Press (2010) HotPress logo [image online], available: http://www.hotpress.com/ [accessed 16 Mar 2010].

IMJ (2010) ‘IMJ Magazine’ [online], available: http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/Launch.aspx?referral=mypagesuite&pnum=&refresh=oM15Y3c07m0G&EID=a704b55d-3eec-4563-8bb5-6a89c702841a&skip= [accessed 12 Apr 2010].

Limerick Event Guide (LEG) (2010) ‘Article Archive for March 2010’ [online], available: http://www.eightball.ie/2010/03/?cat=7 [accessed 12 Apr 2010].

LFC Christmas Posters and LFC Weekly (2009) [images online], available: http://www.tmsportmedia.com/lfc-magazine/# [accessed 12 Apr 2010].

OK! Magazine (2010) OK! Magazine: Subscription Features [Images and data online], available: http://www.zinio.com/browse/publications/?productId=500353216&offer=500172015&pss=1&RF=OK and http://www.okmagazine.com/2010/04/what-i-ate-today-melissa-rycroft/ [accessed 12 Apr 2010].

PEATER (2008) sponsor links [image online], available: http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/eng/eed/research/peater/links/ [accessed 12 Apr 2010].

World Soccer (2010) World Soccer Magazine [image and data online], available: http://www.worldsoccer.com/magazine/ [accessed 12 Apr 2010].

Sport psychology benefits

2010-04-16T05:04:00.000-07:00

A. Selling sport psychology (300 word limit)

Dear colleagues, students and managers,

You were the overwhelming favourites going into the World Cup final in South Africa. You easily disposed of the opposition thus far and you intended to do so again. Yet you lost the game and it seems unexplainable. You were the better team, you had the physical and technical edge, but what went wrong?

This is where sports psychology and the mental fitness component of success comes in. For your players it all got too much. The hostile environment, the dogged opposition and the hype of the occasion affected their performance. These are natural occurrences, but most importantly, sports psychology can help your team deal effectively with them.

Take imagery as a paramount example. Mental practice involves taking a skill and engaging in “visual or kinaesthetic imagery of the performance of a skill or part of a skill” (Magill 2004, p.349). Imagery can help your team and athletes in times where they can’t physically train or before/during and after training/competition. It helps players perfect their techniques and they can do more repetitions without fatigue.

Visualization has also been shown to be “more effective than no practice, but not as effective as physical practice” (Clark, cited in Hemayattalab and Movahedi 2009). However, in some circumstances it has been found to be equal to physical practice. Another advantage is that mental practice can be used in conjunction with tactics, to aid performance and cope with the many distractions we, as players face. It has become an integral part of any training regime and is based on the notion that “any idea occupying one’s mind will also be expressed in one’s muscles” (Onestak 1997).

Strong advocates of imagery include Ronan O’Gara, Jonny Wilkinson and Keith Wood. Keith Wood uses imagery before throwing a lineout. He imagines where his teammate will be and where the opposition will be prior to his throw. This allows him to zone into a narrow focus where all previous cognitions and crowd noise is irrelevant (O’Sullivan and Smyth 2002, p.172). It is a routine that he has perfected over the years.

Sports psychology as a domain researched by sports scientists, practitioners, etc needs to be utilized to its full potential. It can be implemented with training or as a recovery session/session in itself. It can often be the one defining factor between winning and losing.

What will distinguish you from the rest?

Thank you.

B. Applying Sport Psychology.

1. Present a “needs assessment” of a sport / sport participant using Taylor’s model as a guide (200 words).

Sport examined: Soccer

Sport demands (Psychological):
• Confidence/self belief in own ability and that of your teammates
• Motivation/determination-drive to succeed, to go training, reasons
for playing soccer
• Positive and resilient-optimistic view even in defeat, ability to
rebound after failure, injury, etc.
• Mental toughness- cool under pressure, maintain optimal anxiety
level
• Concentration/decision making-based on information, when to
pass, shoot, attack, defend, etc.

Sport demands (Physical/Technical/Logistical):
Physical:
• Co-ordination-rapid movements, body working as a collective unit-
feet, eyes, etc.
• Strength-hold off opposition, challenging and recovery from
knocks-soccer requires explosiveness and endurance over 90-120
mins
• Agility and speed- ability to turn and change movements, reaction
time and pace. Can you outrun your marker and dribble at speed?

Technical:
• Skills, for e.g. the cruyff turn, heading the ball, tackling and close
control
• Soccer involves a mixture of gross and fine motor skills, depending
on position, e.g. shooting, heading and tackling
• Soccer is also made up of many short performances, yet depending
on the game situation, players may be faced with a series of long
performances, for e.g. defending an away goal lead

Logistical:
• Movement of players relative to position, a players ‘positional
sense’ and sense of awareness.
• Tactics deployed-e.g. the off-side rule, man or zonal marking, when
‘to hold the line’, attack, defend, etc.

Performer needs (Psychological contributors to performance):
• Self-awareness-the individuals role in the team and what is
expected, e.g. captain to lead and encourage players
• Trust-player needs to know that the manager has trust and belief in
them and that they can go to him/her with any concerns, etc.
• Motivation and confidence: a player lacking motivation and
confidence may lack in his/her performance, and a player overly
motivated and confident may lunge into tackles, lose confidence if
substituted
• Intensity and concentration: soccer being an explosive and intensity
driven sport requires high and alert levels of concentration. One
slip up or lapse could cost your team points and this may affect
confidence and motivation.

2. Based on the psychological demands of the sport what mental skills (present at least 2) are most important in this activity and why? Support your answer with evidence from your readings (800 words).

Based on the psychological demands of soccer identified in part one, the two most important mental skills in this sport are the use of positive mental imagery and relaxation strategies such as progressive muscle relaxation.

The use of positive mental imagery as a mental skill is paramount for any soccer player and team as it can aid confidence and belief in one’s own ability, and thus has a direct impact on performance. Imagery involves mentally practicing aspects of your activity. It allows players the chance to see them performing at their best, and it is a valuable aid in clearing the mind of distractions, such as the environment, crowd chants, etc, while preparing the player for his own game in a positive setting (ASPN 2007).

Imagery is “more effective if you can use all the senses” and one should “imagine the sounds, smells and physical sensations that go along with the scene” (ASPN 2007). An example in soccer would include a free kick on the edge of the box where the taker could imagine the wall, the goalkeeper’s position and his target. The reason why imagery should be positive is because it has a direct effect on confidence. A player can imagine a skill that they failed to execute properly in their last game, for e.g. a volley and mentally rehearse it, viewing the successful execution of the skill and learning the techniques involved (ASPN 2007).

Thelwell et al (2006) argue for the inclusion of imagery in any training programme on the basis that it not only aids motivation, but because it can help performers gain inner confidence in their ability and aid decision making as the effects of fatigue set in. Imagery harmonises many of the psychological demands of soccer: it prepares players for competition where they imagine themselves at their peak, it prepares them for the actions they may have to execute during the course of the game, e.g. tackles, clearances and winning headers and helps them recover from errors and previous poor performances (Lesyk 1998).

It is vital for every soccer player to believe in their own ability and recover from misjudgements or errors, for e.g. an own goal or yellow card. If they lack confidence and start having negative cognitions, the anxiety cycle will kick in and their muscles will tense and seize up, making them prone to more errors and affecting performance. Mental imagery has been shown to be more effective than no practice and even in some circumstances equal to physical practice (Clark, cited in Hemayattalab and Movahedi 2009). It is thus suitable for players returning from injury and can be incorporated into training sessions or as a recovery session in itself. Imagery premises the notion that “any idea occupying one’s mind will also be expressed in one’s muscles” (Onestak 1997), so if a trainer is to adopt this mental skill for his/her soccer players/team it should in incorporated in a positive framework.

A second mental skill that is equally important is progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), which I will use as a relaxation analogy from herein. PMR is a relaxation and stress control technique which involves tensing various muscles for several seconds, relaxing them and moving on to other muscle groups. The aim of PMR is that with practice the participant, in this case a soccer player can learn to relax the muscles and relieve tension within seconds (Scott 2005).

Relaxation strategies, such as PMR are appropriate because they reflect the psychological demands of soccer, i.e. they help players stay cool under pressure, aid concentration and help them to regulate arousal. It has also been found that these strategies “may benefit performers’ perceptions of pain and fatigue” (Thelwell and Greenlees, cited in Thelwell et al 2006). If there is any symbolic relationship between this, it may suggest that a player whose perception of pain and fatigue is positively distorted may have greater self belief and determination to go the distance and win the game. However, this is a research question rather than a hypothesis that has yet to be proved correct.

Players must work hard to find their optimal level of arousal. With techniques such as PMR incorporated into their training, they can learn how to relax their muscles within seconds, thus intervening in the muscle tension phase of the anxiety cycle and helping them to “prepare well for your sport, perform at your peak during the event, and react appropriately to things that happen during the game” (ASPN 2007). Soccer players have to make quick decisions based on information they receive, for e.g. by looking up to see a teammate in space and they launch an attack, they have to react to difficult situations within split seconds, the bounce/flight of the ball, a quick free kick, etc.

Relaxations strategies can aid their concentration levels, which have to be strong over the course of 90+ minutes. We often see soccer teams switching off at corners, or thinking they have the game won with minutes remaining. Using such techniques could increase their team’s points tally during the course of the season. Especially for soccer players, such techniques could help them when moving from a high arousal state to a lower state, for e.g. a tackle to a throw, corner or even a penalty kick.

Lesyk (1998) suggests that the most successful sports performers know when to reduce anxiety, without it hindering their intensity. Relaxation techniques if performed in soccer help give players something to focus on. This means that they do not dwell on past mistakes or negative cognitions, but they play in the “here-and-now”.

These strategies can be learned and improved with instruction and technique. It would be rather naive to suggest that they can be learned in a day. They should be encouraged and implemented in training sessions for small periods. Ultimately, they will prepare each individual for the sports situations they can and will face in the field setting where they compete (Taylor 1995).

References

ASPN (2007) ‘Imagery’ [online], available: http://www.aspn.com.au/imagery.htm [accessed 15 Mar 2010].

Hemayattalab, R. and Movahedi, A. (2009) ‘Effects of different variations of mental and physical practice on sport skill learning in adolescents with mental retardation’, Research in Developmental Disabilities, 31(1), available: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6VDN-4XJN4S5-1&_user=103702&_coverDate=02%2F28%2F2010&_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_orig=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_searchStrId=1267583970&_rerunOrigin=google&_acct=C000007923&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=103702&md5=ad7ecf96a44f2fd136769bf2afb14740 [accessed 15 Mar 2010].

Lesyk, J.J. (1998) ‘The Nine Mental Skills of Successful Athletes’ [online], available: http://www.sportpsych.org/nine2.html [accessed 15 Mar 2010].

Magill, R.A. (2007) Motor Learning and Control Concepts and Applications, 8th ed., New York: McGraw-Hill.

Onestak, D.M. (1997) ‘The effect of visuo-motor behavior rehearsal (VMBR) and videotaped modeling on the free-throw performance of intercollegiate athletes’ [online], available: http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-19619548/effect-visuo-motor-behavior.html [accessed 15 Mar 2010].

O'Sullivan, E.M. and Smyth, P.J. (2002) ‘The Attacking Mindset’, in Hale, B.D. and Collins, D.J. (eds.) Rugby Tough, Champaign: Human Kinetics.

Scott, E. (2005) ‘Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR)’ [online], available: http://stress.about.com/od/stressmanagementglossary/g/pmr.htm [accessed 15 Mar 2010].

Taylor, J. (1995) ‘A Conceptual Model for Integrating Athletes' Needs and Sport Demands
in the Development of Competitive Mental Preparation Strategies’, The Sport Psychologist, 9(3), 339-357.

Thelwell, R.C, Greenlees, I.A. and Weston, N.J.V. (2006) ‘Using Psychological Skills Training to Develop Soccer Performance’, Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 18(3), 257-270.

2010-04-12T11:05:00.000-07:00

By David Kelly

FIND a safe house, stay away from the market place and above all, don’t get kidnapped by Hezbollah.

The advice from my noble peers and family couldn’t have come at a more ardent time. A trainee journalist leaving Laois for the streets of Lebanon, a ludicrous move in their eyes.

The death of a Japanese journalist caught up in a riot did little to disperse their argument. Six months work experience with SABIS, a leading educational publishing company based in Beirut awaits me. An act of escapism, opportunism and down right cheek will, I hope, sort me out.

The Middle Eastern stereotype of the suicide bomber sends alarm bells ringing in my family’s ears. I’m trading a toothless tyrant for a vibrant city and culture I know nothing about. But that’s the only way to approach the unknown, learn all you can when you can.

After all, there are terrorists and suicide bombers on my very doorstep. They have dropped bombshell after bombshell on any chances and ideals of prosperity I had. My family has been hit by every possible blast.

The shrapnel has pierced every bone in my body. My father, a garda in Rathdowney, County Laois, has seen his pension reduced by the levy of 7.5%, yet he admirably says we must put our shoulder to the wheel and build a better future for our children.

A rise in interest rates means a double whammy, never mind the fact that he raises my four siblings, one of which is in WIT. Coupled with being injured on the job and a looming hip replacement, things have gone from bad to worse.

The next generation will be paying for the mistakes of others for their lifetime. While the working classes slaved away to build this republic, our politicians, bankers and statesmen dazzled away on yachts, golden handshakes and multi-million euro pensions. The family provision in the constitution should be scrapped. Protecting us, protecting our children-are you having a laugh?

Not everyone was part of the Celtic Tiger era. Moyross, the regeneration areas, addressing child poverty and education all missed out. Hospital areas lay in ruin, primary school classes were the largest in the EU. Forget knowledge economy, Bord Failte should replace it with blah, blah, boom. The government didn’t create the boom, sheer luck and good fortune combined to perch them on the highest pedestal they could find.

Come 2012 I have to envisage myself working. I will be footing the bill for my siblings. My father has done everything to get me this far, I owe it to him and my brothers and sisters to pay off our mortgage, loans, and pay for their third level education.

If there is any justice in this country then the likes of Michael Fingleton and Sean Fitzpatrick will literally have got their comeuppance while I’m away.

Bertie Ahern once remarked: “I don’t know how people who engage in that don’t commit suicide”, in response to UCD Professor Morgan Kelly’s economic prediction of the looming bust.

Just don’t hit my family on the way out. I’m indebted to hard labour in the gulags of urban Ireland. I’ll enjoy my time in Lebanon at your expense.

2010-04-02T06:37:00.000-07:00

(L) Geert Wilders

Picture Courtesy of: http://freedutchman.wordpress.com/2009/11/05/another-day-another-hit-piece/

Discourse Analysis on broadcast media-David Kelly

1. An account of the approach you are taking to discourse analysis:

Before analysing van Dijk’s ideological approach to discourse analysis, I want to briefly introduce the key concepts of discourse and ideology, which I feel and van Dijk argues are an integral part of discourse analysis. Devereux (2007a, p.247) describes discourse simply as a ‘form of knowledge’. This implies the notion that it is something we know, however Devereux’s definition is a simplistic one that does not tell us how discourse is used and it does not imply that people have varying degrees of knowledge. Van Dijk 1998a (cited in Devereux 2007a, p.175) says that discourse “has a special function in the implementation and especially the reproduction of ideologies, since it is only through language use, discourse or communication (or other semiotic practices) that they can be explicitly formulated”.

Van Dijk (1995, p.23) defines ideology as having a social function that legitimates dominance or justifies oppression or power abuse by those in a position of authority and power. He also argues that ideology influences ways of behaviour, acting, thinking and being. Keeping these concepts in mind I will now move on to introducing van Dijk’s ideological approach to discourse analysis.

Van Dijk’s approach to discourse analysis is concerned with the function of ideology and power relations. Devereux (2007b, p.121) argues that van Dijk’s ideological square is “intended to highlight key ‘functional moves’ in developing an ideological strategy”. Central to this approach are what van Dijk terms “positive in-group description and negative out-group description” van Dijk 1998 (cited in Devereux 2007b, p.121).

Van Dijk’s (1995) model has three main levels of analysis: Social analysis, cognitive analysis and discourse analysis. I will introduce this tripartite model, with a particular focus to discourse analysis as this is what my project is based on.
Social analysis: A social analysis according to van Dijk (1995, p.20) would involve an examination of societal structures, political parties, group relations and structures. It is in these societal structures and group relations that ideology will be most evident. Group structures involve specifics such as identity, tasks, position and resources. This will not form the basis of my discourse analysis but may be evident in the context of my interview and in analysing any discourses and ideologies present.

Cognitive Analysis: A cognitive analysis argues that texts do not simply “have” meanings, but are given meanings by language users, readers, viewers, etc. These also include mental and structural processes where the language user will try to make sense of the information in relation to their own systems of beliefs and attitudes (Jensen and Jankowski 1991, p.117). A cognitive analysis would analyse what ideologies and systems of attitudes are evident in the text, however van Dijk (1995, p.20) also argues for the need to look at the sociocultural knowledge, i.e. what we know about society, groups and language. Entwined with this analysis is personal cognition which may be context free or context bound. These include thoughts, ideologies and attitudes shaped by personal convictions or models of events and contexts (van Dijk 1995, p.20). This too will not form the basis of my analysis; however it will be reflected along with social analysis from a micro-perspective.

Discourse analysis: Discourse analysis is concerned with the study of the many media of communication. It is a method of research “focused on the analysis of text and talk, discourse analysis is concerned with the use of language in a social context and the relationship between language use and (unequal) power relationships” (Devereux 2007a, p.247). Discourse analysis looks at the various structures and frameworks of “text and talk”. These would include linguistic features such as nominalization, active/passive sentence as well as use of syntax, rhetoric, lexicon, local and global semantics to name but a few (van Dijk 1995, p.20). This will form the basis of my analysis as the structures of language use will help me to identify any outstanding major and minor discourses present as well as dominant ideologies.

2. A description of the context of the interview and your methodological framework:

The interview that I have chosen to complete a discourse analysis project on is Geert Wilders interview with Dale Hurd of CBN News in 2008. Geert Widers is a member of the Dutch parliament and the founder of the Freedom Party. He is an atheist who defends Judaeo-Christian civilizations and who directed a short internet film about the violence contained in the Qur’an. This film put him on a colliding path with Muslims around the globe and he was forced to live in prison cells and secret locations because his life was under threat.

Here Wilders talks about his film “Fitna”, the perceived threat of Islam, immigration and racism. He was in the news at this time because he was a leading politician and because his comments sparked outrage in the Netherlands and further afield. Being a controversial character he is being interviewed in my opinion because the interviewer knows that his answers are sure to be critical of the Islamic culture and further hype an already delicate situation in my opinion. I picked this interview because of its controversial nature and because many Islamic nations around the world wanted to put Wilders on trial for blasphemy. He lost his freedom of expression as a result and went into hiding. This is something that appeals to me as a student journalist as we are to strive for the public’s interest at all times.

Widers is also in the news because his comments came at a time when the global economic crisis was unfolding and there were a number of labour shortages in the Netherlands. The Netherlands has been an immigration country since the 1960’s according to the OECD (2008) Economic Survey of the Netherlands, so for his comments to come at a time of economic uncertainty and unrest, perhaps there is a discourse of blame and negativity about Muslims and migrants to be found. My analysis should take these sociocultural factors into consideration.

Using van Dijk’s ideological approach to discourse analysis I will investigate the role that rhetoric and lexicon play in shaping any discourses and ideologies present. I chose this approach because I want to see the effect that language and power have in creating discourse and ideology and how in particular Wilders uses language and discourse in shielding himself from criticism and in putting forward his beliefs and attitudes about Muslim culture, immigration and violence, etc.

3. A strong hypothesis/research question(s):

What role, if any, does language play in creating and maintaining discourse?
I want to investigate whether language plays a major/minor role in formulating discourse. I want to see if there is any correlation and patterns of particular language that have an effect in creating and maintaining discourses and ideologies. Using rhetoric and lexicon as linguistic features for a thorough analysis instead of an under-representation I want to investigate what discourses and ideologies are present in the interview I have selected.

4. An account of the discourses present and the evidence you have to support your claim:

Firstly it should be noted that my analysis will focus on discourses (ways of language communication) and ideologies, which are systematic beliefs-e.g. racism, religion, etc. In my opinion, as shared by van Dijk (1995) the two are interconnected and I will treat them as such.

Rhetoric: Rhetoric is a function of ideology where information that is unfavourable to ‘us’ is glossed over and negative information about ‘them’ is emphasized through over-statements and/or exaggerations for example (van Dijk 1995, p.29). This also links in with Thompson 1990 (cited in Devereux 2007a, p.153) where he describes this rhetoric as having a ‘unification’ function, where all members of a particular group are united against the ‘threat of terrorism’ or the assumed ‘threat that immigration brings”.

This observation I believe can be shown in my selected interview. Widers tries to create a sense of panic when he describes the Qur’an as “not just an old book from am fifteen hundred years ago it’s a book am that is still very alive ah today and people get a lot of wrong incentives from it today”. He then moves on to discuss “the actual danger that am Islam brings am to our society and our freedom”.

His use of “our” and “people” in my opinion helps him to unite western society against what he perceives as being the terrorist threat of Islam. He uses rhetoric and overstatements when he calls Islam “a fascist ideology full of hatred submission and anything else we should fight against” and denounces Islamic cultures as a “culture of backwardness of retardedness of barbarism”.

When he speaks of the Islamic threat it is shown as something ‘we’ must fight against. The words ‘they’, ‘us’ and ‘our’ help create in and out groups. I think the fact that Wilders compares Islam to a fascist ideology is interesting as it helps him to mask and obscure his argument. The discourses of blame and negativity are clearly evident from my analysis of the interview. Wilders blames Muslims for terrorism, although he attempts to “make a distinction between the ideology I believe Islam is more an ideology than a religion and the people I have nothing against Muslims who are not terrorist”. This is an interesting statement as Wilders uses the discourse of blame targeting Islam and then attempts to soften the blow in my opinion by what Thompson 1990 (cited in Devereux 2007, p.154) calls ‘fragmentation’-breaking or creating divisions in a group to remove opposition to the discourse, i.e. breaking Muslim groups into two categories-non-terrorist and terrorist.

The discourse of blame and negativity are clearly evident in this interview. Wilders uses Lexicon and Lexicalization as a form of ideological expression to foster the differences between the Islamic culture and western culture (van Dijk 1995, p.25). This links in to Fairclough 2003 (cited in Philo 2007, p.16) where he notes that discourse can be differentiated into how they classify certain locations. Widers uses lexicalization to create the ‘peaceful’ culture of the Netherlands and wider western society while damning the destructive nature of Islamic countries. “They are not here to integrate but to dominate and they they they they don’t give a damn excuse my words for am am all the criticism and all the culture that we have in the Netherlands today there are people living here from Morocco for thirty years who don’t speak one word of Dutch” is a clear accusation aimed at the Muslim population as the discourse of blame and negativity merges with a discourse of migration.

The prosperity of the Netherlands is seen to be at stake from the enemy, which is Islamic culture. Wilders describes the Netherlands as an ‘Islamic intifada’- this has further connotations as he suggests their culture is being subjected to an uprising. His final phrase “If we really don’t get a sense of urgency and act and defend our culture, defend our freedom that am am it’s too late” has a deliberate purpose-it is being used to create a sense that the Netherlands has to act through government intervention and that the Dutch culture is under attack from a foreign enemy that has now become domestic.

Finally these discourses of blame, negativity and migration are met with ideologies on racism and religion. After establishing blame to the government for failing to act “And the Government am looks eh in the other direction and ignores it it puts it under the carpet all the problems” Wilders moves on to racism and religion. He denies point blank that he is a racist because he is not involved with the likes of the ‘British National Party’ and because he is a ‘democrat’. Yet he has chosen to discuss the superiority of western white culture-“I believe that the Christian and the Judaic culture is a better one and I am not ashamed to say it I’m not a racist”. By using Turkey and Morocco as analogies and describing the Islamic culture as rooted in ‘our cities’ and ‘villages’ I think he is masking these ideologies under the less critical discourse of blame. He cannot as a member of parliament openly admit to being a racist-it would not serve his own vested interest and he would more than likely be removed from office.

5. A concluding paragraph that links your analysis back to your approach to discourse analysis:

Using van Dijk’s approach to discourse analysis I was able to see what role language plays in creating discourse. I have found that language plays a key role in creating and maintaining discourse. As such, the linguistic features that I have introduced: rhetoric and lexicalization helped me to analyse effectively what discourses and ideologies were present in my broadcast interview. While van Dijk’s approach also includes a social and cognitive analysis, I was very limited in how I could incorporate this into my work.

Nevertheless, by using these features of “text and talk” van Dijk (1995, p.20), I was able to provide a limited analysis of the role of language in shaping discourse and ideology. I found discourses of blame, negativity, migration and ideologies of religion and racism. From these findings I know that language is not neutral and is a key component of social action and control. However, my findings should not be taken at face value. Being based on broadcast media, they need to be transcended into other media, e.g. new and print media and critiqued by using qualitative and quantitative analysis to help identity any consistency.

Van Dijk’s (1995, p.32) statement that self-serving information will be emphasized while dispreferred information will be rubbished and disregarded certainly holds sway in my analysis.

Bibliography

Devereux, E. (2007a) Understanding the Media, 2nd ed., London: Sage Publications.

Devereux, E. (2007b) Media Studies: Key Issues and Debates, London: Sage Publications.

Jensen, K.B. and Jankowski, N.W., eds. (1991) A Handbook of Qualitative Methodologies for Mass Communication Research, London: Routledge.

Louwerse, M.M. and Graesser, A.C. (2005) ‘Coherence in Discourse’, in Strazny, P. (ed.) Encyclopaedia of Linguistics, Chicago: Fitzroy Dearborn, 216-218.
OECD (2008) ‘Economic Survey of the Netherlands’ [online], available: http://www.oecd.org/document/18/0,3343,en_2649_33733_39991250_1_1_1_1,00.html [accessed 3 Mar 2010].

O’Keeffe, A. (2006) Investigating Media Discourse, London: Routledge.

Philo, G. (2007) ‘Can Discourse Analysis Successfully explain the Content of Media and Journalistic Practice’, Journalism Studies, 8(2), 1-34.

Stewart, C., Lavelle, M. and Kowaltzke, A. (2001) Media and Meaning: an Introduction, London: BFI Publishing.

Van Dijk, T. (1995) ‘Discourse analysis as ideology analysis’, in Schaffer, C. and Wenden, A.L. (eds.) Language and Peace, Aldershot: Dartmouth Publishing, 17-33.

Widers, G. (2008) Interview on CBN [television], YouTube, 14 Oct 2008 (See Appendix).

Appendix

Transcription Conventions (Limerick Corpus of Irish English © Fiona Farr)

<$1> Our eh country in the Netherlands am as many other European countries is based on Christianity is based on Judaism is even based on humanism but not eh eh on Islam and this is what I wanted to show people not by using actors but by using real images and real verses from the Qur’an that the Qur’an is not just an old book from am fifteen hundred years ago it’s a book am that is still very alive today and people get a lot of wrong incentives from it today so I wanted to wrong eh the people and and I was quiet successful whatever you may think.

<$2> I’m sure that people <$X> who’ve who have watched you provoke Muslims over the years wonder if you have a death wish are you secretly daring Muslims to try to kill you?

<$1> No and I’m not even provoking eh eh them am as you said I try to eh warn the people in the Netherlands and maybe even abroad and western societies about the actual danger that am Islam brings am to our society and to our freedom.

<$2> Do you believe that a moderate or democratic Islam can exist?

<$1> No I don’t believe in it Islam as I see it is a fascist ideology full of hatred submission am and anything else that we eh we should fight against however I make a distinction between the ideology I believe Islam is more an ideology than a religion and the people I have nothing against Muslims who are not terrorist who are am the majority of the Muslims in my country are law abiding people are not terrorist at all.

<$2> I have heard you call Islamic culture “retarded”.

<$1> It it is a culture of backwardness of retardedness of barbarism.

<$2> In your speech to the parliament a few days ago you referred to Muslim colonists what did you mean?

<$1> Well people eh am that are coming to the Netherlands to stir up problems or who are in the Netherlands and sometimes they are even born in the Netherlands the younger generation and the parents or their grandparents were born here eh they are not here to integrate but to dominate and they they they they don’t give a damn excuse my words for am am all the criticism and all the culture that we have in the Netherlands today that’s why I call them colourless there are people living here from Morocco for thirty years who don’t speak one word of Dutch.

<$1> Most of the em em political elite or political parties believe really do believe that all cultures are equal whereas I believe they are not equal I believe that the Christian and the Judaic culture is is is far better and I am not ashamed to say it I’m not a racist eh to say that the Christian culture is a better one than the Islamic culture there is an enormous gap between the the political elite and the vox populi and they see that our country is changing they see in their street and in their neighbourhoods and in the cities and the villages they see that its its often not the Netherlands anymore they feel that they live live in Morocco or live or eh Turkey we have an Islam Islamic intifada today I’m not exaggerating in many many cities and villages of the Netherlands this is the problem and the Government am looks eh in the other direction and ignores it it puts it under the carpet all the problems.

<$2> Are you tired of living with a death threat over your head?

<$1> My mission is very strong and I really believe in it and I know that if we really don’t get a sense of urgency and act and defend our culture defend our freedom that am am it’s too late.

[5:38] available: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHLM0-NbMi4

2010-04-02T06:22:00.000-07:00

Picture courtesy of: http://www.blogger.com/www.theage.com.au/.../08/20/1218911818613.html
SS4403-Case Study-Long Jump Programme

David Kelly

Brief client introduction: My client is a 26-year-old female. She is an elite level long jumper (currently National Champion). Her current personal best is 6.42m; she has been a full-time athlete for the past 3 years and is extremely good at plyometric training. She needs to improve her technique in the gym and she tends to suffer from Achilles tendonitis at times. She also has a part-time job (Monday, Wednesday and Friday-9 am-12pm). Her main goals are to retain her National crown and to qualify for the London Olympics in 2012.

Research regarding the Long Jump: The long jump is a track and field event that involves two key components-sprinting and jumping. The athlete sprints down a runway and at the raised board, attempts to jump horizontally into a measured area. The aim being to land as far away as possible from the raised board (Safesport 2009).

Furthermore, the event can be broken down into the following stages: ‘the starting run’-where the objective is to generate speed, ‘the take-off’- a change in the stride and movements required to increase this speed, ‘flight’- the body is in flight and the technique used by the jumper to influence his/her landing score, and finally ‘the landing’, which is the scoring area of the jump (Ibid.).

The rules of the long jump dictate that the jumper’s foot or any part of his/her body must not cross the raised board. It also forbids the use of somersault techniques (IAAF 2008).

Armbruster et al (1979, pp.354-57) describe the three main airborne techniques employed by long jumper athletes and adopted by their coaches. They are the Sail, the Hang and the Hitch kick. The characteristics of the Sail denote the jumper’s body is carried in a ‘sitting position’. It is ideal for novice jumpers, the main disadvantage being too much forward rotation, which hinders the scoring of the jump. The Hang style is a ‘sweeping movement’ that causes an opposite reaction in the upper body, when the legs are kept behind the body line (Ibid.). This extends the body and allows for a greater leg shoot. There is also an emphasis on leg and arm movements to slow down the athlete’s centre of gravity and prepare them for landing (BrianMac 2009).

The Hitch kick technique is achieved when the jumper extends their ‘leading leg forward and then sweeps it downward and backward’ (Armbruster et al 1979, p.357). This is also coupled with a swinging arm movement of the arm opposite the leading leg; the rear leg comes forward to minimize forward rotation (Ibid.). This style is seen as very effective in balancing the jumper while airborne and provides for an advantage on landing (Ibid.). As much as five inches can be added to the jump if the correct arm movement is undertaken (Ecker 1971, p.35).

The Athletics Association of Ireland holds its Senior Track and Field Championships around the 1st/2nd of August each year. A jump of 6.68 won the honours in 2009 and our athlete won it with less distance achieved in 2009. If she is to retain her title and ultimately qualify for the London Olympics in two years time, a jump of greater than this will have to be required. Jumps of greater than 6.75 were enough to be in the medal places in Beijing in 2008. With such strict qualifying criteria, it is up to our training programme to ensure our athlete gets to London and achieves her personal goals.

Needs analysis of the Long Jump and assessment of the athlete:

Analysis of the Long Jump: Biomechanical movement analysis: The long jump involves a total body (Upper/Middle/Lower), consistent, explosive (High Intensity) workout and movement. The long jumper’s centre of gravity of mass is within their ‘hip region throughout most of the jump, but shift forward, into open space, just before landing’ (Ecker 1971, p.30).

Linear and rotary movements are required during the course of the event (Ibid., p.18). The jumper makes contact with the landing area, encounters resistance, including wind at take-off and heavily recruited muscles include the hip and knee extensors and the straightening of the trunk (Tidow 1989).

A brief analysis of the joint actions involved in each phase is now introduced: Approach-Incomplete knee extension, upright trunk, heel leads front leg, reduced knee angle and a flat support leg, horizontal push, knee angle opening of the front leg, straddled legs, pre-tension and extended at heel strike of the supported leg,

Take-Off position: triple extension of the ankle/knee/hip and a horizontal locking of the swinging leg, an upright trunk, lifted shoulder and counter-arm locked swing, the airborne technique will not be discussed because it varies with the style adopted, landing: arms parallel to shanks, legs knee angle opening, trunk bent forward, arms are well behind trunk and feet ahead of CG (Ibid.).

The planes of movement used in the long jump are the sagittal (straight out in front/behind the athlete, the transverse plane (rotation in the centre) and frontal (out to the side)-which could be caused by forward rotation, weak core (Fass 2008). The transverse and frontal axes of rotation are also used.

Common Injuries: Safesport (2009) outlined the most common injuries incurred by long jump athletes, they are: muscle or tendon strains/sprains or fractures from ‘awkward foot placement during running or takeoff, or from insufficient warm-up’, ‘sprains, fractures, or contusions from improper landing’ and ‘blisters, shinsplints, or sprains from poor footwear’.

-Physiological Considerations: “Powerful, controlled movements are needed for both distance and precision in jumps...with the attainment of background flexibility, strength and balance and coordination.” (Ibid.). The muscular endurance requirement is necessary even though a long jump attempt takes only approx. 10 seconds to fully compete, however it has to be consistent, so muscular endurance is a vital part of any training programme. The energy system utilized is the ATP-PC system, which is part of the anaerobic system-it is a system in itself and it is used for ‘fast, powerful bursts of energy’ during the first minutes of exercise (TeachPE 2009).

Assessment of the Athlete:
The athlete is an elite long jumper; she is the current National Champion. Her training status includes plyometrics and she is competent in all aspects of training, although she needs to improve her technique in the gym. She has been a full-time athlete for the last three years and her training age is 11 years. She tends to suffer from Achilles tendonitis at times. The athlete’s main goals are to retain her national title and qualify for London 2012.

After this assessment physical testing can take place. Together the data received from the assessment and testing process will frame the training programme. The physical examination, according to Wilmore (1982, p.236) should include “a health and family history, a resting electrocardiogram and blood pressure assessment, and an exercise stress electrocardiogram performed on either a bicycle ergometer or treadmill”. The stress electrocardiogram can help indicate coronary atherosclerosis, which would place the person in a high risk category, where they should be under the supervision of a physician before exercising (Ibid.).

When assessing the athlete, effective measurement depends on a number of factors, including: validity, reliability, objectivity, safety, practicality and sensitivity (BrianMac 2009). They also point out that testing, which can be Maximal (begin at low intensity and gradually increase) or Sub-Maximal (the athlete works below maximum effort) should only test one factor at a time-for example speed or strength maximum (Ibid.).

It should also be noted that testing can be carried out over the course of the programme and Paish (1974, p.101) suggests that along with a training schedule, the athlete should keep a training diary which contains records of work they are doing and they performances achieved. In doing so, the athlete can examine the record if anything goes wrong to understand why. If the physical testing and assessment of the athlete gives them the all clear the data should be transcribed and used to draw up a training schedule and periodized plan.

Periodized plan: Periodization is “the process of developing a training schedule which has varying periods of hard work leading to overload or over-reaching, followed by a recovery period. Typically the year (the macrocycle) is broken into several large cycles, called mesocycles” (Entl 2009).

Claro (2009) says that each training phase is made up of ‘sub-phases’, where more sport specific abilities will be develop following the various principles of training: specificity, overload, recovery, adaption and reversibility.
My athlete will follow an annual periodized plan from September 2010 until September 2011- although she should follow a bi-annual plan if she is to qualify for the Olympics. There are two key competition dates for my athlete-the IAAF Indoor Championships in March and the National Championships in August. Thus it will be necessary to break up our training programme into more phases.

Day Preparatory phase
(Sept/Oct) Transition phase
(Nov/Dec) Competition phase (Mar)
(Jan/Feb-start of March) 2nd Transition phase
(Mar/Apr) 2nd Preparatory phase
(May/June) 2nd Competition phase (Aug)
(July/Aug)

Tue
2 sessions Beginners weight training Beginners weight training (Tapering-reduce volume and frequency gradually) Beginners weight training (gradual increase in intensity and decrease in volume) More advanced weights training and core stability-low intensity More advanced weight training and core stability with tapering More advanced weights training and core stability (gradual increase in intensity/decrease in volume)

Thur
2 sessions Interval training (shuttle sprints) Anaerobic circuit Anaerobic circuit (gradual increase in intensity and decrease in volume) Swimming/cycling (recovery period) Agility training drills Water step-up aerobics (gradual increase in intensity/decrease in volume)

Sun
1session Plyometrics (non-sports specific) Sports specific plyometrics Swimming/step up aerobics Medicine Ball training Water step-up aerobics Rest period/ competition
September 2010-11-including the IAAF World Indoor Championships (qualification path to the Olympics) and National Championships

Rationale behind decision making process: I have included weight training in my periodization plan because it is very important for the athlete to be able to generate quick movements. There is an emphasis on speed and strength in the long jump, along with flexibility. Exercises that target the major muscles of the legs, the feet and the upper body are extremely important in the conditioning of the athlete (Safesport 2009). The ‘three main muscle bulks in the body, the arms, the trunk and the legs’ should be conditioned to achieve what Paish (1974, p.104) calls ‘harmonious development’-working cohesively as one strong unit. The overload theory should also apply-“If a muscle is overloaded it will first of all break down and then repair itself so that it is much stronger” Paish (1974, p.103).

In the assessment of the athlete she said that her level of technique in the gym was poor so taking this into consideration she will start at beginner’s level until she progresses in 6 months time.

I have included interval training in the training programme to develop speed. The key to interval training is the distance covered, recovery between the runs, number of reps, time of each run and activity between each run (Armbruster et al 1979, p.167). Interval training is known to bring about quick results and according to (Sports Medicine 2009) it can be used in conjunction with the plyometrics and agility drills that I have also prescribed in the training programme.

Anaerobic circuits aid in the development of strength and hypertrophy. They involve working at a high intensity where oxygen is not present and may allow for short or no rest periods until the circuit is completed (Mosey 2009). Mosey also describes it as beneficial to athletes with a limited schedule, such is our athlete.

Plyometric exercises invoke the ‘stretch reflex, of the legs and are highly recommended (Ecker 1976). Together with the weight training and anaerobic circuits they will help develop the athlete’s strength, speed, agility and coordination components of fitness relevant to the performance and execution of the long jump.

The aim of core stability, medicine ball and step aerobics is to strengthen the athlete’s core and increase their aerobic stamina, coordination and overall fitness. Step aerobics will ‘strengthen the muscles and tendons and the ligaments connecting muscles and bones to each other’ of the athlete (AerobicsWorkout 2009). Finally Swimming and or cycling will act as an active recovery period with the only emphasis on preventing injury and aiding the athlete’s tired body. Swimming also helps to develop balance, coordination and aids leg movements, thus helping to keep the body horizontal and aid propulsion (Armbruster et al 1979, p.298) which is a key factor in the performance of the long jump.

Before I move on to the details of monthly plans the importance of warm-up exercises has to be stressed. Armbuster et al (1979, p.383) provide an example of an effective warm-up for a weights session. It involves running for two minutes, push-ups, sit-ups and stretching exercises for different parts of the body.

An effective warm-up can be done in 10-15 minutes and it can often mean the difference between injury prone and injury free. Since our athlete tends to suffer from Achilles tendonitis, it is vital that she does the proper warm-ups and seeks medical advice or stops training if the problem re-occurs. The Achilles tendon connects the heel to the lower calf muscle. Once injured they heal slowly because they don’t have as much ‘blood flow as muscles’ (Ryan 2008). It can be treated by physical rehabilitation, such as ultrasound to increase the blood flow and by using strengthening and stretching exercises. It can be caused by wearing improper footwear and increasing the intensity and duration of an activity suddenly; hence any change in the training programme should be gradual/occur over a number of weeks (Ibid.). An appendix of details outlining monthly plans with various progressions and variety can be seen at the end of this paper.

Brief notes outlining guidelines for next season: Should our athlete qualify for the Olympics by this stage, she should focus on maintaining her performance and technique. She should aim to get a consistent performance and develop her preferred technique-e.g. the Hitch kick, while maintaining the key components of fitness relative to the long jump. The athlete should by now be competent in weight training and be able to improve her sprinting ability through implementation of a regular program of leg strengthening exercises (Ecker 1976).

Tapering should also be maintained to ensure she is fresh and not burnt-out before the Olympics. This could be maintained through cross-training and an extensive active recovery period. Tapering not only aids recovery but has a range of advantages including ‘better repair of muscle and connective-tissue trauma’ as well as ‘heightened mental confidence’ (P2P 2009). Thus tapering and developing the athletes technique should be maintained and developed on in the 2011-12 season. The athlete should also be tested to see how much of an improvement they have made and areas that still need to be worked on before any training programme can resume or be drawn up.

Appendix:

Sept/Oct-Preparatory Phase-Beginners Weights with a focus on the conditioning of the legs to increase athletes speed, strength and power. A simple set system because our athlete is a novice- 3 sets of 6 with 70%-enables the athlete to learn correct technique (BrianMac 2009). Content to include back squats (leg muscles), calf raises (gastrocnemius soleus), front squat (quadriceps), hack squat (front thigh), knee raise (lower abs), lunges (front thigh), squats (glutes and adductors) and step-ups with barbell (upper thighs) (Prevent Disease 2009). Interval training should incorporate the 40m sprint of the long jump and its run through technique. Shuttle sprints and agility drills will also develop the coordination and athlete’s technical ability.

Nov/Dec-Transition Phase-conditioning of the arms with a gradual decrease in volume and frequency (tapering).3-5 Minutes of recovery time between sets. 2 sets of 7 with 70%. Content to include dumbbell wrist curls (front forearms), dumbbell wrist extension (back forearms), dumbbell press (front delts), bent over flyes (rear delts), Lateral raise (medial delts), Upright row (Shoulders and Traps), Dumbbell/Barbell curls (biceps), Dips (lower pecs, serratus and triceps), one arm dumbbell kickbacks (triceps) (Ibid.). Develop range of motion and movement used in the long jump (Hitch kick technique). Anaerobic circuits can be included to develop speed, strength and power. They should include exercises for 30+ seconds and active recovery on completion of each circuit (BrianMac 2009)

Jan/Feb-Competition phase-conditioning of the upper body. Should take into account a gradual increase in intensity and decrease in volume. 3 sets of 5 with 80%. Content should include crunches (ab muscles), Dumbbell side bend (obliques), bench press (deltoids/triceps), dumbbell bench press (Chest-tendons and ligaments), flat flye (inner pectorals), Barbell row (back), Back extensions (erector spinae, hamstring and gluteus maximus) and shrugs (trapezius) (Ibid.). Reduced from 2 sessions to 1 closer to competition to ensure athlete is fresh. The anaerobic circuit training will now increase in intensity and decrease in volume. Anaerobic training can also be overlapped with interval and weight training (Ibid.).

Mar/Apr-2nd Trans Phase-more advanced weights training and/or core stability. Should start at a low intensity because the athlete is recovering from the stress of competition. Can now include machine use because the athlete has developed the basic technique. Core stability is the ability to fire and activate the muscles quickly during “specific movement sequences to stabilize the low back and pelvis giving a stable base which force can be generated through the limbs to run, jump” (GAA 2009). It plays a vital role in power generation and injury prevention and treatment.

May/Jun-2nd Prep phase should include core stability with a taper and during the competition phase sessions should be reduced from 2 to 1 with a gradual increase in intensity/decrease in volume. Alternative sequences could see core stability be replaced by weights training each week, ie 1 session of each every 2 weeks. Content to include planks, bridges, oblique crunches, sit-up and throw, side touch downs, one leg catch and pass and straight leg raise. Core stability can also incorporate medicine balls or they can be a separate session (BrianMac 2009). There should be an active recovery and rest period included in the 2nd trans phase. I have included swimming/cycling at a low intensity because there are many benefits of cross training including: injury prevention, rehabilitation, active recovery, enhanced motivation, rejuvenation and enjoyment of other sports (Fitzgerald 2004). My training programme is by no means an exhaustive list and with weight, interval, core stability and anaerobic circuit training often overlapping in what components of fitness they can develop, I may replace one or more of these aspects with cross-training to prevent overuse injuries and keep the athlete motivated to achieve her goals.

Finally, the inclusion of plyometrics and step up aerobics in the training programme is to threefold: to develop coordination, aid recovery and aid the specific long jump movements of the long jump. Plyometric exercises should progress from non-sports specific to sports specific with both slow and fast movements. These movements should include fast hopping, long bounding jumps, double leg take-offs, hopping on/off low boxes, bounding and hurdling, press-ups and hand claps, standing hop, bunny hop, squat jumps, the standing long jump and agility drills (BrianMac 2009and Ecker 1976). The progression of the training plan will see the athlete start off at a low level and by the time competition arrives, she should be reaching her peak performance. In following this training programme, for the reasons demonstrated, I have no doubt that the athlete can achieve her personal goals and who knows she may even get a medal in the 2012 London Olympics.

Bibliography:

AerobicsWorkout (2009) ‘The Benefits of Step Aerobic Exercise’ [online], available: http://www.aerobicsworkout.net/step-aerobic-exercise.php [accessed 5 Nov 2009].

Armbruster, D.A., Musker, F.F. and Mood, D. (1979) Sports and Recreational Activities for Men and Women, 7th ed., London: The C.V Mosby Company.

Bradshaw, E.J. and Aisbett, B. (2006) ‘Visual Guidance during Competition Performance and Run-Through Training in Long Jumping’, Sport Biomechanics, 5(1), 1-14.

BrianMac (2009) ‘Long Jump’ [online], available: http://www.brianmac.co.uk/longjump/index.htm and http://www.brianmac.co.uk/weight.htm [accessed 3 Nov 2009].

Claro, F. (2009) ‘Sport Training Periodization’ [online], available: http://frederickclaro.com/Sport_Training_Periodization.pdf [accessed 3 Nov 2009].

Dyson, G.H.G. (1973) The Mechanics of Athletics, 6th ed., London: University of London Press Ltd.

Ecker, T. (1971) Track and Field Dynamics, California: Tafnews Press.

Ecker, T. (1976) Track and Field: Technique through Dynamics, California: Tafnews Press.

Ertl, D. (2009) ‘Periodization: Who needs it?’ [online], available: http://nencycling.org/periodization:_who_needs_it%3F [accessed 3 Nov 2009].

Fass, J. (2008) ‘Plain Talk about Movement Planes’ [online], available: http://jonathanfass.blogspot.com/2008/02/plain-talk-about-movement-planes.html [accessed 10 Nov 2009].

Fitzgerald, M. (2004) ‘Eight Benefits of Cross-Training’ [online], available: http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-263--7420-2-1-2,00.html [accessed 10 Nov 2009].

GAA (2009) ‘What is Core stability?’ [online], available: http://www.medicalwelfare.gaa.ie/files/What_is_core_stability1.pdf [accessed 10 Nov 2009].

IAAF (2008) ‘Competition Rules 2008’ [online], available: http://www.iaaf.org/mm/Document/imported/42192.pdf [accessed 3 Nov 2009].

Kellmann, M., ed. (2002) Enhancing Recovery: Preventing Underperformance in Athletes, Champaign: Human Kinetics.

McLean, B. (2008) ‘A Biomechanical Analysis of the Long Jump’ [online], available: http://www.athleticscoaching.ca/UserFiles/File/Sport%20Science/Biomechanics/Jumping%20Events/Long%20Jump/McLean%20A%20Biomechanical%20Analysis%20of%20the%20Long%20Jump.pdf [accessed 5 Nov 2009].

Mosey, T. (2009) ‘Circuit Training: What are the physiological benefits of prescribing circuit training to your clients?’ [online], available: http://www.peakptfit.com/pdf/circuit_training.pdf [accessed 5 Nov 2009].

Paish, W. (1974) Introduction to Athletics, London: Faber and Faber Limited.
Prevent Disease (2009) ‘Strength Conditioning/ Weight Training Exercise Chart’ [online], available: http://preventdisease.com/fitness/Strength_Exercises.html [accessed 10 Nov 2009].

P2P (2009) ‘Tapering 2’ [online], available: http://www.pponline.co.uk/encyc/0267b.htm [accessed 3 Nov 2009].

Ryan, G.O. (2008) ‘Achilles Who? Neglecting an Injury Can Make Matters Worse’, Windy City Sports, April, 34.

Safesport (2009) ‘Field Events: Long and High Jump’ [online], available: http://www.safesport.co.uk/LongAndHighJump.html [accessed 3 Nov 2009].

Sewell, D., Watkins, P. and Griffin, M. (2005) Sport and Exercise Science: An Introduction, London: Hodder Education.

Sports Medicine (2009) ‘Interval Training Builds Fitness Fast: Vary Your Training Intensity to Boost Your Performance’ [online], available: http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/tipsandtricks/a/Intervals.htm [accessed 5 Nov #
2009].

TeachPE (2009) ‘What are Energy Systems’ [online], available: http://www.teachpe.com/anatomy/energy_systems.php [accessed 10 Nov 2009].

Tidow, G. (1989) ‘Model Technique Analysis Sheet for the Horizontal Jumps: The Long Jump’ [online], available: http://www.nacactfca.org/articles/longjump.pdf [accessed 5 Nov 2009].

Wilmore, J.H. (1982) Training for Sport and Activity: The Physiological Basis of the Conditioning Process, 2nd ed., London: Allyn and Bacon, INC.

Don't shoot us in the foot, pleads youth worker

2010-04-02T06:15:00.000-07:00

BUDGET CUTS and a decrease in funding will result in more children engaging in anti-social behaviour, a local youth worker has warned.

Moyross Community Centre Youth Supervisor Eugene Kiely said December’s budget could spell the end of community development projects in the area.

“This centre teaches young kids how to behave, the social skills involved in life and it keeps them out of trouble and harm’s way,” he said.

“What’s down the line in six months for these kids? They will be out on the road, breaking windows and throwing stones at trains,” he added.

With the An Bord Snip Nua report calling for the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs to be shut down, the centres existence could be jeopardised. The centre runs a number of summer camps, child minding services and sports activities for kids. If the community development projects are downgraded and funding reduced, these services may have to be withdrawn and a number of workers let go, he said.

He said that the great work done by the communities’ volunteers would be erased and Moyross would take two steps backward instead of forward. He called on the Government not to target the projects and he added that the funding needed to maintain the centre was “Mickey Mouse money, in the thousands not millions”.

Meanwhile, Limerick Women’s Network Co-ordinator Liz Price called on the Government not to target those already at risk. She said that the organization is one of a kind in Limerick. It helps women who are disadvantaged and who have suffered at the hands of violence.

“There is potential for a huge increase in anti-social behaviour if these projects are cut because it is hard for youths to engage in education and because they see the benefits reaped by criminals,” she said.

The network, based in Moyross, is involved in anti-poverty and awareness of violence campaigns. It also provides crèches and meals for the elderly. The proposal by the Government as regards the community employment scheme will reduce women’s social welfare from two payments to a single payment. In effect, women will have to bear the burden and costs involved in travelling to work, she said.

“People who benefited least from the Celtic Tiger are being hit. I urge the Government to come down here and meet the people, there are hundreds of volunteers. If the funding for these community development projects is withdrawn or downgraded, we will be paying for it for a long time,” she said.

Community Education Project Manager Josephine Sheedy said the resource centres budget was already on hold and that her job would be at risk, should An Bord Snip Nua’s recommendations be put into effect.

An Bord Snip Nua recommends the closure of the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, which would save €151 million and scale backs of 196 staff. Its role would be transferred across other departments. The report calls for a reduction in the allocation of funds for community development programmes, saving €44 million.
ENDS

Budget cuts to devastate sporting community

2010-04-02T06:04:00.000-07:00

By David Kelly

BUDGET CUTS will deal a massive blow to sports in Moyross, an FAI officer has warned.

FAI Development Officer for Limerick City Tommy Barrett said a reduction in the grant to the Irish Sports Council would have disastrous knock-on effects for the area.

Picture courtesy of http://www.inpho.ie

“A cut in funding will have a negative impact on the area. Kids learn about social integration and inclusion through sport. They also learn manners and discipline, as well as respecting other cultures. It will affect all the kids and there will be a negative impact of social behaviour, as kids won’t have the options to do stuff and play sport,” he said.

The Moyross Community Centre runs after school services, kids play pool and soccer and during the summer and spring we run late night soccer activities, he added.

“Sport is a great way of mixing people of all backgrounds. We hold blitz days each year and it is a great way for kids to be active and make friends. The sports development in Moyross is unique in that we are co-funded by the FAI and the Regeneration Agency,” he said.

Mr Barrett said that funding should not be cut because the service is a mainstream one that provides employment, keeps the kids active and thus away from hospital visits, and keeps kids away from the streets and engaging in anti-social behaviour.

“Facilities aren’t great at the minute, the base is flooded. We need more centres like this, we should have swimming pools and other pitches,” he said.

He said that the Government should not put a monetary value on sport, because its benefits far out way any negatives.

The money generated through sport saves a fortune in terms of health and crime, as well as providing employment nationwide, he said.

Limerick regeneration Community Rugby Officer George Guilfoyle, who also works in the Moyross area, said sporting activities provide kids with an outlet away from the street.

“Sport brings kids together and creates friendships. It’s a fact that kids who are provided with sports facilities and nurtured from a young age will continue playing sport into adulthood,” he said.

Mr Guilfoyle helps run activities in the community centre. He works with primary and secondary schools in developing pupil’s sporting ability and the social aspects of sport.

“We work with St Mary’s and Corpus Christi National School’s in the locality, as well as St Nessan’s. We run tag rugby activities, a Saturday club, Ceim ar Ceim groups, as well as local competitions and community games,” he said.

He reiterated Mr Barrett’s claims that Moyross would suffer if cuts are made in next week’s budget.

“If you cut any budget there will be knock-on effects. The bigger picture is everyone suffers. Health will suffer and crime may increase as kids are bored. An hour and a half in here is an hour and a half less on the street.

“Since I became involved here in Moyross, after eight years of experience in Clare, I have seen interest from kids who are seven to kids who are 10 and 13. We don’t make kids play rugby, we encourage the development of other codes and multi-sports, so there is something for everybody,” he added.

Mr Guilfoyle said that the continuation of these activities is vital to children’s development and he urged more locals to get involved.

“The next big event is a second hand gear collection on the dates of the upcoming Munster matches vs. Connacht, Northampton and Glasgow Warriors,” he said.

Their comments follow the Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs discussion entitled Funding of Irish Sport: Discussion with Federation of Irish Sports earlier this month.

The committee heard from members of the GAA, IRFU, FAI, Olympic Council of Ireland, Cumann Camogaiochta na Gael, Special Olympics Ireland and the Paralympic Council of Ireland.

They were highly critical of the McCarthy report’s recommendations to cut funding to the Irish Sports Council by €18 million, and the discontinuation of Sports Campus Ireland, saving €2 million. They were also adamant that sports remains a department and that its functions are not transferred to other bodies and departments.

GAA Director General Paraic Duffy said that more children are playing hurling in Ireland than at any time in the history of the state. He said that further cuts would cause the playing of our native games to diminish.

IRFU Chief Executive Philip Browne cited a number of ERSI reports which suggested “the State and the public are getting a very good deal from sport”. He added that sport was responsible for economic and social dividends as well as Ireland’s positive image.

“Rugby alone...is providing an economic impact to the State of approximately €300 million per year,” he said.

FAI Chief Executive John Delaney said that the work done in Moyross is tremendous.

“This helps to develop family relationships, creates a new community of volunteers and gives great self-esteem to both young and old,” he said.

The McCarthy report also recommends The Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs be closed down, saving €151 million. This crippled with a reduction of €44 million in funding available for community development projects could also spell the end of the Moyross Community Centre, Youth Worker Eugene Kiely has warned.

ENDS

Turning dyslexia on its head: ‘A Novel Idea’

2010-04-02T05:50:00.000-07:00

Famous people with dyslexia
Courtesy of: http://lizivey.wordpress.com/2008/08/

By David Kelly

STEVEN CUSHEN was just nine when he was diagnosed with a lifelong learning condition called dyslexia. Like so many other sufferers he had no idea how it would impact on his daily life.

Dyslexia is a genetic learning difficulty that can affect people in a variety of different ways. People who have dyslexia usually have problems in spelling, reading and writing, all areas which Steven says most people take for granted.

However, people with dyslexia often have strengths in visual-spatial skills, problem solving skills and determination. With this in mind, the Dyslexia Association of Ireland (DAI) has launched “A Novel Idea…Read for Dyslexia Campaign” to help people with dyslexia to discover the joy of reading.

Steven, a keen reader said: “I fully endorse this campaign, always read, and write a list of five words every day that you don’t understand or misspell and learn them. Never try to hide your condition and see what help is available.”

The campaign is being held to mark Dyslexia Awareness Month this October and DAI’s National President Jo Gannon added: “Unaddressed dyslexia can have huge lifelong consequences. The Dyslexia Association is committed to improving awareness of dyslexia and also to support people with dyslexia to achieve their potential. The Novel Idea…Read for Dyslexia campaign will enable people to pass on and share the joy of reading.”

Living with dyslexia is easy if you get the adequate support you are entitled to, advises Steven. He said: “The main effects it had for me were people not being able to read my handwriting and I found it hard to understand scientific concepts.”

He added: “I overcame my battle with dyslexia through early intervention. In primary school I had a resource teacher for an hour a day helping me to develop my learning skills. In secondary school I stopped doing Irish and got an exemption from French. I learned how to do mind-maps, use specialist software to improve my reading and writing skills and I also learned the phonetic alphabet. I got neuro-developmental therapy to develop my reflexes and the creative side of my brain. There are so many options out there for dyslexia sufferers. Don’t let the condition control you, you control it.”

Author and human rights campaigner Don Mullan, who also suffers from dyslexia, is hosting an event in culmination with the Dyslexia Association. It will be hosted by Senator David Norris and other noted Irish authors, including Clare Kilroy. They will read excerpts from their work, discuss their writing and provide photo opportunities and signings.

Don Mullan added: “Discovering that I am dyslexic set me on a road to new and unimagined adventures.”

“Dyslexia affects all age groups but is often thought of as a problem of childhood, when in fact it is a lifelong condition that affects most men and women equally,” said the DAI’s Information Officer Niav Keating.

Steven was in fourth class in Sixmilebridge National School, Clare, when he was diagnosed with the condition. Three of his mother’s siblings have dyslexia, which is genetic and runs in families. Since his diagnosis and early intervention, which the DAI note as vital, he has not looked back. He is a second year student at the University of Limerick where he is studying Systematic Environmental Science.

“Because I tackled my condition head on my reading and spelling has got better. My writing is poor but I’m working to improve that. You have to be proactive, there is no point feeling sorry for yourself. It affected my day to day life in the past, but it longer hinders my progress. After all things could be worse,” he added.

As part of the “Novel Idea…Read for Dyslexia Campaign” , people are being urged to raise funds for the DAI through book clubs, a sponsored reading marathon, coffee mornings or any idea involving reading. The most Novel Idea will win a visit to see Don Mullan, a noted Irish author and human rights campaigner and book vouchers worth €300.

A special event will take place on November 26, 2009 in the O’Reilly Theatre, Belvedere College, Dublin 1, involving Don and other leading Irish authors. Tickets for this event are available from the DAI. Tel. 01-6790276 or email info@dyslexia.ie . For every €40 raised an hour of specialist tuition will be provided for a group of people with dyslexia.

UNDERSTANDING DYSLEXIA
“Dyslexia is not caused by a lack of intelligence, emotional or physical disorders, nor is it because a person has not been taught properly.

“Dyslexia is due to a difference in how the brain works; people with dyslexia learn differently.
“Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that can affect any or all of the following areas: reading, spelling, writing, maths, memory and organisation.” (DAI Director Rosie Bissett).

“There are no statistics in Ireland as to how many people have dyslexia. A proper incidence survey has never been undertaken, due to the lack of funding for such a project. Instead, International statistics suggest 8-10 percent of the population have some form of dyslexia. Half of those would have it to quite a mild degree, they may never even be diagnosed and many would manage by developing their own compensatory strategies.

“However, the other half have a significant degree of difficulty and will have great difficulty with learning if their difficulty is not recognised and appropriate supports offered.” (DAI Information Officer Niav Keating).

The Dyslexia Association of Ireland has 33 branches nationwide. It is a founder member of the European Dyslexia Association, which contains more than 25 countries.

DAI represents more than 2,500 families all over Ireland. The DAI lobbies for the provision of appropriate services, funded by the state to all people with dyslexia
It provides a free information service to the public. Services offered include: psycho-educational assessment of children and adults, group and individual specialised tuition, teachers' courses, summer schools, speakers for schools and parents groups. (http://www.dyslexia.ie/index.htm)

For further information on dyslexia, visit www.dyslexia.ie or email info@dyslexia.ie .
ENDS

Garda profile

2010-04-02T04:34:00.000-07:00

By David Kelly

(Character)
‘‘MY Career Guidance Teacher told me to become a Chef because my aptitude test results were so bad,’’ recalls Garda Sergeant Donal Kelly.

The 45-year-old garda speaks admirably of his occupation. He is a man who has been around the block since he joined An Garda Siochana in 1982.

‘‘I have worked in Naas and Maynooth in County Kildare, Portlaoise, Abbeyleix and Arles in County Laois, Youghal in County Cork and I now work in Rathdowney in County Laois,’’ he added.

‘‘I joined the guards because I was always interested in crime investigation, the formation of the state and the history and emergence of our police force,’’ he said.

With the job comes many perks and challenges. It is a community orientated job and I love promoting community activities such as sport, he added.

Sgt. Kelly is also the Toomevara Camogie Chairman and Tipperary u18 Camogie Manager. ‘‘I have a ferocious will to succeed on the sporting field. This transcends into my job. I love working within the community and I am very much a team player. I support my colleagues 100 per cent, rather than running off on a solo run,’’ he said.

In his spare time he likes to go horse racing and greyhound racing in his native Tipperary. ‘‘I am also interested in antique furniture and traditional houses. My sister Suzanne plays with Tipperary’s Senior Camogie team and I am always at the forefront edging her on. GAA is my passion, my life,’’ he added.

With that he excuses himself to answer a phone call. Within two minutes he returns and planks himself on his resting arm chair with a bemused smirk on his face. ‘‘My brother just won €10,000 on the US Masters. I could have done with a tip. Damn the little bugger,’’ he laughs.

His youngest son, 11-year-old DJ Kelly describes his father as a committed and humorous person. ‘‘When I was at Kilkenny Shopping Centre last Christmas I jumped onto a man I thought was my dad. It turned out my dad was standing behind me with the rest of my family laughing their heads off. My father always sees the funny side of life,’’ he said.

However, he admits he sometimes fears for his father’s safety because of the rise in gun crime and because gardai remain unarmed.

(Challenges)
Gardai across the country face many challenges which range from organised crime and gangs to the court system.

‘‘We have a court system where the bail laws and judges appear to be liberal with persistent offenders. Our job incurs physical work as well as mundane work and maintaining public work, but that is why it is enjoyable. No two days are alike,’’ he said.

We face an emergence of rival gang families and a surge in gun crime, he added. The idea that community based gardai should become armed is out of the question. We have always remained an unarmed force since our foundation. Why change now? he says.

‘‘The hardest part of our occupation is dealing with sudden deaths, fatal road traffic accidents and people taking their own lives,’’ he added.

‘‘We need to support rural Ireland, we can’t let the small community bars and post offices disappear as a result of urbanisation and often at the hands of our legislation.’’

(Pension levy)
‘‘EVERYONE needs to put their shoulder to the wheel and play their part in reviving the economy.’’

That is the view shared by Sgt. Kelly, who has been in the service some 27 years.

Garda Kelly is just one of over 14,000 gardai who will be affected by the pension levy, which was introduced in last week’s mini-budget. The pension levy starts at 3 per cent on a gross income of €15,000, but rises to a high of 9.6 per cent on a gross income of €300,000.

Before the pension levy was introduced, Garda Representative Association General Secretary PJ Stone said: “Our members do not deserve pay cuts; the reality is they are never paid enough to take the kind of abuse they are often subjected to. A garda pension is hard earned.

“An assault on a member of An Garda Síochána is an assault on Irish society and our community. We have to highlight this because it is being ignored by our politicians. They are out of touch with the reality of life in our cities, towns and villages because they have allowed themselves to live in a protected bubble.’’

Heinz Kiefer, President of EuroCOP, an umbrella organisation which represents 34 international police forces said: “Public sector wages, especially in the police, are not competitive at their current levels. Further decreasing them will trigger even more experienced officers to leave the police service.’’

This has already been the case in Ireland where the Herald newspaper reported some 600 experienced gardai have resigned because of the pension levy, reducing the attested strength of the gardai by five per cent. It is widely feared that if retirement gratuities are touched this number will rise significantly.

However, unlike some of his comrades Sgt. Kelly is not opposed to the move, even though he still has a mortgage to pay and five children to care for. The divorced father of five earns around €95,000 a year, but between paying back loans and his €200,000 mortgage he will see his take home pay significantly reduced by a pension levy of 8.5%.

‘‘Everybody has to share the burden. There is no point in pointing the finger,’’ he said.

‘‘Every organisation in the country needs to be reformed at some stage. Now it is the turn of our banks and the financial sector. In the past it was the clergy, the gardai and politicians,’’ he added.

He remains upbeat on the prospects of turning the current economic crisis around. ‘‘We must adjust to these testing times, be tough and prepare ourselves for the upturn whenever it should come. We enjoyed the Celtic Tiger and we must prepare for the next one and help our children to flourish,’’ he said.

‘‘There is no point in being negative and dwelling on past experiences. It is all about the future. If we can learn from our past mistakes we will be a better country down the line,’’ he said.

‘‘We are still a young country by any means, we are always evolving, always learning,’’ he added.

It is clear that Sgt. Donal Kelly is a positive and upbeat character. With the community as his mindset, there is no reason why An Garda Siochana can’t continue to prosper for many years to come. We can feel ourselves safe in the hands of The Guardians of the Peace.
ENDS