COM134 Spotlight on News and Media (8)

The subject introduces students to the discipline of news and media by addressing three important questions: what is news and media; what is its role in society; and how is it produced and distributed? This subject introduces the key concepts of news, content production and publication in a range of media channels.

Availability

Session 2 (60)
On Campus
Bathurst Campus
Online
Bathurst Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: COM134. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Information and Communication Studies

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to investigate and source information and ideas to inform the development of news and media content;
  • be able to demonstrate the ability to develop stories and multi-media content to satisfy news values and objectives;
  • be able to communicate with clarity and purpose using appropriate research, evidence, language, grammar and formats in developing news and media content;
  • be able to explain the contemporary media landscape and the issues impacting the design and production of news and media content; and
  • be able to apply the legal and ethical guidelines in formulating news and media content.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • What is news?
  • Generating story ideas
  • Information sources for news and media content
  • Producing the news - structure, writing, editing and framing a story
  • Editorial conferencing - how the news gets made
  • Media bias in reporting- profiling, stereotyping, diversity and inclusion
  • What makes the news - understanding news values
  • Understanding basics of interviewing
  • Introduction to privacy, accuracy of data
  • Introduction to media regulation and law in Australia

Special Resources

  • Smart phone
  • Editing software
  • Video studio
  • Sound booth
  • Video cameras with tripods
  • Microphone
  • Drones
  • Audio recorders

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: June 2022. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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