You are to embark on a critical analysis of a recent global media event of your choice. This event should have occurred within the last 2 years (in 2012 to the present time).

In the course of your analysis, you should address:
a) Define and summarise the chosen global media event
b) Explain how and why your chosen event constitutes a ‘global media event’
c) Provide a critical review of the media coverage of this event
d) Address how this event impacted upon global media cultures
e) Address how this event contributed to or impacted upon national media policies and cultures.

Consider what makes a ‘global media event’.

Consider the media events that have potential of being analysed.

You can work on any media event. The onus is on you to justify its global significance.

Types of event you can consider:
World sporting event
Political event
Natural disaster
Cultural phenomenon

Your analysis should address:
a) Summary of event
b) Explain how and why your chosen event constitutes a ‘global media event’
c) Provide a critical review of the media coverage of this event
d) Address how this event impacted upon global media cultures
e) Address how this event contributed to or impacted upon national media policies and cultures.

Example: News of the World Phone Hacking
A global media event:
Summary on event
Attention given to event
Why it is ‘global’ or has global significance

Review of media coverage:
Evaluate representative articles covering the incident as it unfolded (from local as well as foreign media titles)
Not a summary of what was covered but review of how coverage regarding the event was framed/represented
What are the various “voices” heard or discussed
Reactions to event
Reporting angles, agenda of different media titles

Example: News of the World Phone Hacking
Impact on global media culture:
Consider different ways you can examine ‘culture’
What sort of awareness did the event create?
What sort of changes and implications were noted? (eg, journalism ethics being reconsidered)

Impact on national media policies and cultures:
Focus on discussing impact in specific places
Impact/contribution to national media policies (eg, Leveson inquiry)
Impact on national culture (eg, re-evaluation of news reporting in Australia and US where Murdoch has great presence)

At least 10 – 15 references, including those used for news coverage. Approximately 60% academic sources.

Write about 40% for questions (A), (B), (C); ~60% for (D) and (E).

Use concepts, theories, unit readings discussion to support your arguments.

Example: The News International’s phone hacking scandal demonstrated the challenge policy makers face in the global media context, having to reconcile between the importance of the market and protecting the public good (Flew, 2007).