"We used computational social network mapping in combination with human and automated content analysis to analyze the Iranian blogosphere. In contrast to the conventional wisdom that Iranian bloggers are mainly young democrats critical of the regime, we found a wide range of opinions representing re
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ligious conservative points of view as well as secular and reform-minded ones, and topics ranging from politics and human rights to poetry, religion, and pop culture. Our research indicates that the Persian blogosphere is indeed a large discussion space of approximately 60,000 routinely updated blogs featuring a rich and varied mix of bloggers. Social network analysis reveals the Iranian blogosphere to be dominated by four major network formations, or poles, with identifiable sub-clusters of bloggers within those poles. We label the poles as 1) Secular/Reformist, 2) Conservative/Religious, 3) Persian Poetry and Literature, and 4) Mixed Networks." (Abstract)
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"Alternative Journalism is the first book to investigate and analyse the diverse forms and genres of journalism that have arisen as challenges to mainstream news coverage. From the radical content of emancipatory media to the dizzying range of citizen journalist blogs and fanzine subcultures, this b
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ook charts the historical and cultural practices of this diverse and globalized phenomenon. This exploration goes to the heart of journalism itself, prompting a critical inquiry into the epistemology of news, the professional norms of objectivity, the elite basis of journalism and the hierarchical commerce of news production. In investigating the challenges to media power presented by alternative journalism, this book addresses not just the issues of politics and empowerment but also that of the journalism of popular culture and the everyday." (Publisher description)
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"Lo que le vamos quitando a la guerra" documenta cómo en Colombia la guerra no lo es todo. Más que “divulgar” que la paz es mejor que la guerra, que “hacer actos de fe” sobre que los buenos somos más, que “vamos ganando la guerra” y demás obviedades políticas, mediáticas y académi
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cas… este texto documenta que la ciudadanía es experiencia. Y la comunicación es una experiencia de producir paz desde y en sí misma. Sólo que esta experiencia debe ser producida desde las estéticas y relatos que habitan la gente, no desde los códigos de la máquina mediática y la máquina del desarrollo. “Lo que le vamos quitando a la guerra” es más que medios, aquí hay experiencias de ciudadanía desde la comunicación de la gente. Más que teorías, aquí encontrará crónicas y testimonios de una nación que se teje con otros. Más que evaluar, presenta una metodología que produciendo memoria conoce; una investigación que produce conocimiento pero respondiendo las preguntas formuladas por los mismos actores de la comunicación local." (Presentación, página 3)
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"'Alternative Media' is the term used to describe non-mainstream media forms that are independently run and community focussed, such as zines, pirate radio, online discussion boards, community run and owned broadcasting companies, and activist publications such as Red Pepper and Corporate Watch. The
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book outlines the different types of 'alternative" (Publisher description)
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"Given the limited nature of global media with its emphasis on ‘infotainment’ driven by commerce, it has very little role in community development. We see the alarming and growing impact of the global media on the socio-cultural life of different communities in India. The rampaging growth of cen
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tralized distribution systems has not only undermined local expressions but is also loudly proclaiming its sole legitimacy and relevance. Where does that leave the diverse forms of local media that abound in our cultural landscape? Abhivyakti Media for Development, a Nashik-based Indian development communication organization, believes that local media forms have a vital role in shaping community life and its development. Abhivyakti has initiated a programme in the Maharashtra state of India that seeks to identify those who are already using some media forms in order to support them to participate in a loose informal network. This network mobilizes their creative energies to focus on the local and, in doing so, brings a host of diverse realities into public awareness and generates alternative nodal centres to distribute these voices and images. The programme is already shaping different possibilities and allowing them to emerge as viable alternatives for community empowerment." (Abstract)
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"This book is the result of a research project covering eight countries in South and South East Asia examining the role and impact of alternative media. The definition of alternative media depends very much on the political, social, cultural and economic environment you live in. Thus, this book give
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s the reader an idea of the diversity of alternative media sources available across Asia, which is very much a result of the different media regulatory regimes in the countries we have included in this study. While Bangladesh has had alternative media, in the form of community theatre and other artistic expressions for a long time, yet, community radio, which is fast becoming one of the most effective forms of alternative media in Asia, is slow to take off, because the regulations still do not allow it. Meanwhile in Indonesia and Thailand, community radio has taken off rapidly, with regulators struggling to come up with a formula to help regulate the sector while not shutting it down. In the Philippine community radio has existed legally for many years and is thriving, thus, there may be lessons others can learn from this experience. In Malaysia, where legislation tightly controls the establishment of media outlets, there are yet, some interesting examples of how alternative media could be effectively operated via the Internet. Sri Lanka, offers an interesting model where elements of community broadcasting could exist within a public service broadcaster. Thus, this book, gives you interesting examples from Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Thailand of how people are getting their voices heard - or are struggling to make that happen - using a variety of media and methods of expression." (Publisher description)
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"This collection of writing on community media describes attempts at local media development and case studies of functioning projects. It presents a range of perspectives on grassroots media originating from community groups; research representing participant observation; hands-on community involvem
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ent; service on international boards of directors; content analysis; and ethical inquiries. The book draws on both theoretical and practical examples from Australia, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Ghana, India, Israel, Kazakhstan, Latin America, Native Americans, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, and includes perspectives ranging from cyberdating to ethics and policy-making. Sections include Aboriginal/Indigenous Experiences, Current Case Studies, and Virtual Community Visions. It intends to appeal to a range of academic disciplines, community media groups, and people who work in their local cable television centres in order to provide an alternative voice to mainstream media." (https://www.comminit.com)
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"From all that has come before it should be all too clear that starting up and developing a small independent community newspaper takes considerable tenacity. There is a general perception in this sector that the value of these publications often goes unacknowledged. Shirley Govender of the Southern
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and Soweto News summarises how many of independents in this research appear to feel: “No one takes you seriously as an independent publisher…[we] feel that disadvantage is running through our veins.” In every single newspaper’s case study at least one person says they are in the industry for the love of it. Most are stoic regarding challenges they face. Some are more independent than others. Many form good and often interesting symbiotic partnerships to share resources and people-power. Some report on contentious issues, most do not. The majority use their newspapers in ways that work towards building a better life for themselves and the communities they serve. But few have the time and know-how to access and engage with media development agencies. And fewer still have the time and expertise to represent the voice of small community publications in the battle against unfair competition, inequitable practices and marginalisation." (Conclusion, page 114)
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"Now that it's possible to publish in real time to a worldwide audience, a new breed of grassroots journalists are taking the news into their own hands. Armed with laptops, cell phones, and digital cameras, these readers-turned-reporters are transforming the news from a lecture into a conversation.
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In We the Media, nationally acclaimed newspaper columnist and blogger Dan Gillmor tells the story of this emerging phenomenon and sheds light on this deep shift in how we make--and consume--the news. Gillmor shows how anyone can produce the news, using personal blogs, Internet chat groups, email, and a host of other tools. He sends a wake-up call tonewsmakers-politicians, business executives, celebrities-and the marketers and PR flacks who promote them. He explains how to successfully play by the rules of this new era and shift from "control" to "engagement." And he makes a strong case to his fell journalists that, in the face of a plethora of Internet-fueled news vehicles, they must change or become irrelevant." (Publisher description)
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"This book analyzes the different ways in which media are being used for community building and it also critically interrogates the concept of community itself. The authors do that from a variety of different perspectives, ranging from fundamental philosophical questions regarding community, to the
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role of journalism, the possibilities of community building on a local, national and global level, online media communities as means of empowerment for marginalized groups, the representation of communities in the media, and the formation of learning communities. Although there is a clear dominance in focusing on the chances and possibilities opened up by the Internet, the role of more traditional media like magazines, radio and television is being examined as well. Both sides, the media representations with the identity positions they offer as well as the interpretations and meaning productions that take place by the users of the media, are taken into account to cover the full range of media as cultural tools of connectivity." (Publisher description)
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