Hot Topic - Hate Speech
A sharp eye is not needed to see a strong relationship between new media growth and repressed news environments. Or is it fragmented societies in anxious times seeking out information silos? Or is it opportunistic propagandists looking to tear apart civil societies? All of this, certainly, and there’s more to come. Some of it could actually be quite good.
If disruption is the key to success, these are the best of times. Nothing is as it was a year ago, even five minutes ago. Blame social media. Blame the web. Blame the moon. But all that lovely disruption comes at a price. No worries: inflation will reduce the risk.
The negative effect of fake news, hate speech and propaganda on civil society is beyond question. Only those wishing to upend The Enlightenment are delighted with the onrush of noxious, veracity-challenged dribble affixed to media - old, new and social. There is no easy fix.
Suggestions that traditional news media died in 2016 as “post-truth” reality defined news - online and elsewhere - widely misses the mark. Disruption certainly has a place in civil society but not the only place. The ethos of journalism is easily dismissed but not, completely, forgotten. It’s just the hacks who send out press releases, whether touting a new experience for over-stimulated Millennials or sowing confusion among those “low-information” voters.
Truth is truth. The earth is round and orbits the sun. A few people hold a divergent point of view, which is wholly respected when argued with reason, however flawed. And those opinions are now readily accessible, thanks, in part, to the digital dividend. Truth has become paralyzed by disruption feeding on fears and insecurities.
Giants of the universe are pondering their fate. Threatened by deep pools of retching bile, they sense increasing danger. Less fleet than the effluence encroaching, they are mounting a defence. It will be expensive but money is no object when survival is at risk.
The internet is a wonderful thing. Online news portals, and others, have discovered a certain bonus from a free and open digital pipeline. Unlike ancient letters to the editor very simple and inexpensive software solutions afford the public at large access points for sharing their views and opinions. Most are thoughtful, some irritating, a few repulsive. Web traffic certainly doesn’t suffer from trolls.
See also...
Fake News, Hate Speech and Propaganda
The institutional threat of fake news, hate speech and propaganda is testing the mettle of those who toil in news media. Those three related evils are not new, by any means, but taken together have put the truth and those reporting it on the back foot. Words matter. This ftm Knowledge file explores that light. 48 pages, PDF (March 2017)
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Media in Spain - Diverse and Challenged – new
Media in Spain is steeped in tradition. yet challenged by diversity. Publishers hold great influence, broadcasters competing. New media has been slow to rise and business models for all are under stress. Rich in language and culture, Spain's media is reaching into the future and finding more than expected. 123 pages, PDF. January 2018
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The Campaign Is On - Elections and Media
Elections campaigns are big media events. Candidates and issues are presented, analyzed and criticized in broadcast and print. Media is now more of a participant in elections than ever. This ftm Knowledge file reports on news coverage, advertising, endorsements and their effect on democracy at work. 84 pages. PDF (September 2017)
Order here
Fake News, Hate Speech and Propaganda
The institutional threat of fake news, hate speech and propaganda is testing the mettle of those who toil in news media. Those three related evils are not new, by any means, but taken together have put the truth and those reporting it on the back foot. Words matter. This ftm Knowledge file explores that light. 48 pages, PDF (March 2017)
Order here
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