Tuesday, 5 March 2013
Sandton BMH: Modern Culture Full-time Class test
The Modern Culture Full-time Class test for the Sandton Boston Media House will be written during your class time on the 18th and 19th of March. You need to study Units 1-4.
Monday, 4 March 2013
News credibility is king in our twittering world
Franz Kruger writes for the Mail & Guardian:
In anybody's terms, the Valentine's Day shooting of the model Reeva Steenkamp by her Paralympian star boyfriend was a sensational event. It drew unprecedented local and international attention, and will continue to do so as the judicial process unfolds.
There was immediate blanket coverage, which included information on the kind of evidence the police were believed to have uncovered. The Sunday papers went particularly far in this direction, reflecting the police case that he had murdered his girlfriend. In one paper, there was a kind of cartoon strip that showed what might have happened.
As the bail hearing unfolded afterwards, it became clear that these accounts were open to challenge. Some details, such as the existence of a bloody cricket bat, proved to be pure fiction, as Pistorius's defence sought to create doubt about the state's case.
At the very least, the bail hearing must have been almost as embarrassing to some newspapers as it was to the hapless investigating officer whose testimony was dismantled in court. Of course, the trial has not begun properly, and the evidence from both sides will be subjected to much closer scrutiny.
The coverage has led to a debate about the limits of court reporting. The sub-judice rule is designed to prevent issues before court being prejudged and to forestall undue influence over a court case. What this means in practice, however, has been unclear for some time.
Relaxed approach
In its strict application, the rule meant that only material actually presented in court could be reported and no opinion on the strength of a case or a likely outcome was permissible. As the media lawyers Dario Milo and Avani Singh have pointed out, a 2007 ruling in the Supreme Court of Appeal has loosened the reins somewhat. Although it accepted that publicity can harm the administration of justice, the court said damage needed to be clear and demonstrable before the media's freedom to report could be limited.
The ruling gave official approval to the more relaxed approach that has become standard practice, although it does not help a great deal in determining what exactly constitutes clear harm.
The relaxation of these rules is welcome, because it established that the courts cannot exist in a sanitised bubble of their own making. Immunity from public discussion cannot be achieved and is not desirable. But this does not mean there should be no limits. I was uncomfortable about some of the initial Pistorius coverage in that it encouraged a view that the matter was clear and his guilt established. This is a problem because it is unfair to the accused and because it may undermine public confidence in the court's final decision.
Much has been made of the fact that we do not have a jury system and so the danger of improperly influencing the court case is much diminished. This is, of course, valid and sets the South African situation apart from that in Britain and elsewhere. But it does not deal with the other two concerns.
It is more often the way information is presented than the detail itself that can cause a problem. By all means, report on the alleged cricket bat – but maybe it should be presented a little more cautiously, making it clear that various explanations and additional facts may yet change the picture.
It is true that the rise of social media has changed the landscape. They provide a new platform for valuable insights and new facts – mixed in with rumour, speculation and half-baked opinion. It seems to me that the implication of this development is not that journalists should publish everything "because it's out there anyway" but that they should hold on to a key advantage they have: the claim to trustworthiness based on thorough research and balanced presentation.
Spin doctors
A more careful approach also provides some defence against the dangers of being manipulated by spin doctors. Already, the coverage shows the signs of opposing PR strategies at work, with stories of "prayers for Oscar" competing with claims of past violence on the front pages of various newspapers. It seems that the motto of the day is "No front page without Oscar", which leaves a great deal of space for spin to be presented as news.
Let's all take a deep breath and calm down. This story will be with us for a long time and we should cover it in a way that ensures that our credibility with readers stays with us too.
The headline on last week's front-page lead story in the Mail & Guardian was one of those that can irritate readers. The story quoted several sources saying that a group of ANC lobbyists based in KwaZulu-Natal was working to prevent the party's deputy president, Cyril Ramaphosa, from assuming the party's top position after Jacob Zuma steps down.
The headline declared "Why Cyril won't be king", assuming, very smoothly and without a shade of evidence, that this group's aim will be achieved. It is always fun to predict the political future but it's an uncertain business. There will be other factions with different ideas – and a hundred things may happen to stymie this goal.
But the M&G confidently predicted how it will turn out. It's like talking to eight (or more) Democratic Alliance sources who say they are working to capture Gauteng from the ANC, then writing as fact that they will do so, with the headline: "DA to capture Gauteng".
Maybe the paper's crystal ball needs to be sent in for repairs.
This article appeared on the Mail & Guardian website
In anybody's terms, the Valentine's Day shooting of the model Reeva Steenkamp by her Paralympian star boyfriend was a sensational event. It drew unprecedented local and international attention, and will continue to do so as the judicial process unfolds.
There was immediate blanket coverage, which included information on the kind of evidence the police were believed to have uncovered. The Sunday papers went particularly far in this direction, reflecting the police case that he had murdered his girlfriend. In one paper, there was a kind of cartoon strip that showed what might have happened.
As the bail hearing unfolded afterwards, it became clear that these accounts were open to challenge. Some details, such as the existence of a bloody cricket bat, proved to be pure fiction, as Pistorius's defence sought to create doubt about the state's case.
At the very least, the bail hearing must have been almost as embarrassing to some newspapers as it was to the hapless investigating officer whose testimony was dismantled in court. Of course, the trial has not begun properly, and the evidence from both sides will be subjected to much closer scrutiny.
The coverage has led to a debate about the limits of court reporting. The sub-judice rule is designed to prevent issues before court being prejudged and to forestall undue influence over a court case. What this means in practice, however, has been unclear for some time.
Relaxed approach
In its strict application, the rule meant that only material actually presented in court could be reported and no opinion on the strength of a case or a likely outcome was permissible. As the media lawyers Dario Milo and Avani Singh have pointed out, a 2007 ruling in the Supreme Court of Appeal has loosened the reins somewhat. Although it accepted that publicity can harm the administration of justice, the court said damage needed to be clear and demonstrable before the media's freedom to report could be limited.
The ruling gave official approval to the more relaxed approach that has become standard practice, although it does not help a great deal in determining what exactly constitutes clear harm.
The relaxation of these rules is welcome, because it established that the courts cannot exist in a sanitised bubble of their own making. Immunity from public discussion cannot be achieved and is not desirable. But this does not mean there should be no limits. I was uncomfortable about some of the initial Pistorius coverage in that it encouraged a view that the matter was clear and his guilt established. This is a problem because it is unfair to the accused and because it may undermine public confidence in the court's final decision.
Much has been made of the fact that we do not have a jury system and so the danger of improperly influencing the court case is much diminished. This is, of course, valid and sets the South African situation apart from that in Britain and elsewhere. But it does not deal with the other two concerns.
It is more often the way information is presented than the detail itself that can cause a problem. By all means, report on the alleged cricket bat – but maybe it should be presented a little more cautiously, making it clear that various explanations and additional facts may yet change the picture.
It is true that the rise of social media has changed the landscape. They provide a new platform for valuable insights and new facts – mixed in with rumour, speculation and half-baked opinion. It seems to me that the implication of this development is not that journalists should publish everything "because it's out there anyway" but that they should hold on to a key advantage they have: the claim to trustworthiness based on thorough research and balanced presentation.
Spin doctors
A more careful approach also provides some defence against the dangers of being manipulated by spin doctors. Already, the coverage shows the signs of opposing PR strategies at work, with stories of "prayers for Oscar" competing with claims of past violence on the front pages of various newspapers. It seems that the motto of the day is "No front page without Oscar", which leaves a great deal of space for spin to be presented as news.
Let's all take a deep breath and calm down. This story will be with us for a long time and we should cover it in a way that ensures that our credibility with readers stays with us too.
The headline on last week's front-page lead story in the Mail & Guardian was one of those that can irritate readers. The story quoted several sources saying that a group of ANC lobbyists based in KwaZulu-Natal was working to prevent the party's deputy president, Cyril Ramaphosa, from assuming the party's top position after Jacob Zuma steps down.
The headline declared "Why Cyril won't be king", assuming, very smoothly and without a shade of evidence, that this group's aim will be achieved. It is always fun to predict the political future but it's an uncertain business. There will be other factions with different ideas – and a hundred things may happen to stymie this goal.
But the M&G confidently predicted how it will turn out. It's like talking to eight (or more) Democratic Alliance sources who say they are working to capture Gauteng from the ANC, then writing as fact that they will do so, with the headline: "DA to capture Gauteng".
Maybe the paper's crystal ball needs to be sent in for repairs.
This article appeared on the Mail & Guardian website
Tuesday, 26 February 2013
Media Law Class test 1 - Sandton Boston Media House
Media Law Class test 1
Date: 11 March 2013
Scope: pages 1 – 69
Marks: 35
Duration: 45 min
Time: 15h00 (ALL STUDENTS), Venue: room 8, 10 and 11.
No 11h30 class that day.
Friday, 22 February 2013
Portfolio Night comes to SA
Portfolio Night, where aspiring young advertising copywriters, art directors and designers meet with several renowned advertising creative directors in a fast-paced evening of advice, networking and recruitment, is coming to South Africa for the first time.
Portfolio Night 11, supported by its global sponsors, iStockphoto and VCU Brandcenter, brings together young creatives, creative directors, 63 city hosts in 35 countries, in a 'one night only' event across the planet.
McCann Johannesburg will host the event in Johannesburg. Its chief creative officer, Pierre Odendaal, says: "Portfolio Night is ideal for people whose heart's desire is to work in the creative department of an advertising agency. As this event only occurs once a night annually, you do not want to miss this invaluable opportunity."
A whole new generation
A whole new generation of creative talent will be selected to participate in the event. What will transpire is an explosion of energy, enthusiasm and verve and youngsters can expect to leave having presented their work to South Africa's most talented in the business, including a jury of creative directors, executive creative directors and chief creative officers.
Likened to speed dating, the evening's format is structured for students to present the best of their portfolios to executives on a one-on-one basis, in 15-minute increments. "It is fun, it's fast and it will rally the industry together for a preview of the next generation of talent," explains Odendaal.
Portfolio Night does not just make advertising industry news; over the years, the event has been featured in the international mainstream press, including New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Forbes and the Hong Kong Economic Times.
Winner goes to US
Another draw card for students to participate is the competition named 'Portfolio Night All Stars', whereby one student from every city that takes part will be voted on the night as having the best, most interesting portfolio.
"The winning Joburg student will be flown - at no cost - to New York in August for a week of workshops and seminars at the Art Directors Club. It is a fantastic opportunity to meet some big names. It also highlights the agency's commitment to helping the next generation of talent long after Portfolio Night is over," says Odendaal.
"It's a special treat to finally be able to bring Portfolio Night to South Africa," says Brianna Graves, ADC's director of content & communications. "I've spent some time in Johannesburg, observing the advertising industry, and I kept saying, 'Why hasn't Portfolio Night happened here yet?'. But now McCann will be leading the charge and we thank them."
There is a selection process for students who wish to participate in Portfolio Night and students, who are not part of a school that has entered, can email the agency directly. Students are required to pay R100 each to join the evening, thereby demonstrating a commitment towards their creative future. The venue and other details will be on the website closer to the time.
MD at McCann Johannesburg, Karabo Denalane, concludes, "We're honoured to have been chosen as the South African flag bearers. This is one way to demonstrate our commitment to growing talent and taking our creative standing to new heights. We're looking forward to this being the start of something fantastic for our industry."
For more, go to www.portfolionight.com/11/johannesburg or www.mccann.co.za.
McCann Johannesburg will host the event in Johannesburg. Its chief creative officer, Pierre Odendaal, says: "Portfolio Night is ideal for people whose heart's desire is to work in the creative department of an advertising agency. As this event only occurs once a night annually, you do not want to miss this invaluable opportunity."
A whole new generation
A whole new generation of creative talent will be selected to participate in the event. What will transpire is an explosion of energy, enthusiasm and verve and youngsters can expect to leave having presented their work to South Africa's most talented in the business, including a jury of creative directors, executive creative directors and chief creative officers.
Likened to speed dating, the evening's format is structured for students to present the best of their portfolios to executives on a one-on-one basis, in 15-minute increments. "It is fun, it's fast and it will rally the industry together for a preview of the next generation of talent," explains Odendaal.
Portfolio Night does not just make advertising industry news; over the years, the event has been featured in the international mainstream press, including New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Forbes and the Hong Kong Economic Times.
Winner goes to US
Another draw card for students to participate is the competition named 'Portfolio Night All Stars', whereby one student from every city that takes part will be voted on the night as having the best, most interesting portfolio.
"The winning Joburg student will be flown - at no cost - to New York in August for a week of workshops and seminars at the Art Directors Club. It is a fantastic opportunity to meet some big names. It also highlights the agency's commitment to helping the next generation of talent long after Portfolio Night is over," says Odendaal.
"It's a special treat to finally be able to bring Portfolio Night to South Africa," says Brianna Graves, ADC's director of content & communications. "I've spent some time in Johannesburg, observing the advertising industry, and I kept saying, 'Why hasn't Portfolio Night happened here yet?'. But now McCann will be leading the charge and we thank them."
There is a selection process for students who wish to participate in Portfolio Night and students, who are not part of a school that has entered, can email the agency directly. Students are required to pay R100 each to join the evening, thereby demonstrating a commitment towards their creative future. The venue and other details will be on the website closer to the time.
MD at McCann Johannesburg, Karabo Denalane, concludes, "We're honoured to have been chosen as the South African flag bearers. This is one way to demonstrate our commitment to growing talent and taking our creative standing to new heights. We're looking forward to this being the start of something fantastic for our industry."
For more, go to www.portfolionight.com/11/johannesburg or www.mccann.co.za.
Tuesday, 5 February 2013
Open Day & Registration
This Saturday, 9 February from 09:00-12:00 there will be an Open Day at Boston Media House, Sandton.
Current student re-registration process, please come re-register ASAP to secure your place!!!
Do you have the following to register?
•Signed Registration contract, copy of your results
•ID photos & ID copy, Deposit Slip for Registration fee & deposit, Proof of residence
•Completed NLRD form and a Completed Indemnity Form
The re-registration process works as follows at Boston Media House, Sandton:
1. Accounts & Registration
• Registration assistants will check your documents and clip together-Room 1
•Registration assistant will collect a checklist from Administration-Room 2
2a. Credits/ academic queries/ letters
• Transcript of previous studies or past results will be checked by the Registrar or an HOD before registration documentation is signed off
2b. Captured/Invoicing
•Registration documentation gets signed off
• Capture details on ICAS
•Collect invoice and copy of contract
• Collect rulebook-All in Room 2
3. Student cards and Fingerprints
• Take a photo for your student card-Room 2
• To gain access to the college, have your fingerprints taken in Room 2
Thursday, 8 November 2012
Trend-watching online portal launched for local marketing communications industry
Published: 1 November 2012
Leading industry editors and publishers, Louise Marsland and Herman Manson have joined forces to launch TREND. – a trend-watching, market intelligence and research online portal and free resource for the media, advertising and marketing communications industry in South Africa.
The portal goes live on Thursday, 1 November 2012 and will track and publish consumer data and trends across the media, advertising and marketing communications industry, including original in-depth trend reports combining the best of local and international research contextualised for the South African market with interviews with thought leaders and experts.
The focus will be on consumer and media data, consumer and industry trends and market intelligence, across retail, media, marketing, digital innovation, and so on.
Marsland, a media veteran with 25 years’ experience across print and online journalism, who has edited industry media brands such as AdVantage, Bizcommunity.com and Marketing Mix, honed her critical thinking skills with a Masters of Commerce degree in Strategy and Organisational Dynamics through the Leadership Centre of the University of KwaZulu-Natal. The degree was presented in conjunction with the UK’s Open University and the Copenhagen School of Business.
“TREND. will be the ‘go-to’ place for the media, marketing and advertising industry, as well as business leaders and anyone else seeking rich data, research and in-depth analysis of local and international trends across the industry. We will interrogate industry data, presenting it in an exciting and accessible format, in conjunction with the expertise of our content partners and own journalistic acumen. Reports will range from weekly impactful, trend reports, to in-depth exclusive research with drop down menus for easy search on a variety of relevant industry issues and topics,” says Marsland.
Manson, who edits and publishes the independent and widely respected media, marketing and advertising industry website, Marklives.com, is a former publisher of Brand magazine and editor of Media Toolbox. MarkLives will serve as a strategic publishing partner to TREND.
“TREND. will serve as a central curated resource for local and international marketing and media research as well as create its own unique in-depth reports that sources and charts influential modern trends marketers and their agencies need to note,” explains Manson.
The duo have had positive feedback from the market already, with leading industry brands taking up an initial advertising sponsorship offering, including: Machine, John Brown Media, Quirk Education, Ornico Media and 60 Layers of Cake.
Content partnerships with agencies and research houses will see TREND. providing exclusive research and predicting trends, as well as reporting on them.
The first in-depth Dissect report to be published on TREND., ‘Socialising Enterprise’ focuses on social media. Compiled by Marsland and sponsored by Quirk, the report sets forth the effects of a socialised consumer base and how modern enterprise needs to adapt and integrate ‘social’ across all platforms. Content is broken down in readily digestible pieces for the busy executive.
TREND. will also be trendsetting in itself, setting benchmarks with design elements and online advertising with full screen display ads.
“The intensive research and process thinking my degree demanded made me a better journalist, interested in research and how innovation and ideas emerge in organisations. With TREND. I’m combining my love of journalism and passion for the media, marketing and advertising industry, with my fascination for rich data and the thought leadership and creativity around how trends emerge,” concludes Marsland.
For more information, visit www.trendlives.info.
The focus will be on consumer and media data, consumer and industry trends and market intelligence, across retail, media, marketing, digital innovation, and so on.
Marsland, a media veteran with 25 years’ experience across print and online journalism, who has edited industry media brands such as AdVantage, Bizcommunity.com and Marketing Mix, honed her critical thinking skills with a Masters of Commerce degree in Strategy and Organisational Dynamics through the Leadership Centre of the University of KwaZulu-Natal. The degree was presented in conjunction with the UK’s Open University and the Copenhagen School of Business.
“TREND. will be the ‘go-to’ place for the media, marketing and advertising industry, as well as business leaders and anyone else seeking rich data, research and in-depth analysis of local and international trends across the industry. We will interrogate industry data, presenting it in an exciting and accessible format, in conjunction with the expertise of our content partners and own journalistic acumen. Reports will range from weekly impactful, trend reports, to in-depth exclusive research with drop down menus for easy search on a variety of relevant industry issues and topics,” says Marsland.
Manson, who edits and publishes the independent and widely respected media, marketing and advertising industry website, Marklives.com, is a former publisher of Brand magazine and editor of Media Toolbox. MarkLives will serve as a strategic publishing partner to TREND.
“TREND. will serve as a central curated resource for local and international marketing and media research as well as create its own unique in-depth reports that sources and charts influential modern trends marketers and their agencies need to note,” explains Manson.
The duo have had positive feedback from the market already, with leading industry brands taking up an initial advertising sponsorship offering, including: Machine, John Brown Media, Quirk Education, Ornico Media and 60 Layers of Cake.
Content partnerships with agencies and research houses will see TREND. providing exclusive research and predicting trends, as well as reporting on them.
The first in-depth Dissect report to be published on TREND., ‘Socialising Enterprise’ focuses on social media. Compiled by Marsland and sponsored by Quirk, the report sets forth the effects of a socialised consumer base and how modern enterprise needs to adapt and integrate ‘social’ across all platforms. Content is broken down in readily digestible pieces for the busy executive.
TREND. will also be trendsetting in itself, setting benchmarks with design elements and online advertising with full screen display ads.
“The intensive research and process thinking my degree demanded made me a better journalist, interested in research and how innovation and ideas emerge in organisations. With TREND. I’m combining my love of journalism and passion for the media, marketing and advertising industry, with my fascination for rich data and the thought leadership and creativity around how trends emerge,” concludes Marsland.
For more information, visit www.trendlives.info.
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