Number thirty seven- annotated bibliography

JOUR1111 Annotated bibliography

Nolan, D & Lester, L. (2011).  Expanding journalism studies in a competitive environment. Australian Journalism Review, 33(1), 41-44. Retrieved from: ISSN: 0810-2686.

The authors, David Nolan and Libby Lester, academics  at the University of …. Address the issues surrounding the expansion of journalism as a distinct discipline within universities and institutions. The article focusses on the ERA classification of journalism alongside professional writing, and the positive and negative elements of journalism studies falling into a sub-genre of generic media studies. While it is argued that the categorisation produces  a narrow perspective of the actual study of journalism, the necessity to remain and inter-disciplinary field, closely involved with politics, sociology, philosophy, law and science, is also highlighted.

The main criticism for the article is the absence of any background information on the ERA classification guide and procedures. Although highly suitable for the medium and assumed knowledge of journalism professionals, to an uninformed audience, this article requires further research into the topic, and rereading, for complete understanding of the debate. This article is of significance to the next three political articles, as the need to influence, and be influenced by politics and sociology continues to be vital in journalism practice, with the public’s constant demand for up-to-date news on the social and political developments that effect our lives.

Avlon, J. (2012). American Way: Why Barack Obama’s support for gay marriage is a huge political gamble by the president. Retrieved from http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/us-politics/9261751/American-Way-Why-Barack-Obamas-support-for-gay-marriage-is-a-huge-political-gamble-by-the-president.html.

Telegraph reporter John Avlon, delivers an article with the aim of clearly highlighting how Barack Obama’s announcement is “loaded with political risk”, one that will alienate him from would-be voters, come Election Day. The article stipulates the political position of a number of US states with a deeply inset opposition to same sex marriage, and the dim prospect Obama has in altering these opinions. Adding slight balance to the article is a paragraph underlining conservative candidate Mick Romney’s unwillingness to even address the issue, let alone state his position, presenting a similarly negative image to society.

This Telegraph article addresses the announcement by Obama, in a perspective that critically evaluates the political and social implications of his actions. This position taken, aligns with the previous journal article statement over the necessity for journalism to remain influenced by both politics and sociology, proving both articles to be similarly engaging and innovative for their audiences. Highly suitable for its medium, the article provides a valid perspective on a controversial issue, backed with research and information, for its presumably educated audience.

O’Malley, N. (2012). Obama finally comes out with views on gay marriage. Retrieved from http://www.theage.com.au/world/obama-finally-comes-out-with-views-on-gay-marriage-20120510-1yfia.html.

US Correspondent at theage.com.au, Nick O’Malley, presents an article with a diplomatic and critical perspective on US president Barack Obama’s recent announcement of his support for gay marriage. Rather than address the issue of gay marriage directly, O’Malley questions the time in which it took for Obama to acknowledge his support for the controversial topic. After reviewing the sequence of recent events in the American political race, the article then highlights the President’s reputation as a “conviction politician” and how the delay in announcement of his support is contrary to this label.

Similar to the Telegraph article, O’Malley is critical of Obama’s announcement, but draws upon contrasting political and social arguments and perspectives, to support his article. While both articles label the announcement as a political risk that will isolate the president from potential voters, The Age articles bases the ‘gamble’ claim, on the extended timeframe is has taken for this announcement to be made, while the Telegraph focusses more on the deep set values of American society. The more conversational, blogging style used in this article is very fitting for its medium and location on The Age webpage.

Kelly, F. (Presenter). (2012, May 10). Obama supports same-sex marriage. (Audio podcast). Retrieved from:  http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/breakfast/obama-supports-same-sex-marriage/4002578

This Radio National Breakfast news report, presented by Fran Kelly, provides a very balanced overview of the US President’s announcement. The report begins with a audio clip of President Obama’s address stating his support for gay marriage, and is followed by an interview with political commentator for politico.com, David Mark. Ms Kelly questions why the president made such a statement, whether he was forced as part of a media strategy, the upsides and downfalls of the announcement and whether any major repercussions are likely to amass from this. Mr Mark is very well informed in his comments, and provides a well balance argument for both sides of the political debate. Emphasis is placed on how although the president could potentially have divided his coalition with a number of African American voters, most US citizens who are concerned over the same sex marriage issue are likely to have made their voting decision, regardless of the president’s statement.

What contrasts this article from the ones previously is the neutral stance on the event, taken by the interviewer and political reporter. While the other articles only highlight the risks and downfalls in the president’s ‘bold’ announcement, this ABC report focuses on the purely moral and strategic aspects of the announcement, emphasising how the president has no “force of law” regarding marriage constitution in each individual state. The interviewer questions if it was a risky move by the president, but also balances her questions by drawing attention to the upsides of this social announcement.