Media Influence

Media influence shapes individual, social and work environments raising questions about who or what wields this influence. In this subject, students consider content creators/co-creators, owners of media organisations and platforms, algorithms, and government and influencer roles. Students explore the place of media influence in enacting citizenship, investigating fake news and conspiracy theories, fact-checking and source credibility, new voices and media entrepreneurs. Working in teams, students apply media studies concepts to current debates over privacy, trolling, cyber-dating, cyber activism, misinformation, participation, ownership and diversity. They investigate key aspects of media users, publics, fans, entrepreneurs, and creatives and explore their practice and professionalism. Analyses of media production, distribution or consumption reveal patterns and trends in the distribution of discursive influence, and shed light on how these are manifested in economic, social and business contexts. Students strengthen their practical media research skills to inform their professional communication practice.