Media in Times of Crisis

Overview

In an era marked by unprecedented challenges, infodemic, ecological crises, global upheavals and socio-political conflicts, the role of media and broadcast has become more crucial than ever before in shaping public opinions, cultivating awareness and driving impactful discourse. This module aims to offer an in-depth analysis of the interconnection between media and crises with a particular focus on the infodemic. It also problematises ethical norms of professional practices (such as truth(s), objectivity and impartiality) within media and broadcast realms while addressing and narrating risks within societies. This module conducts a comprehensive study and theoretical terrains of various types of fake news, misinformation and disinformation in augmenting crises and disruptions and triggering civil unrest and confrontations. Adopting a socio-anthropological and cultural theoretical framework to understanding the role of media in times of crisis, this module engages in discussing and analysing case studies on the role of media in major critical issues that are both locally and globally relevant. By bringing in both Global North and Global South contexts of media practices in times of crisis, this module aims to enhance understanding of the societal role of both traditional and digital media practices in times of crisis. By examining the theoretical underpinnings and characteristics of professional practices, ethical implications and societal impacts through the lens of media and broadcast, this module help to improve your understanding about the critical roles in influencing public opinion, policy-making, and overall trajectories of our shared responses in times of crisis.

Learning Objectives

1. To gain an in-depth conceptual understanding of the role of media in times of crisis with a particular focus on theoretical discourse on risk society, post-truth and mis- and disinformation.
2. To analyse various interconnections between the media theories and practices in the light of socio-political disruptions, inequalities and ecological crises.
3. To obtain a comprehensive understanding of the socio-cultural values and norms in the contexts of local and global media practices during conflicts and crises.
4. To achieve a detailed understanding of ethical norms relevant to the media and broadcast industry to be able to produce impactful outputs and achieve ethical professional standards.
5. To be able to critically examine the media discourse on and during conflicts and crises in relation to the academic theories and concepts that are significant in media and cultural studies.

Skills

At the end of this course, students will be able:
1. Achieve knowledge and understanding of the dynamics and debates about the role of media in times of crisis.
2. Articulate an informed understanding of the nuances and contextual implications of misinformation and fake news in the contexts of crises.
3. To critically examine the contemporary discourses and role of media in various crises within both local and global contexts using interdisciplinary frameworks.
4. To develop an academically informed awareness of various strategies that the media professionals can undertake while responding and reacting to various socio-cultural, health and ecological crises.
5. Develop skills in critical evaluation of complex source materials; identify and use research resources and other important traditional and online resources.
6. To question theories and interpretations and critically re-examine evidence for themselves.
7. To understand the feasibility and application of various media research methods and case study techniques to the investigation of specific research questions.
8. To critically interrogate situated empirical examples of specific media practices in the contexts of crises in both the Global North and Global South.

Assessment