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LANGUAGE AND PRINCIPLES OF ONLINE NEWS WRITING

Apr 3, 2024

IBM PAPER: NOTES: UNIT 1

 Soundscapes are the combination of sounds that create a sense of place, mood, and atmosphere in audio stories. They can help listeners immerse themselves in the story world, feel the emotions of the characters, and understand the context and themes. 

Why sound-scapes matter ? 

Soundscapes are not just background noise or filler. They are an essential element of audio storytelling, as they can evoke feelings, memories, associations, and expectations in the listeners. Soundscapes can also set the tone, pace, and genre of the story, and enhance the narrative and Jo dialogue. For example, a soundscape of a busy city can convey a sense of urgency, chaos, or excitement, while a soundscape of a quiet forest can convey a sense of calm, solitude, or mystery.

Soundscapes are becoming an increasingly valuable tool in journalism , offering a unique and immensive way to engage audience and tell stories. Here’s how they are used:

1 )Building atmosphere and context: Soundscapes can transport readers or listeners directly into the heart of a story. By incorporating ambient sounds, interviews, and natural sounds, journalists can create a sense of place and atmosphere that written words alone might struggle to achieve. For example, a news report about a protest might include the sounds of chanting crowds, police sirens, and speeches, allowing the audience to feel the energy and tension of the event.

2 ) Evoking emotions: Sounds have a powerful ability to evoke emotions, and journalists can leverage this to enhance the impact of their stories. The gentle chirping of birds in a forest can create a sense of peace, while the cacophony of a busy city street might convey feelings of stress or urgency. By carefully selecting and weaving together different sounds, journalists can create a specific emotional response in their audience

3 ) Adding depth and dimension: Soundscapes can add a layer of depth and dimension to stories, providing a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the situation. For instance, a report on a factory closure might not only include interviews with workers but also incorporate the sounds of machinery shutting down, conveying the real-world impact of the event.

4 ) Accessibility and inclusivity: Soundscapes can also improve the accessibility and inclusivity of journalism. For people with visual impairments, audio descriptions combined with soundscapes can create a richer and more meaningful experience. Additionally, soundscapes can cater to different learning styles, appealing to those who learn best through auditory means.

Types of sound: 

1) Synchronous sound -  synchronous sound is a sound that is matched to certain movements occurring in the scene, such as when footsteps correspond to feet walking. Synchronous sound can be recorded simultaneously to  capturing  the  visual  footage  because  these  two  elements  need  to  be  in  sync.  If  it  is  recorded separately then the synchronisation between the picture and sound has to be precise in order for them to occur at the same time. For example, an actors lips has to be moving at the same speed as the sound he produces to make the footage realistic and easy to watch and interpret.

2 ) Asynchronous sound – Asynchronous  sound  also  matches  the  action  being  performed,  however  it  is  not  precisely  synchronised within the action. This type of sound is often used when the director wants to create tension as the viewer can hear a sound but cannot see the sound.

3 ) Natural sound – natural sound refers to the sounds that occur in nature, such as the sound of wind, birds, animals, water, and weather. Natural sound can also refer to sounds that are not produced by humans, such as the sound of an engine or machinery. Natural sound can be calming and relaxing, and is often used in meditation and relaxation exercises. Some people also enjoy recording and listening to natural sound as a hobby.

4 ) Ambience sound – Ambience sound refers to the background sounds that create a certain atmosphere or mood in space. This can include sounds like bird chirping, water flowing or people taking on streets. It is often used in films, television and games to create a realistic and impressive environment . It can also be used in cafés or restaurants to create a pleasant atmosphere for customers . Ambience sound can be recorded or synthesized using sound design software  Conclusion -Overall, soundscapes offer a powerful tool for journalists to enhance 

their storytelling, allowing them to connect with audiences on a deeper level and create a more immersive and impactful experience.



                                                                   Sound culture 

What is sound culture ? 

Sound culture is the auditory environment (or soundscape) located within its wider social and cultural context. The concept of a sound culture (also called an auditory or aural culture) is directly connected to the soundscape. Indeed, the distinction between the two is not that clear cut. In a sense, the sound culture is the bigger picture.

Social and cultural organisation are largely responsible for the sound landscape that we inhabit and these inevitably  change  over  time.  In  the  pre-industrial  European  world  one  of  the  defining  features  of  the soundscape was the tolling of the church bell. It told the workers in the field of the progress of their day’s toil but was also an auditory marker of the community briefly enveloped in the sound of the bell. It also reminded those who heard it of the centrality of the church in their lives.  The bell’s ring was part of the soundscape but the social and religious dimensions, which add meaning to the sound, are also part of the wider sound culture. Industrialisation created a very different soundscape, the soundscape of modernity. The cities became unprecedentedly loud; ‘the din of modern technology: the roar of elevated trains, the rumble of internal combustion engines, the crackle and hiss of radio transmissions’ Faced with this often alienating din the science of acoustics was born as 20th-century city dwellers strove to create a quieter world and even to eliminate unwanted sound. Part of the  aural mix in the USA was the sound of jazz, which came to represent the American city itself (as it does to this day in the sound tracks of Hollywood). Jazz was closely related to urban noise and the noise of the ghetto described here as it came up a Harlem ventilation shaft by the jazz musician Duke Ellington: ‘You get the full essence of Harlem in an air shaft. You hear fights, you smell dinner, you hear people making love. You hear intimate gossip floating down. You hear the radio. An air shaft is one great big loudspeaker. In India, sound culture holds immense significance and is deeply rooted in the country's rich cultural heritage. 

Structure of sound culture in India – 

1 ) Music - Music plays a central role in Indian sound culture. It is classified into two major traditions: Hindustani (North Indian) and Carnatic (South Indian). These traditions have their unique styles, ragas (melodic frameworks), and talas (rhythmic patterns). Indian classical music is known for its intricate improvisation and emotional depth.

2 ) Language – India is a linguistically diverse country with numerous languages and dialects. Each language has its distinct phonetics, intonation patterns, and musicality. For example, Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, and Punjabi have their own unique sound and structures and pronunciation.

3 ) Rituals and Festivals - Sound plays a vital role in Indian rituals and festivals. For instance, the chanting of mantras, recitation of prayers, and playing of musical instruments are integral parts of religious ceremonies. Festivals like Diwali, Holi, and Navratri involve the use of firecrackers, drums, and traditional musical instruments to create a festive atmosphere

4 ) Film Industry – Indian Cinema, particularly Bollywood, has a significant impact on sound culture. Film songs and background music are integral to storytelling and evoke emotions. The use of diverse musical genres, instruments, and vocal styles adds depth and richness to Indian movies.

Functions of sound culture in India – 

1 ) Expression and Communication – Sound culture in Indiaserves as a means of expression and communication. Music, language, and various forms of vocal and instrumental performances enable individuals to convey emotions, ideas, and cultural narratives.

2 ) Identity and cultural preservation – Sound culture plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting Indian cultural identity. Traditional music, folk songs, and regional languages help preserve cultural heritage and foster a sense of belonging among communities

3 ) Entertainment and Recreation – Sound culture provides entertainment and serves as a source of recreation. Indian music concerts, dance performances, and film songs are popular forms of entertainment that bring people together and create a sense of joy and celebration.

4 ) Spirituality and Meditation – Sound is deeply intertwined with spirituality in India. Chanting of mantras, devotional songs, and the use of musical instruments like the sitar and tabla are integral to spiritual practices and meditation. These sounds are believed to have a calming and transformative effect on the mind and soul.

Indian examples – 

1 ) Carnatic Music - The intricate melodic and rhythmic patterns of Carnatic music, exemplified by renowned musicians like M.S. Subbulakshmi and Balamuralikrishna, showcase the depth and complexity of Indian classical music.

2 ) Bollywood Music - The vibrant and diverse soundtracks of Bollywood films, composed by legends like A.R. Rahman and Lata Mangeshkar, reflect the fusion of traditional Indian music with contemporary styles, catering to a wide audience.

3 ) Qawwali – Qawwali  a form of devotional music popularised by artists like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, combines Sufi poetry with soul-stirring melodies and rhythmic patterns, creating a spiritual and ecstatic experience.

4 ) Folk Music - India's diverse regions have their unique folk music traditions, such as Baul music from Bengal, Rajasthani folk songs, and Bihu music from Assam. These forms of music reflect the cultural diversity and local narratives of different communities.


Conclusion - sound culture in India encompasses various elements such as music, language, rituals, and film. It serves multiple functions, including expression, cultural preservation, entertainment, and spirituality. Indian examples like Carnatic music, Bollywood music, Qawwali, and folk music exemplify the richness and diversity of sound culture in the country 


 Sync Sound - Synchronous sound, or sync sound, is audio that lines up precisely with what’s happening on screen. Character dialog, a shot of a river with rushing water sounds, and punching sounds during a fight scene are all examples of synchronous sound. It's the most common type of sound used in journalism because it creates a sense of realism and immediacy for viewers. There are two main types of sync sound used in journalism:

1 ) Dialogue –  This is the sound of people talking, which is essential for capturing interviews, press conferences, and other events where speech is important.

2 ) Natural Sound – This is the sound of the environment, such as traffic noise, birds chirping, or music playing in the background. Natural sound can help to set the scene and create a more immersive experience for viewers.


Sync sound is typically recorded using a microphone that is attached to the camera. This can be a shotgun microphone, which is a long, narrow microphone that is good at picking up sound from a distance, or a lavalier microphone, which is a small microphone that is clipped to the clothing of the person speaking.


Non sync sound -  Non-sync sound, also known as asynchronous sound, is any sound that is not directly synchronized with the visuals on screen. This means that the sound does not necessarily correspond to what you see happening at the exact moment.


Non-sync sound is a powerful tool that can be used to create a variety of effects in film, television, and other media. It can be used to:

1 ) Add emotion or suspense to a scene – for example - the sound of a creaking door might be used to create a sense of suspense in a horror film.

2 ) Provide foreshadowing of events to come – for example - the sound of distant thunder might be used to foreshadow a coming storm.

3 ) Establish the setting of a scene – for example- the sound of traffic might be used to establish that a scene is taking place in a city.

4 ) Create a sense of realism – The sounds of nature, such as chirping birds or rustling leaves, can add depth to a scene, even if they are not directly related to the action on screen

There are two main types of non-sync sound: 1 ) Sound effects - are sounds that are added to a film or video in post-production. They can be real or artificial sounds. Sound effects can be used to create all sorts of sounds, from the roar of a lion to the beep of a computer.

2 ) Music - is another type of non-sync sound. Music can be used to set the mood of a scene, create suspense, or add emotional depth.

Non-sync sound is an essential part of filmmaking and storytelling. It can be used to create a more immersive and engaging experience for the audience.


Natural sound - Natural sounds are all the sounds that occur in nature, excluding those made by humans. This can include a wide variety of sounds, from the calls of animals to the rushing of water or the rustling of leaves in the wind.

Here are the two main types of natural sounds:

Geophony: These are sounds produced by non-living elements of the environment. This can include things like rain, wind, thunder, earthquakes, and volcanoes.

Biophony: These are sounds produced by living organisms, such as animals, insects, and birds.


Ambience sound - Ambience sound, also called background noise, atmospheric sound, or simply atoms, refers to the background sounds that exist in a particular location or environment. It's the auditory counterpart to setting the scene visually.


Classifications


1 ) Matching Ambient Sound: Sounds recorded specifically to match the background sound of a scene being filmed.

2 ) Wild Sound: Background noise with distinct sounds that are not synchronised with the main visuals, like children playing in a park.

3 ) Buzz Track: A general term for ambient sound.

4 ) Room Tone: The sound of an empty room, or a room where people are standing silently.


                                                                Microphones 

A microphone, colloquially called a mic is a transducer that converts sound into an electrical signal. Microphones are used in many applications such as telephones, hearing aids, public address systems for concert halls and public events, motion picture production, live and recorded audio engineering, sound recording, two-way radios, megaphones, and radio and television broadcasting. They are also used in computers and other electronic devices, such as mobile phones, for recording sounds, speech recognition, VoIP, and other purposes, such as ultrasonic sensors or knock sensors.

1 ) Dynamic – A dynamic microphone is a type of microphone that converts sound into an electrical signal using the principles of electromagnetism. They are the most common type of microphone and are widely used in a variety of applications, including live sound reinforcement, broadcasting, and recording. Dynamic microphones are known for their rugged construction and their ability to handle high sound pressure levels. This makes them a good choice for use in loud environments, such as live music performances. They are also relatively inexpensive compared to other types of microphones.

Here are some of the common types of dynamic microphones: A ) Moving coil microphones- These are the most common type of dynamic microphone. They are known for their durability and their ability to handle high sound pressure levels.

B ) Ribbon Microphones - These microphones use a thin ribbon of metal foil suspended within a magnetic field. They are known for their high fidelity sound reproduction, but they are also more delicate and expensive than moving coil microphones

2 ) .Condenser microphone - Condenser microphones, also known as capacitor microphones, are a type of microphone that uses a capacitor to convert sound waves into electrical signals. They are known for their high fidelity and wide frequency response, making them popular choices for studio recording, live performances, and podcasting. Condenser microphones are generally more sensitive than dynamic microphones, but they also require phantom power to operate.

3 ) Directional microphones - A directional microphone is a microphone that picks up sounds primarily from a specific direction.  An omnidirectional microphone is not considered to be directional.  The more focused a microphone is on one particular direction, the more directional it is

Why use a directional microphone? 

To reduce and/or remove unwanted noise and focus on the desired sound source.

• to create a sense of space and depth in your recordings - For example, if you are recording an interview in a noisy environment, use a highly directional microphone that can reject sounds coming from behind or beside the speaker. This way, you can capture their voice more clearly and avoid picking up distracting background noises

• to create a sense of space and depth in your recordings - For example, suppose you are recording a musical performance with multiple instruments. In that case, you can use different types of directional microphones to capture different aspects of the sound. You could use an omnidirectional microphone to record the overall ambiance of the room, a bidirectional microphone to record the stereo image of the main instrument, and a cardioid microphone to record the vocals or solo parts. By mixing these different tracks together, you can create a more realistic and immersive sound experience. 

Advantages and Disadvantages of directional microphone

 – >  Advantages - noise reduction, sound isolation, and spatial enhancement.

it can help to reduce feedback. Feedback is the annoying squealing sound that occurs when a microphone picks up its own output from a speaker or monitor.  Since a directional microphone is more sensitive to sounds coming from a specific direction, it can be located closer to a speaker or monitor without feedback as long as it is pointed AWAY from the speaker.

Disadvantages - > A directional microphone can produce a less natural sound than an omnidirectional microphone

Since a directional microphone rejects sounds coming from certain directions, it can also lose some of the natural ambiance and reverberation of the recording environment. This can make the sound more dry and dull, especially if you are recording in a large or acoustically rich space.


                                                                  Sound Design 

Definition - Sound design is part of the post-production process where the audio elements of a piece of media, like the dialogue, music, and sound effects, are manipulated to enhance a scene’s potency. Used in film, TV, theater, video games, podcasting, radio, and even software development, sound design includes everything from recording to sampling, editing, scoring, and sound mixing. Sound designers do most of their work in post-production, or the editing phase, where they help the project’s director advance their vision.

Sound design emerged with the advent of audio recording technology for film and TV. The term “sound designer” was first used in 1979, when Francis Ford Coppola credited Walter Murch under that title for his work on “Apocalypse Now.” Versus the usual credit at the time, sound editor or supervising sound editor, Coppola felt the new title encompassed Murch’s role in overseeing the film’s broader sound concept and adding to its overall creative intent. Today, most large film projects have dedicated sound designers.

Why sound design is important - Filmgoers might see audio as something that mostly serves the images on the screen. But for filmmakers, sound is actually the backbone of a film. Here’s why sound design matters: 1) Poor audio is a dealbreaker. Sound is arguably more important than image. Research has shown that videos with poor visuals (i.e., shaky, out of focus, or under-exposed) but clear audio are usually perceived as more watchable than videos with strong images but poor audio. The sound helps carry the narrative; you’ll usually have an easier time following a story with only audio than you would following a story that’s purely visual.

2 ) Sound maintains the illusion. Done right, sound design for film gives an otherwise flat, two-dimensional picture layers of authenticity. Filmmaking is the art of illusion. When making a video, your job is to feed your viewers’ senses, make them believe what you’re telling them, and make them think that what they’re watching is real. Sound, and the manipulation of sound, are crucial to this end.

3 ) We hear emotions. Good sound design makes us feel like we’re with the characters on screen. Sound can accentuate their feelings. Horror movies are an obvious example. Think of how suspenseful music and menacing sound effects shape your experience as you watch a character hide in a closet 

4 ) Audio is spatial - The visuals are confined to the four corners of the screen. But sound design can create a sense of off-screen space. There might be more happening beyond the edges of the film, and audio gives your audience a greater sense of what’s going on in the larger world, making the environment you’ve built more fully realized. Adding echoes to voices in a scene in a canyon, for example, can inform your viewers of its expanse, even when the camera angle doesn’t.


The essential elements of sound design – sound design is multifaced There are several ways you can design or manipulate audio in your video or film to immerse your audience. Here are the five main elements of sound design, which are often used in combination. 

1) Ambiance - Sometimes referred to as atmosphere, ambiance is the background noise that sets the scene and the foundation of your soundtrack. It helps immerse the audience by telling them where the action takes place.. Ambient sounds should inform and describe without overwhelming and distracting viewers from the focus. An easy way to start is to record a “silent take” (i.e. where no one is talking and nothing is happening) for room tone under the same conditions as the other takes. You can use room tone later to fill in gaps and accentuate certain aspects of the environment

2) Foley sounds - Foley is the art of creating and recording everyday sounds that synchronize with on-screen actions. It involves adding sounds such as footsteps, clothing rustle, or object interactions to enhance the realism and physicality of a scene. Foley artists use various props and surfaces to reproduce these sounds in sync with the visuals. Discover the techniques and tools used in Foley recording, as well as the importance of timing and accuracy to ensure seamless integration with the visuals.

3) Sound effects - Sound effects are artificial or recorded sounds that enhance the realism and atmosphere of a scene. They can be both natural, such as footsteps, door slams, or birds chirping, and abstract, like futuristic spaceship sounds or magical spells. Sound effects are essential for creating a sense of place, heightening suspense, and emphasizing key actions or events. Explore libraries of sound effects or consider recording your own to match the specific needs of your project.

4) Dialogue - Dialogue is the spoken communication between characters or individuals in a scene. It plays a vital role in storytelling, conveying information, emotions, and character development. In sound design, dialogue should be clear, intelligible, and appropriately balanced with other audio elements. Learn techniques for capturing and editing dialogue, including noise reduction, equalization, and dialogue replacement (ADR) if necessary.

5) Music - Music sets the mood, evokes emotions, and enhances the narrative of a scene. It can range from subtle background melodies to powerful orchestral compositions or catchy tunes. Selecting the right music for a particular moment is crucial to create the desired impact. Understand the importance of tempo, dynamics, and genre in music selection and how it should complement the visuals and overall tone of the project.


The sound design process has three key steps

   1 ) Live Recording And Design – During this initial step sound designers may record sounds, use sounds from a sound library, or create original sounds.

2 ) Mixing, Editing, And Implementation - Next, sound designers edit and synchronize their sounds with videos. They cut and mix sounds to make them more effective, then use sound engines to implement them.

3 ) Sound Effects Mix - Sound designers often add sound effects to main sound mixes.


Sound Design In Music-

Sound designers also help musical artists realize their creative visions by manipulating the raw sounds of vocals and instruments to make them sound their best. This process involves:

Sampling

Digital sound creation

Ordering effects in a vocal chain

Sound editing and mixing


The Differences Between Sound Design And Music Production - Sound design and music production can be part of the same project but they are different creative processes. Sound design builds sounds and effects from scratch, while music production creates songs and soundtracks 


The Sound Designer’s Work During The Production Process - The sound designers are a vital part of any film or television production. Their work begins in pre-production and runs to the end of post-production.


1 ) Pre-Production - During pre-production, the sound design manager studies a script with the director to determine vital sounds and music. Some directors have clear expectations about how their projects will sound, while others are more open to collaboration. The sound design manager may attend rehearsals to help them develop an appropriate soundtrack.

The sound design team is given a budget and allocates it for the following : 

• Sound production crew

Recording studios and other shooting locations

Talent

Music licensing

Voice-over recording

Sound editing and mixing

Catering

2 ) Production - During production, the sound design team is responsible for:

Setting up sound playback equipment

Training the soundboard operator if required

3 ) Post production - During post-production, the sound design team refines the audio and ensures it sounds its best by:

Working with audio files that correspond to visuals

Placing dialogue and music on the timeline of video editing software

Designing audio

Adding dialogue, music, and voice-overs to designed audio

Ensuring audio syncs correctly with the visuals


                                                                    Visual 


                         Visual journalism describes the type of report or story where images (pictures, illustrations, or videos) are the most compelling part of a piece. Visual journalism is most effective when reporting on a crime, an accident, war or civil unrest, or an emotional story. The image tells the story better than the narrative in visual journalism. A good journalist understands the value and importance of images. According to the Open School of Journalism, using visuals in journalism has been popular since the late 1800s — and the famous phrase: “a picture is worth a thousand words” was used frequently in the US press from the 1920s. It’s the evolution of technology that ultimately defines the type of visual storytelling that’s possible today, from the no-code web creation platforms we use to build it, to the devices and platforms our audiences use to consume it.


Some of the most popular visual design techniques that are currently used in journalism include:

1 ) Animation- animation is a great way to instantly breathe life into a digital story, From Lottie animations to animated text, movement is an incredibly effective way of grabbing audience’s attention, highlighting key points, and keeping people engaged. Animation can bring a sense of magic to a story.

2 ) Scrollytelling - One of the most prominent visual journalism design techniques is scrollytelling — thanks in part to the astonishing success of editorials from publishers like New York Times and Wall Street Journal. Scrollytelling incorporates elements of interactivity and motion to create captivating cinematic narratives that keep audiences reading. This can involve anything from snippets of text drifting over video backgrounds, to illustrations, typography, audio and graphics all bursting to life on scroll. Not only does this

 encourage readers to keep scrolling, but it also allows you to carefully pace the flow of your content.

3 ) Data Visualisation- it is the best technique to make complicated data easy to understand. From pandemics to wars to scientific discoveries, recent news stories are packed with complicated facts and figures, and things like interactive maps, charts, and infographics are great ways to help audiences process abstract data in a way that is more concrete and meaningful.


Why we need visual journalism-

 1 ) Visual journalism engages people directly to promote trust and representation - There is something powerful about seeing yourself and your community represented with accuracy and nuance in the news. It can foster cultural empowerment and be a restorative force for those often unseen or erased in the media.

2 ) Cuts through the noise: With so much information coming at us all the time, visuals can grab our attention quickly and efficiently. A powerful image or infographic can break through the clutter and make us stop and take notice


3 )Makes complex ideas simpler: Text-heavy content can be daunting, especially for complicated topics. Visuals like charts, graphs, and well-chosen photographs can help us understand complex information much more easily


4 )Evokes emotion: A well-crafted visual story can have a powerful emotional impact. A photo of a war-torn landscape or a child in need can move us in a way that words alone often can't


                                                             Politics of image 

The The term "politics of an image" refers to the ways in which images are used and interpreted within a political context. It involves analyzing how images are created, circulated, and consumed, and how they can shape public opinion, influence political discourse, and convey ideological messages.


Images have the power to evoke emotions, convey information, and shape narratives. They can be used by political actors to promote their agendas, manipulate public perception, or challenge existing power structures. The politics of an image involves understanding the intentions behind its creation, the context in which it is presented, and the impact it has on individuals and society.


In analyzing the politics of an image, one can consider various factors such as the visual elements, composition, framing, and symbolism used. Additionally, the social, cultural, and historical context in which the image is produced and consumed plays a crucial role in shaping its meaning and political significance.


Studying the politics of an image can provide insights into how visual representations are used to shape public opinion, construct identities, and influence political debates. It helps us understand the power dynamics at play in visual communication and encourages critical thinking about the images we encounter in our daily lives.


Overall, the politics of an image highlights the complex relationship between visual culture and politics, emphasizing the importance of analyzing and interpreting images within their broader socio-political context.


                                                                 Ecology of image 

The idea of an "ecology of images" in journalism refers to understanding how images function within a interconnected system, similar to how an ecosystem works. Here's how we can break it down:

Core aspects –

 1 ) Production- Images aren't isolated. We consider who takes them, the choices they make (framing, focus), and the technology used (phone camera vs. professional equipment).

2 ) circulation- How does the image get to the audience? Print, online news platforms, social media – each platform has its own way of presenting visuals.

3 ) consumption- How do people interpret the image? What emotions does it evoke? This is influenced by cultural background and past experiences.

Why it matters : 

1 ) Bias - Framing and selection of visuals can influence perception. Being aware of this bias helps journalists present a balanced view.

2 ) Impact - Images can be powerful. Understanding how they are created and consumed helps journalists be more ethical and impactful in their storytelling.

3 )Context: An image alone can be misleading. Journalists use captions, surrounding text, and multimedia elements to provide context


                                                           Visual culture in media studies 

Visual culture is a field within media studies that examines how images shape our understanding of the world and how power dynamics are embedded within visual representations.


Traditionally, media studies focused on analyzing the content and effects of media forms like television, film, and print. However, the rise of visual communication in the 20th century necessitated a deeper exploration of the role of images themselves.


Here are some core aspects of visual culture within media studies:

1 ) From Text to Image: A Shift in Focus – Media studies initially emerged as a textual discipline, analyzing the messages conveyed through language in newspapers, radio broadcasts, and early television programs. With the invention of photography and film, and later television's growing dominance, visual representations became increasingly central to media experiences.  Visual culture emerged in response to this shift, recognizing the power of images to communicate complex ideas, emotions, and ideologies, often independent of accompanying text.

2 ) Beyond Aesthetics: Decoding the "How" and "Why" of Images – Visual culture goes beyond appreciating the aesthetics of images. It delves into critical analysis, asking questions like: • How are images produced and disseminated 

• What cultural codes and conventions are embedded within images ?

• How do audiences interpret images based on their social and cultural backgrounds

3 ) Key Theoretical Frameworks - Visual culture draws upon various theoretical frameworks from different disciplines like: • Semiotics: Examines how images use signs and symbols to construct meaning.

* Critical Race Theory: Analyzes how race is visually constructed and perpetuated through media.

* Feminist Theory: Critiques how gender is represented and how media reinforces gender stereotypes.

* Postcolonial Studies: Examines the power dynamics between colonizer and colonized as reflected in visual narratives.

4 ) Examining Different Visual Forms - Visual culture encompasses a vast range of visual media: • Traditional Media: Film, television, photography, print media advertisements

* New Media: Digital images, memes, social media visuals, video games

* Art: Paintings, sculptures, installations 

* Everyday Visuals: Fashion, architecture, urban design 

5 ) Real world Applications - Studying visual culture equips us with critical tools to:

Deconstruct the messages embedded in advertising and political campaigns.

* Understand how visual stereotypes can perpetuate social inequalities.

* Appreciate the creativity and power of visual storytelling in film and television.

* Be more mindful consumers of visual content in the age of information overload.


Visual culture and the future - The rise of social media and digital platforms has further emphasized the significance of visual communication. Visual culture studies are constantly evolving to analyze the ever-changing visual landscape. Exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and image creation, the ethics of deepfakes, and the growing influence of user-generated visual content are some exciting new areas within the field.


Conclusion- By critically engaging with visual culture, we develop a deeper understanding of the world around us, fostering a more nuanced and informed way of interacting with the visual narratives that permeate our lives.


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