Social Media and Newspapers- A twist on a tale

Newspapers have certain stigmas attached to them. The Daily Mail perceived to be bemoaning everything wrong with Britain. The Sun renowned for page 3. The News of the World obviously destroyed its reputation with the phone hacking scandal. Murdoch subsequently launched The Sun on Sunday but this could arguably be perceived as a rebranding of The News of the World, and thus have a negative stigma still attached. I was watching the TV the other day and was intrigued by the new Guardian advert. Incredibly peculiar but also very clever, this is an advert that shows off the various facets of a modern day  Guardian newspaper. An invitation for the public to interact with the news.



This advert highlights the mutli-scalar brand of the Guardian but it does this through the use of a well known children's story. The advert depicts the "Three Little Pigs' as if their plight is a news story. Not only is this quite funny and clever but it is very different. Created by BBH London, this invites the audience into a familiar childhood story but told in a modern setting. Nonetheless, it doesn't simply raise a smile, it educates its audience and urges them to get involved. Open journalism.

Newspaper Headline

There is no doubt that technology has completely revolutionised the way we see the news. Social media and smartphones have created the notion of citizenship journalism, allowing normal members of the public to get involved. The Guardian advert takes the audience on a journey of a news story. Starting with  the police raiding the pig's house whilst shouting, "Little pig, little pig let us in", this creates an incredibly surreal scene and thus immediately grabs the viewers attention. The advert then cuts to a woman in her home watching the news story unfold on her laptop. Subsequently, this illuminates the ability to access news online through The Guardian website. Newspapers aren't just something that are delivered every morning.

The woman then interacts with the news story using the comments page found at the bottom of most articles but also other people's voices are then heard. This shows that any member of the public can have their say on the matter, also advocating the use of twitter, using the tag #opennews.  French and American voices are heard commenting on this news story, suggesting that this open journalism is a international matter as well. This cacophony of voices illustrates how the Guardian interacts with so many people, it's a two way relationship between the newspaper and the public. Text graphics continue to show the public's opinions and there is even reference to a poll. 

The Three Little Pigs

This emphasis on sites such as Youtube and Twitter show how important social media has become in the world of news and the Guardian are recognising this. The advert then twists the traditional three little pigs story suggesting they framed the wolf. Video simulations of the Guardian website suggest the big bad wold had asthma and thus couldn't blow the houses down. Not only is there an education on how viewers can interact with the news but the advert creates a plot that is different and thus intrigues viewers. It then arguably relates this back to the modern day credit crunch stating that the pigs framed the wolf to get insurance money as they were in debt.

Pig arrested

I have read that some believe that this parody is patronising and not serious. I would challenge this, it is different and they've used a familiar tale to relate to the everyday person, including those who are not Guardian readers. So often adverts are too serious, they don't engage with the audience. Humour can so often be a great way to make an advert memorable. Simply look at McCann Manchester's Aldi tea advert, winning various advertising awards.

 Clever, different and funny, the Guardian advert shows the important relationship between the news and social media nowadays and how easy it is for the public to interact. The website, an iPad, Twitter, Youtube and the newspaper itself, all displayed, to show how The Guardian provides, in their words, the "whole picture'.

The Power of Literature

Some people see reading as boring. A chore. A waste of time. I believe in the antithesis. Reading has the power to educate, illuminate and excite. It can teach people lessons and morals without them even realising. There is something for everyone inviting us to let our imaginations run wild. Books can stay with you for a long time providing an escape to another world from the stresses of everyday life. I have always loved reading and can rely on books to cheer me up, taking me away from the stress of university work. I recently encountered a wonderful charity, The Reader Organisation who aim to bring about a reading revolution. The organisation have numerous 'get into reading' projects across the world, in which they bring reading aloud into hospitals, schools, mental health centres and various other locations.  Their ethos and philosophy sets out to:

"...promote reading literature as a vital life skill, to give everyone the confidence and ability to find pleasure in reading to bring attention to the power of reading in contributing to personal and social wellbeing."

Everything about their mission is positive, using reading to bring about happiness. Visit their website to learn even more about the reading revolution and their phenomenal projects involving reading aloud: The Reader Organisation

The Reader Organisation

Their passion about the power of books led me share a few of my favourite books. They aren't necessarily all classics but they are all captivating in a different way.

1: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

For me there has never been a book that beats this. I studied it at GCSE and so often studying a book in such depth can ruin it. Certainly not in this case. Lee creates the greatest fictional hero in Atticus Finch, a man with some of the wisest words ever spoken. Set in the segregated Deep South of the USA, Atticus defends a black man accused of rape. He raises his children Jem and Scout who are intrigued by the mysterious figure of their neighbour, Boo Radley. This novel shows one man's bravery to go against the norm, who shows you "Courage is not a man with a gun in his hand". Lee perfects the innocence of childhood as the whole story is told through the eyes of 6 year old, Scout Finch and delivers one of my favourite lines in literature:

I don't want to give away anymore if you haven't read this book. If you haven't read it, go out and get it. Full of morals, laughter and emotion, this is literature at its finest.

2. Kane and Abel by Jeffrey Archer

I bought this book from a charity shop as I heard someone say it was very good. It sat on my shelf in my room untouched whilst I read other books. One day I noticed it was missing and it turns out my friend had taken it. This friend isn't one known for reading but he picked this book up and was engrossed. Archer is a wonderful storyteller flitting between the stories of two men, William Kane and Abel Rosnovksi. Both men lead separate lives but their paths cross various times. Captivating throughout, full of interesting historic events such as the Great Depression and World War Two, this was one of those books that I couldn't put down.

Kane and Abel

3. The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins

I know turn my attention to teen fiction. People may judge simply because it is aimed at young adults but The Hunger Games trilogy is one of my favourite series I ever read. Suzanne Collins creates a hellish dystopian North America where 24 teenagers are placed in an arena and have to fight it out to the death. Full of believable characters, a love triangle and various inventions such as Mockingjays and Tracker Jackers. These books are exhilarating. What's around the next corner? Who becomes the victor? Not many of my I know have read this series and now it has been made into a brilliant film. Pick them up. You'll read them in no time.

4. The Help by Kathryn Stockett

I am big fan of novels about the Deep South and I actually saw the film of 'The Help' before I'd read the book. Both are exceptional. The novel by Kathryn Stockett tells the story of a young female, white journalist who forms a friendship with two black maids. Together, the three of them collate the stories of the maids working for white households. The books reveal the dreadful attitude of some white women in segregated America but display the change that can be created through the courage of just a few individuals.

Penguin Group

5. Harry Potter Series by JK Rowling

Who hasn't heard of Harry Potter? These books and subsequent films have become a worldwide phenomenon and I even studied the world's first ever Harry Potter module at Durham University. They are full of important life lessons and morals. You can't learn everything in Harry Potter but these books are rich with friendship, courage, loyalty, family and humour. Not only do people read for pleasure but these themes educate and illuminate important issues in a more exciting way than being taught explicitly. Rowling has created a timeless series that  through the Wizarding world will always delight its readers.

These are just a small selection of my favourite books. Nonetheless, they all offer a way to escape, abundant with loveable characters, exciting or heartwarming plots but also have ability to educate. Try any of them, I would be surprised if you don't find one that you like.

"There is no friend as loyal as a book"
Ernest Hemingway

The Hunger Games- From book to film

So many movies fail to translate the magic of the book onto the big screen. Having just seen The Hunger Games at the cinema I certainly feel the gripping book has been brilliantly captured by all those involved. The setting, the characters and even the music create a fantastic captivating picture that will excite those who haven't read the books.

Adapted from Suzanne Collins novel

Suzanne Collins' dystopian North America, where twenty four teenagers are "randomly" selected across twelve different districts. They are then put in an huge outdoor arena and have to kill each other till the last one is standing. This endurance test is then watched across this dystopian land, reminiscent of the reality shows one sees on TV today. Across Panem people gamble on the competitors, known as tributes and survival gifts are parachuted in thanks to rich sponsors outside the arena. It may sound rather grim but it is unbelievably gripping and has become hugely popular. So how and why does director, Gary Ross get it so right? 

Characters

Often a problem with adapting novels is casting the right people for the beloved characters. For instance, not all would agree that Daniel Radcliffe was suitable for the role of Harry Potter. Nonetheless, I feel the casting for all the lead roles in The Hunger Games was nye on perfect. The lead protagonist, Katniss Everdeen, was played exceptionally by 'Winter's Bone' actress, Jennifer Lawrence. She portrayed the heroic, determined and often moody figure Suzanne Collins created in her novels. Lawrence manage to play the role that invites audiences to will her on and share her emotions. It was key that Lawrence played Katniss in a way that didn't irritate or depress the audience, much like Kristen Stewart playing Bella in the 'Twlight' series.

Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss

 Liam Hemsworth's role  as Gale was fine but he wasn't in it awful lot so it is difficult to comment but his love rival, Peeta, played by Josh Hutcherson was excellent. Hutcherson created an innocent, if not a little awkward but immediately likeable figure. His relationship with Katniss provoked 'oohs' and 'aahhs' in the audience. This is where "The Hunger Games' can be compared to Twlight, asking the audience to be either 'Team Gale' or 'Team Peeta'.

Woody Harrelson was ideal for the role of drunken Haymtich, providing some much needed humour in a very dark film. Likewise, Elizabeth Bank's portrayal as the annoying, self-centred Effie Trinket was a fantastic performance, aggravating the audience but also making them laugh.

Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket

Stylist, Cinna was played well by Lenny Kravitz and Stanley Tucci was sublime as the lively, cheeky and ever smiling chat show host Caesar Flickerman.

The baddy in all of this chaos, President Snow, wasn't a major part of the film but Donald Sutherland did evil well and you can see the way his mind is working in the final part of the film. You simply know he's got more to give in the following two films.

My only drawback and it is minor was the casting of Kato, who looked too much like Josh Hutcherson as Peeta. This often led to confusing scenes in which one didn't know who was getting attacked or who was in which pack.

Peeta- source:2dayfm

Panem

The dystopian world was wonderfully detailed from the dazzling Capitol to the dank, District 12. The arena was controlled with fascinating touch screen 3D monitors, the landscapes rich with forests and lakes. All it took was a swipe by a Capitol employee to change the arena, create a fire that would sweep across the tributes and leave the audience wanting to know what will they subject the teenagers to next.

My only gripe would be with some of the camera shots. There were a lot of shaky and wobbly shots which can be useful in creating a greater sense of realism but at times it just made me dizzy. This is only a minor issu.,

The world created by Suzanne Collins has been translated perfectly, the Mockingjays, the trackers jackers, the arrow through the apple in the pig's mouth. The majority of it is all there. Obviously, there are some bits missing, simply because you cannot fit them all in. From the casting to the costumes and the music to the set, this movie will please those who have or haven't read the book. It is exhilarating, emotional and definitely worthy of five stars. Already it has broken records taking a whopping $19.7 million at its midnight showings. Go and see it, it really is fantastic and of course:

"May the Odds be Ever in your Favour"

Blackburn Rovers-A club ripped apart?

Last night walking to Ewood Park I stopped to look at the Jack Walker statue. Blackburn Rovers is a club steeped in tradition and heritage. A football league founder. Only one of four winners of the current Premier League. However, it now is a club ripped apart. A sinking if not lilting ship. Bought by Indian chicken farmers in 2010, Blackburn Rovers has changed so much, and not for the better.

Nouse.co.uk

When Venkys bought Blackburn Rovers fans were excited with all the promises of big name players and the talk of Champions League Football. Nonetheless, it became apparent over time that this wasn't a realistic target with the new owners in charge. They ridiculously disposed of Sam Allardyce as they wanted a better brand of football. Granted Allardyce's tactics aren't the most attractive but Rovers could always bank of him keeping them up and getting results when it mattered. Some Rovers fan greeted the dismissal with excitement on which manager would take over. Step forward, Steve Kean. The first team coach at the club got promoted to temporary manager and then permanent. Seems a bit odd, replacing a respected and solid manager with a rookie who had arguably failed as Chris Coleman's number two. Rovers fans were willing to give Kean a chance and they certainly did, despite the media thinking otherwise.

The Guardian

It was January 2011 that Blackburn Rovers became a laughing stock within football. Venkys attempting to sign Ronaldinho and David Beckham, whilst Rovers started to creep towards the relegation zone. Signings in the January included Mauro Formica from Argentina and Ruben Rochina from Barcelona. Not exactly players you'd need in a relegation dogfight. Jermaine Jones was signed from Schalke a proved pivotal in the scrap but Roque Santa Cruz never managed to recreate the form he found in his first spell at Rovers. If it wasn't for the points Allardyce gained in the earlier part of the season, Rovers would most likely have gone down. It went down to the final day of the season and Rovers saved themselves from the drop. They shouldn't have been dicing with relegation in the first place but Rovers fans looked forward to the summer in the hope of seeing the Indian owners spend big.

The Guardian

Steve Kean said Blackburn Rovers have had the biggest transfer budget they have ever had and were ready to spend. Instead they sold Phil Jones to Manchester United for over 16 million. At the end of the transfer window Rovers had spent less than they had sold. Kean's promises of spending big never materialised. Bruno Ribeiro was bought, a player whom Kean compared to Dennis Irwin, but has never ever played for the first team. Dundee United player David Goodwillie arrived with Kean saying he is a young Wayne Rooney. Again, he has hardly featured. Early results in August were not great and fans became agitated after all the broken promises and Kean's cringing comments. Nonetheless, Kean asked Rovers fans to judge him aftertransfer deadline day. The fans did. It didn't look good. March has seen Kean's team keep two clean sheets and win two games in a row. This lead to some journalists suggesting he should win manager of the season. Bemused? I am. This man has taken Rovers into two relegation fights. He promised Rovers' fans on the summer transfer deadline day that Hoilett was on the verge of signing a new contract. It's March and fans are still waiting for Hoilett to sign. As far as fans are concerned, Kean is part of Venkys, he's part of their disastrous regime and until they both leave, there will always be unrest between fans and the club.

Metro.co.uk

Social Media- educator on current affairs?

Many people would assume that social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter are primarily for social interactions with other people. Spending hours looking at your friends' latest photos and scrolling through a feed of mundane statuses. Nonetheless, social media now provides the perfect platform for news organisations to present their articles to a new audience.

Retro Facebook

Facebook has seen a boom in news applications with online newspaper sites such as 'The Guardian' and the 'Washington Post' realising they can reach Facebook users. Personal Facebook feeds are filled with articles your friends have been reading. They install the application, read the articles and these then appear on you profile and other people's feeds. People then see these interesting articles and click on the link themselves. This means that so many people get to a greater grasp of current affairs. Facebook is arguably the 'go-to' site for procrastination and people spend so much time on social media, news has integrated itself brilliantly with various platforms. The articles range in topic and seriousness,  for instance, looking at my Facebook feed, one friend is reading 'Ten illegal baby names' and another "How one man escaped from a North Korean Prison'. Perhaps this can be seen a positive procrastination, so much time can be wasted trawling Facebook but now news applications educate users on current affairs. 

There is no doubt Twitter provides a similar platform, one can follow news organisations, journalists, celebrities and friends. These Twitter users tweet articles or simply statuses updating one on issues including politics, sports and showbiz. Additionally, smartphones mean one is never disconnected from this news stream.

Retro Twitter

Pinterest could also signal the next social media platform to educate on current affairs. Pinners can pin images or videos that represent or link to news events. BBC news now has a Pinterest account, although they are yet to pin, the visual eye catching twitter can draw in users to interesting articles and thus educate them on current affairs.

People may see social media as a waste of time, a distraction, but it has the ability to educate its users on current affairs. Whether this is through Facebook applications, a pin on Pinterest or a tweet, social media provides a new way to see the news.

Pinterest- A passing fad or here to stay?

It started with MySpace and Bebo. Facebook then arrived. Twitter flew in, followed by various other social media sites. Nonetheless, Pinterest seems to be the new form of social media that is grabbing people's interests, literally.

Pinterest

So what is Pinterest? Put simply, it is a online series of pin boards. You can virtually pin your favourite photos or videos to categorised pin boards. For instance, say you like a film that you've just seen, you can search for a photo or video of it online and using the special pin it button,  put it on your board. You can also add a caption to it to help describe to other pinners what it is. Arguably, it is like a picture/video version of Twitter, people can repin, like and comment on your pins. It is really easy to do and simple to navigate. Here is a picture of my Pinterest below:

You can then follow other people's boards, looking at their pictures. You might see a recipe you like, a film you want to see or a book you've never heard of but now want to read. The visual aspect is very good and incredibly addictive. Nonetheless, I've had Pinterest for a while now and at first it was like playing with a new toy, pinning everything in sight. Now I don't pin as much but still use it, to use a cliché, a picture tells a thousand words, and thus it is very eye catching, spending ages scrolling looking at all the different pins.

A repin on my Pinterest

A new side to Pinterest allows you to "Pin A Quote", highlighting any text on the internet you like the look of and it turns it into an image for your pin board. This is a great function as it allows you to see some of the best quotes from everyone using Pinterest. Like Twitter has trends, Pinterest has popular pins and of course there is a smartphone app. Is it another way for businesses to interact with consumers? Perhaps it could be. New products could be pinned. Companies could pin their new advertising campaigns. For instance, Universal have been pinning scenes from their hit movies, reminding people like me to watch films or buy products. 

Pinterest Logo

Arguably, it is Twitter for pictures but it is easy to use and you do see so many pictures that make you laugh, offer helpful advice, leave you in awe and inspire you to watch a film or pick up a book. Surely, these are not bad things, its a tool to show people what makes you happy? For businesses to visually show their products and campaigns. Whether it is will stay only time will tell but for now I'm having great fun pinning and viewing all the photos, videos and quotes from around world.

The National Treasures' Indian Holiday

Over the past few weeks I have been to the cinema to see two very different British Films. Different in genre. Both excellent at entertaining. One made me laugh. One made me frightened. One made me sad. One made me frightened again. I am of course referring to "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" and "The Woman in Black". 


The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel


This film surpassed my expectations, primarily because I had been told by someone it wasn't worth seeing. I had seen trailers for the movie and simply it looked like a nice film, with a group of "national treasures" on holiday in India. Nonetheless, I felt the setting, script and cast provided a thoroughly entertaining time. Dame Judi Dench, Dame Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy, Celia Imrie, Penelope Wilton and Tom Wilkinson, a cast of some of Britain's greatest talents, they all played their roles exceptionally, combining humour and sadness. 

liveforfilms.com

Maggie Smith usually plays the role of a "lady"but her role couldn't have been further from Downton Abbey. Put truthfully her character at the start was a xenophobic racist who suggests she won't eat anything she cannot pronounce. Nevertheless, as the film develops Smith's character mellows and 
empathises more after being exposed to Indian culture. To use a cliche, the characters travel to India to find themselves.





Judi Dench's character, Evelyn, travels to India after having lost her husband, in an attempt to do something adventurous in her later years. Perhaps a little cheesy, she ends up working as  cultural advisor in a call centre. This gives her character the feel of purpose in life, rather than just living in the shadow of her former husband. Throughout the film Evelyn writes in her diary, acting a narrator, observing the other characters and her experiences.

movies.sky.com

For those who haven't seen the film I don't want to ruin it, for example Tom Wilkinson's character has a story I have never seen in cinema before and Bill Nighy's and Penelope Wilton's relationship is intriguing. However, Dev Patel's performance as the keen Indian hotelier was very good, creating an extremely likeable, innocent man who falls for an Indian girl. Patel actually says one of my favourite lines in the whole film:

Everything will be all right in the end... if it's not all right then it's not the end."IMDB

Dench's character called the Jaipur, an "assault on the senses" and it surely painted that picture. Perhaps a little too romanticised. This film is full of friendship, love and life lessons. Nonetheless, although full of cliches, "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" is worth a watch to make you smile, it's funny, it's poignant, it's nice.

The Hunger Games- Social Media and Advertising

Last summer I was in the United States and met two American teenagers. They loved Harry Potter. They loved another series more. When they first told me about this trilogy of books, I'd never heard of them before. They told me I had to read them. The next day I went to a bookshop and purchased a copy of "The Hunger Games. Within the next week I had read all three. Gripped by Suzanne Collins' dystopian North America, where twenty four teenagers are "randomly" selected across twelve different districts. They are then put in an huge outdoor arena and have to kill each other till the last one is standing. It may sound rather grim but it is unbelievably gripping and has become hugely popular.

someecards.com

When I returned from the USA in the summer I was desperate to talk to friends about the book. No one had read it. No one had heard of it. Why? Subsequently,  I lent the books out to many people and now the film is released this month it seems everyone knows about it. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, sites full of Hunger Games information, ranging from games and posters to interviews and apps.  Social Media is proving to be a key tool in promoting, interacting with and exciting consumers.

impawards.com

Logging on to twitter nowadays it is hard for me to get away from entertainment sites tweeting about upcoming releases or interviews with celebrities. For instance, Digital Spy is repeatedly tweeting new stories about the Hunger Games, whether that be the latest posters, cast interviews or a new sneak peek video. Entertainment websites have the ability to easily communicate reaching so many people, so quickly. The rise in smart phone usage means people can check their Facebook or twitter feed whenever they want. Films like the Hunger Games have arguably latched on to this. They have created Facebook groups that have interactive games with just over 254,000 Facebook users on the official page. Their twitter account has as 233, 723 followers, . There are social media apps about the Hunger Games. There are thousands of pins on Pinterest about it. Social Media creates a buzz. A chain reaction, a retweet, a tag, a like, a pin. Ways of spreading the word about a product. There is no doubt that social media is one of the most important ways an organisation interacts with its clients. The image below is a moving poster created for the Hunger Games, the internet and social media allows this quirky idea to be distributed easily, compared to more traditional methods, such as normal advertising posters.

sugarscape.com

The Hunger Games is just one example of a product that has used social media to interact with people. It can reach those who have never previously heard about it. Social media can aid hype of a product, more people want to buy it because everyone is talking about it. The future of Advertising and PR significantly involves Social Media as sites like Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest continue to grow in popularity. Ignoring social media is not an option for a business that wants to succeed?

Social Media's Power- Kony 2012

If you have been on any form of social media today it is likely that you would have heard the word, "KONY". A film created by invisible children that aids to make Joseph Kony, a Uganadan guerrilla group leader, has spread across various social media platforms, dominating Facebook news feeds and Twitter updates. Social media shows its power to educate, inform and hopefully liberate.

"Joseph Kony has remained an elusive and terrifying figure casting a spell over first Uganda, then Sudan and the Central African Republic, and now the Democratic Republic of Congo" 

The Deadly Cult of Joseph Kony

The 30 minute film attempts to make Joseph Kony famous, not as a celebrity but to create awareness for the horrors he has committed and hopefully lead to his arrest. It's been suggested that as many as 20,000 children have been abducted from their homes and have been forced to commit horrendous crimes. Leader of the Lord's Resistance Army he has claimed he will use the ten commandments to liberate Uganda, as one girl who had been captured by the LRA suggests his followers see him as a "supernatural being. He has a power over them." Kony is seen to be one of the most hated and wanted men on earth, the power of social media has arguably increased this status. Before today I would ask how many people knew about Kony's atrocities? Social Media has educated us on such an important subject. People need to know  what this man and his army are doing, social media is providing the ideal platform to inform the public. 

Joseph Kony

Some may criticise social media, saying it is a waste of time but Twitter, Facebook, Youtube and a whole host of other platforms have demonstrated the positive change communication can make. With figures like Kony, awareness is key, social media reaches out to millions in seconds, you're just one click away from learning about the dreadful acts of Kony and his followers. Lets hope that the power of social media can raise awareness acting as a catalyst for Kony's arrest but also be used a tool for other similar situations across the world.

Please share this video with as many people as possible. Social Media makes it easy.

Citizenship Journalism- Everyone can be a journalist

In the 21st century everyone can be a journalist. iPhones. iPads. Twitter. Facebook. The everyday person as the ability to communicate easily. A photo, a tweet, a status update, the public using these as if adopting the role of a news reporter. This notion has been coined Citizenship journalism, where spontaneous actions of members of the public, in the middle of news worthy events, feel compelled to become the news reporter. The growth of smartphones and tablets mean it is so easy to communicate anything, pretty much anywhere. Is this what the future holds for journalism? The public scooping some of the best stories because they were in the right place at the right time and could tweet a photo of the event?

Twitter

The emergence of the internet has speeded up the ability to be a citizen journalist and social media makes it easier to communicate to lots of people. Take for instance, the Iran elections in 2009, in which traditional news corporations were blocked by the authorities. Subsequently, it was down to to the public to be the journalists, display the pictures the world would see, through Twitter, Facebook and other social media platforms. Obviously, this can show how the public can be the news reporters but it can also put them in dangerous position. The Arab Spring has also been an example of where the public can take pictures and tweet to show the real event. For example,  Al-Jazeera’s citizen media service received 1,000 camera-phone videos. The head of the the Al-Jazeera service said that “Now our main stories are driven by images captured by citizens on the street, it’s no longer just a supporting image. In most cases citizens capture the breaking news moments first". It is incredible how smartphones have revolutionised news reporting, citizens can inform and educate the media and the public. A report in the Guardian also suggested they are looking for, "open vision for journalism", whereby laypeople, who may not have any formal expertise, will be allowed key to the media group’s future"(Guardian pins digital future on citizen journalism). The fact that a historic newspaper, like The Guardian, can see the opportunities in promoting citizenship journalism through using smartphones and tablets, demonstrates that this is a concept not to be ignored. I've compiled several news stories that have been deeply influenced by "laypeople" clicking buttons on their smartphones and becoming "news reporters".

‘… when major events occur, the public can offer us as much new information as we are able to broadcast to them. From now on, news coverage is a partnership.’

Citizenship Journalism and the BBC 

Japanese Earthquake

The Japanese people filmed and took pictures of the horrific earthquake and following Tsunami. This allowed the world to see the dramatic scenes and carnage from a perspective of those right in the middle of the tragedy.

London Riots


The London Riots of Summer 2011 shocked the globe, with visions of burning buildings etched in the audience's mind. Members of the public film the rioters breaking into shops, looting goods but also the heavy police presence. These videos not only inform the world through social media on the event but also can aid police investigations.

Lady ranting of tram


Perhaps one of the most shocking examples of Citizenship Journalism, in which someone on a tram secretly films a woman who is being racist. The tram had a diverse set of people on it and she directs the torrent of abuse towards them, making generalisations and showing how the spontaneous citizenship journalism can do good, to root this dreadful sort of thing out of society. This video meant police could find her, arrest her and she was subsequently charged.

 The Telegraph- Woman Charged with Racist Rant on Tram

The Hudson Landing

In early 2009 US Airways flight 1549 was flying from La Guardia Airport to Charlotte, in North Carolina when it hit a flock of Canadian Geese. Subsequenlty, it crash landed in the Hudson River next to Manhattan, meaning lots of members of the public saw it and thus a lot of the first pictures were from these "laypeople. For instance, the picture below was a tweeted picture by a man who was catching the ferry at the time the plane crashed. 

Janis Crums- tweeter of this photo

London Bombings

Members of the pubic turned news reporters on the 7th July 2005 when the city of London was rocked by suicide bombers on its transport network. The first ever citizen journalism award was given to a photo that was taken during this event. The mere fact that there are now awards for this type of journalism echoes the need to respect it as an important form of news. The winning picture shows the moments after the number 30 bus was bombed in Tavistock Square. A powerful reminder of how citizenship journalist can capture the most raw moments.

Citizen Journalists get rewarded

This addiction to smartphones, the obsession of tweeting, uploading photos and updating statuses means we are living in society where so much can be captured without professional journalists having to be there. Social media's accessibility allows normal people to capture events that could otherwise be unseen, they inform, educate and illuminate. As the use of smart phones and social media grows, one would  assume the growth of citizenship journalism will as well.

The Death of the High Street

Walking through the streets of Durham the other day, I noticed the growing amount of empty shops. Looking back over my years here, Durham's "High Street" has certainly changed with retailers such as Hawkins Bazaar, Evans, Superdrug and Past Times, examples of stores that have disappeared. The High Street was the place to shop, a hub for a town and city. Nonetheless, well known retailers have disappeared. Remember Woolworths? A staple of the British High Street and now a fond memory, that place that sold pic and mix. Will the 21st century see the death of the High Street?

(guardian.co.uk)

GAME, the video game retailers are the latest high street store to have financial troubles, with credit issues leading to the closing of 35 shops as well. EA games, a leader in gaming, are now stopping distributing its Games to the GAME Group. EA are famous for some of the best games including, Tiger Woods PGA Tour, the FIFA Series and Mass Effect. This is likely to have dramatic repercussions for the store and over the last year has seen a share drop of 90%. This isn't a unfamiliar scenario, in 2010, HMV had to shut down 40 branches. It's sad to see some of the well known "faces" of the High Street get into trouble but sadly it's so often the consumer's fault.

Out of Town Shopping Centres

Walking around the Trafford Centre I still can't believe the decor. It's practically palatial and reminds me a lot of the shopping malls in America, especially Las Vegas. Located outside of Manchester, the Trafford Centre has grand staircases, extravagant statues and a food court designed as if you're on a ship. The Trafford Centre is a shopping mall. The concept of a mall itself is very American, lots of shops and restaurants under one roof. It sounds great and thats why people flock to these places. There is ample parking, every shop you could want, cuisine from countries around the world and entertainment facilities as well. Additionally, a perhaps most importantly with the British weather, there is a roof. Leave the umbrella at home, no need to venture down the grotty high street anymore. This is arguably an Americanisation of British culture, the traditional British High Street has been replaced by the comfortable and convenient shopping mall. The out of town shopping centre offers an experience without the wind and rain but at the detriment to some High Streets. 

Trafford Centre (edwud.com)

Supermarkets have also had a negative impact upon the High Street. Tesco's, ASDA and Sainsbury's have got huge stores that sell absolutely everything, ranging from Groceries and Clothes to Mobile Phones and prescription glasses. Like the out of town shopping centre, there is no need to go to the High Street, when you can get it all in one place.

A Trip to the Amazon

One of the greatest obstacles to the High Street is without a doubt, the internet. Amazon, Play.com and even eBay offer a phenomenal range of items online, meaning you don't have to leave your home. Internet shopping is brilliantly convenient but also often represents the best value. I'm a victim of internet shopping because it is so easy and usually cheaper. Sites like find-dvd.co.uk allow one to compare DVD prices to get the best deal, not-on-the-high-street.com lets one buy unique items you cannot find in the centre of town. You can created wish lists, fill virtual baskets with books, mp3 downloads and groceries. The internet has revolutionised the way we shop, it's convenient, quick and only a click or two away. The  world wide web is the world's biggest department store but this is bad news for the High Street. Transport costs and often higher in-store prices means a trip to the High Street burns a greater hole in your pocket; especially in an era where one needs to financially tighten the belt; the internet is far more attractive. To shop on the internet its warm, convenient, cheaper and often addictive but to shop on the High Street it can be cold, time consuming and expensive.

(14clicks.com)

I certainly don't want to see the High Street die. I like the tradition of window shopping, the music at Christmas times and the January Sales. Nonetheless, with opponents like the Mall, Supermarkets and the internet it is going to be difficult for some High Street's to compete.

Brands that need a makeover

Sometimes you see an advertising campaign and cringe. "What were they thinking?", "Do they really think they're going to sell products?" "Where's the TV remote, I can't watch this advert?" Whilst there are a lot of brands in the world that manage to attract the consumer's attention in a good way, there are some brands that are in desperate need of a makeover. They often have a negative stereotype connected to them, a stigma, somewhere they have gone wrong and the need for rebranding is urgent.


Adverts have the ability to excite the consumer, take for instance the Christmas Coca Cola adverts. When sat around the TV in early December and you see the bright lorries winding their way through the countryside to the sound of "Holidays are coming, holidays are coming", people often scream at the TV, shouting "It's Christmas, the Coca Cola advert has been on". Then you look at your Facebook and Twitter,  people's statuses filled with, "OMG it's officially Christmas, just seen the Coca Cola advert". You know it's true. This advert has become iconic, people remember it for the right reasons.

(mancunianmatters.co.uk)

Some of the best adverts invite the consumer to laugh with them, a commercial created with humour in mind. Everyone enjoys having a chuckle normally and adverts can often be seen as the boring bit in between your favourite show, so why not make the viewer laugh with you. Nonetheless, never allow the viewer to laugh at you, create a campaign that is so bad people find it funny in the wrong way or have to leave the room. They don't buy the product because the brand has been presented so badly. I wish to look at several brands that need to sit in that makeup chair and perhaps have an appointment with cosmetic surgeon, they need rebranding.


Lambrini


Ask yourself the first thing you think of when you see the word, Lambrini. It certainly has a stigma attached to it, not the classiest of drinks perhaps? Associated with women getting drunk? It has always been targeted towards women and thus it isn't seen as "man's" drink. I entered Lambrini into the urban dictionary and saw the notion of being Lambrinified meaning, "To become intoxicated by means of cheap wine abuse". Not the best image for a brand. Their recent advert again perpetuates this notion of it being a drink for women, focusing on them in the workplace and at home. That's no problem, targeting and relating to its market. Nonetheless, these women suddenly end up on the back of an open top double decker bus singing, "I am, what I am. I'm not entirely sure what they were trying to accomplish but they certainly made a cheesy advert  that made an episode of Glee look like The Sopranos. Lambrini needs a makeover, it has to throw away the stigma of, "a drink for lightweights", " so cheap and horrible but who cares it gets you drunk." Is that really a good brand image?





Durham Students Union


 Durham University is often seen as one of the best in the country. You'd assume it has fantastic lecture facilities. It does. You'd assume there are gowns and formals? There are. You'd assume that it has a world class student's union. It doesn't. Well at least not yet. To look at the brand, that is the Durham Student's Union, it isn't positive within the student population. Their website is average, their interaction with students isn't great and the events they provide students were so badly attended they had to stop. They struggle to advertise to their market. Not the sign of a good brand. Other local clubs advertise and market their events far better but perhaps the greatest detrimental impact on the Student Union brand is the Student Union building itself. Built by Ove Arup, the architect behind the Sydney Opera House, the Student Union is reminiscent of a nuclear bunker. It is about as welcoming as a opening your front door to find Ann Widdecombe stood there in her nightie with a bottle of Lambrini in her hand. The building is part of the brand. With plans to redevelop the building, this will aid to redevelop the rest of the brand. A much needed rebranding for an organisation that has a dangerous stigma, where students rarely see the point of it.

(mimoa.eu)

Blackburn Rovers


One of four teams to have won the Premier League. A founder of the Football League. The only club where Alan Shearer won a trophy. One would assume Blackburn Rovers as brand looks quite good. Think again. A couple of seasons ago, Rovers were known for being one of the best run clubs in the country but were in need of new owners. Step forward Venkys. Experts in football management? No, chicken farmers. What could go wrong, I hear you ask. Not only have Venkys and the man they employed to manage the team, Steve Kean, ruined the team on the football pitch but they have decimated a brand. They supposedly bought Blackburn Rovers to enhance their own brand. Nevertheless, by destroying the brand of Blackburn Rovers they have seriously impacted the reputation of their own brand.  They have made Blackburn Rovers into a laughing stock within the football world, promised exciting players and Champions League football. When in fact, they've signed poor players and are likely to be playing Championship football. Their public relations have been abysmal, with little communication with fans or if any, patronising statements. For instance, Venkys suggested Blackburn Rovers was their "baby". Call social services, they're awful parents. They've decimated a respected brand in football. Blackburn Rovers is an embarrassing brand now, just look at the advert below. The best way to rebrand Blackburn Rovers is for Venkys to sell the club to new owners.







I hope these three very different examples illustrate how important advertising campaigns and maintaining a brand image is. Here is an added extra, which I feel represents one of the worst adverts ever made:

Modern Family- Should it be bigger in the UK?

Every now and again I get an urge to buy a new TV series box set and this Autumn I decided to buy a series that seemed to be winning lots of awards in the USA. Modern Family. A decision I certainly don't regret.  Centred round a somewhat dysfunctional American family, this mockumentary is always on hand to cheer me up, with its brilliant script and perfectly cast actors.

Mitchell: "When I was 12-years-old my father walked into my bedroom and caught me doing the most embarrassing thing that a boy can do: dancing to Madonna's 'Lucky Star."

The series follows three separate households but they are all related in some way. One household belongs to Jay, his new wife, Gloria and Gloria's son, Manny. The second home includes Claire who is Jay's daughter, her husband Phil and their three kids, Haley, Alex and Luke. The final part of this family tree belongs to Jay's son and Claire's brother Mitchell and his partner Cam. While this may all see a little complicated it lends itself to misunderstandings, tensions and laughter in bucketfuls.

http://www.tv3.co.nz/

The series isn't particularly rude and thrives on the different relationships in modern society, For instance, the idea of having a step-dad and gay adoption, this show is certainly different and that's what makes it so fresh and funny.

Phil: "Act like a parent, talk like a peer. I call it 'peerenting"

Created by Christopher Lloyd and Stephen Levitan, I'd describe the mockumentary as a series of episodic farces whilst always retaining an important message, ranging from honesty and trust, to forgiveness and respect. Casting for the series couldn't be more perfect, Sofia Vergara, as Gloria, is one of my favourite TV characters ever, with her thick Colombian accent, almost everything she says you want to laugh at. The incredibly camp, Cameron, played by straight Eric Stonestreet is hilarious, whether dressing up his Vietnamese adopted toddler as Diana Ross or donning his Fizbo the Clown costume. I can't really fault this series, there isn't a weak link in the casting and every episode manages to easily raise several laughs.

Alex: "Dad we haven't had lunch yet.
Phil: Neither have half the kids in Africa, Stop yappin' and get back to work "

Despite it's success in the United States, winning various Emmys and supposedly being Barack Obama's favourite show on the television, very few people I've spoken to have heard of it. Subsequently, most days, after working hours in the library, my friends and I sit down and watch a couple of episodes because we it will always cheer us up. It's a real shame Modern Family isn't bigger in the UK and I'd suggest this is primarily due to it where it is shown, Sky One. I am of no doubt the service Sky provide is phenomenal but it is a shame that Modern Family isn't accessible to everyone on either BBC, ITV or Channel 4. This show is very hard not to like and for me I find it funnier than other American series, "30 Rock", "The Big Bang Theory" and "How I Met Your Mother". Nonetheless, it is clear Sky have a lot of money, as they brought in the popular series, "Glee" but these brilliant series aren't as accessible for everyone. Now I am not sure if the mainstream channels even tried to air Modern Family but a show that has seen such critical success coupled with high viewing figures would surely be attractive to British TV companies.

Haley: "She had to take Alex to the oncologist... She needed new glasses."

Simply put, it is a shame Modern Family isn't bigger in the UK perhaps it needs a more accessible platform than Sky One but they've got the bucks. So if you don't have Sky One, go out and buy the box set, it is totally worth it.