Introduction to Media & Journalism Dissertations 2.8  The music industry and its billion dollar profit.

How
“The types of questions investigated in mass media research does Pop, Rock, Classical, RnB, Bollywood music influence
are virtually unlimited” (Roger and Dominick 2006:5). a nation’s economy?
Going by Roger’s statement, it is practically impossible to 2.9  How foreign collaborations and its competitive
limit mass media research subject areas. Given that a advantage proved beneficial for the film industry over the
research work can never be perfect, hence, the limitations of years? For example Slumdog Billionaire?
a research open the scope for further research work in the 2.10 Indian cinema Vs Bollywood. Is Indian cinema not a
subject area. Media dissertations usually address several part of Bollywood?
ongoing practices in the field of journalism. However, it  3.   International journalism
becomes difficult if the researcher focuses on a vast subject 3.1  United Kingdom visa norms and its impact on the
area for example the world cinema, which is a generalised country’s economy. What can be the possible plans and
topic and has no specific target. Hence, ideally it is strategies to cope with the massive monetary loss and tackle
suggested to narrow down the target and focus on a specific recession?
research question, which is a crucial part of research work. 3.2  China has been the most efficient country in practising
The biggest challenge in this field would be to get hold of public diplomacy. Do you agree?
participants and interviewees. Given media signifies a 3.3  Globalisation and its impact upon the businesses of
practical approach mainly rather than theoretical, hence, a developing countries; specifically refer to India- a
media research depends a lot on whom we are interviewing developing country facing economic slowdown but still a
which can range from a common man to a minister. The major player in the world market.
following ten categories are just some of the subjects that 3.4  Stagnating economy of the United Kingdom. How can a
can be covered and not an exhaustive list. developed country facing constant recession be safeguarded
 Dissertation titles against the downfall of the nation?
1. Journalism/ News 3.5  Anti-Islam stance of the United States; even celebrities
1.1 Representation of women journalists in the media. How are not spared. The anti-Islam video has created fuss all
are women journalists treated across the world and their over. How does this affect the image of Muslims in other
limitations? countries?
1.2 Newspaper readers pay unnecessarily for ads in which 3.6  How efficiently does the United Nations response to an
they are not interested, but newspapers can’t do without emergency or crisis situation in any nation?  Examine how
advertisements. Is there an alternative? the UN practices propaganda, public diplomacy and
1.3 Night life and how it affects the youth in developed psychological operations in controlling these situations.
countries-a journalistic research. Night clubs, pubs, strip 3.7  Formation of media finally took shape during the Gulf
clubs, discotheques and its impact upon the teenage section War, the Somalia, Bosnia and Kosovo conflict? Do you
of countries likeUSAandUK? (You may refer to other agree?
countries as well). 3.8  Psychological operations and propaganda are crucial to
1.4 Does the media industry follow Noam Chomsky’s Iraq and Afghanistan’s nation building process?
Propaganda model? Refer to different countries and how 3.9   How does war reporting and the role of a journalist
they practise journalism. affect in forming or destroying the image of any nation?
1.5 Journalism and showbusiness: where does truth based  4. Political and investigative reporting
and objective journalism stand today with the practice of 4.1 Critically analyse the UPA government’s functioning
infotainment based reporting worldwide? ahead of the parliamentary election in India in 2014.
1.6 Paparazzi, yellow journalism, and tabloidism- is this the 4.2 Sonia Gandhi’s Italian roots and its impact on the future
future of journalism? of India?
1.7  Political chaos in India. How would the current political 4.3 Corruption is synonymous with politics. Do you agree?
turmoil in the UPA government affect its ties with 4.3 Power of America-what has made the USA the ultimate
neighbour countries? ruler?
1.8  A research of local media in Britain – choose a 4.4 Can there be any solution to Pakistan/Afghanistan/Iraq’s
particular media and its representation of a particular negative image worldwide? (or any other country of your
community issue; what were the impacts for the local choice). Examine the role of mass media in fostering
community? stereotypes and establishing images.
 2. Film/Cinema 4.5 Politicians and political parties have lost their
2.1  Bollywood and its profit margins. How Bollywood has ideological drive. They are now driven by the goal of
changed India’s cultural economy? marketing/selling their ideas to the public.  Do you agree?
2.2Hollywoodor Bollywood- which is bigger? How does the Choose a particular country.
industry turnover contribute to the world market? 4.6 Call centres are creating numerous jobs and helping the
2.3  Is French cinema a national or global cinema? unemployed section of the society. This would be
2.4  South-East Asian films and other emerging film markets impossible without the assistance of media and journalists.
on the global arena. Threat to Hollywood? Do you agree? Support your answers with examples.
2.5  YashRaj films and its overseas business over the years. 4.7 Creating adequate jobs and education system are still
Examine how the major Indian production houses like the vague promises made by politicians in many countries.
YashRaj films have a hold worldwide? Probe into the realities of developing countries?
2.6  What makes USA and UK the major business hub of  5. Business journalism
Indian cinema? An analysis of Indian global film market. 5.1 Go Green- How would you go about promoting an
2.7  An examination of 3D technologies in cinema- its online store for green leafy products/clothing to appeal for
emergence and worldwide acceptance. green revolution?
5.2   Fashion portal- how does the world of fashion private life of individuals. Should there be stricter
dominate business market today? An analysis of business regulations?
market of major countries. 4. The European Law of Human Rights has called for a
5.3 Develop a social networking site and formulate ways to specific law of privacy to protect individuals from
compete with popular sites such Facebook and Twitter. journalists: Does the UK need to adopt this
5.4 Emergence of social networking sites and e-commerce. approach?
Examine how it changed the concept of business over the 5. There have been many arguments that the
years? celebrity, by nature of their career, has a reduced
5.5 3G countries and their contributions to the world
right to privacy. A case law approach.
economy. Analysing each of the countries growth rate and
6. The economics of journalism are very important. If
where it would stand by 2050. What are the implications?
there is a stricter approach to protecting the
http://writepass.com/journal/2012/10/dissertation-topics-
individual’s private life from journalists will this
in-mass-media-and-journalism/
reduce readership?
1.0 Introduction
7. The legal case of Naomi Campbell in the UK has
Writing a dissertation can be very difficult, especially if the brought to light that there needs to be
student fails to have a concise research topic. Therefore the responsibility of the celebrity in order to be
first step to writing a successful dissertation is to identify afforded full privacy rights. Is this the correct
the area that the student wants to research and then, after approach?
a little reading, form a research question. A concise 8. Judges in the UK and the USA have argued that
research question is very important as it ensures that the celebrities who court the media, by their personal
dissertation is focused and flowing. It is also important that actions and economic gains, should not use privacy
the student chooses a dissertation question that is of laws when and as they wish.
interest and brings new insight into the topic. However, the 9. Across Europe there are varying approaches by the
topic should have enough literature for the student to form courts to protecting privacy. With the European
Court of Human Rights and the EU do we need one
their argument, because a dissertation is not a PhD and
consistent approach?
aiming to change the field of research; rather it is to bring
10. The case of Yahoo v Licra has brought into
another point of view on the existing research and
question the very strict protection of privacy in
literature. The following article looks at a variety of France. Does the French approach comply with the
different hot topics in media, journalism, mass European Convention of Human rights under the
communication and music and then identifies a number of principles of margin of appreciation?3.0
good research questions to help the student to identify an Journalism and Freedom of Expression
area of interest; as well as how to form a good research The flipside of protecting privacy is the important
question. Picking a topic for your media dissertation can be role of the media as the public watchdog. This role
very difficult, therefore this article suggest topics within the is protected by the fundamental human right of
subject areas of journalism, freedom of expression, freedom of expression. This area discusses how far
censorship, music, culture, mass communications, courts should go to protect journalists from court
communication and government monitoring and social cases, and specific topics for your media
dissertation could include:
networks.
1. Reynolds v Time Newspapers is the key case for
recognising the role of press as the public’s
2.0 Journalism and Privacy watchdog. What are the implications of this case
Journalism and privacy is a very hot topic, especially in the
on the courts approach to journalists?
growing world of celebrities. This topic considers how far
2. Sources are essential to journalists. Should the
the journalist can venture into an individual’s private life
freedom of expression laws be used to protect
without breaching the individual’s fundamental right to
privacy (Article 8 of the European Convention of Human these sources from cases in breach of confidence?
Rights) and considers whether there is a different criteria for 3. Canada and Germany have a very balanced
the private individual and the celebrity. Some topics within approach to freedom of expression and
journalism and privacy that you could cover within your journalism. Should the UK adopt their approach?
media dissertation could include: 4. Is there any excuse for the journalist’s right of
freedom of expression to be breached in the
1. Although English law does not have a specific law interests of a democratic society?
of privacy, does the common law system 5. Some argue that freedom of expression and the
overprotect the individual’s private life from free press is the cornerstone of a democratic
journalists? society. A comparison of citizen attitudes to a free
2. The European Convention of Human Rights has press in the UK and US.
introduced the concept of proportionality; Does 6. Journalism relies on the right of freedom of
English legal thought and precedent adopt expression; however should this give journalists
proportionality towards privacy of the individual the license to destroy the lives of individuals?
and journalism? Journalism and responsible reporting.
3. The case of Princess Diana has called into question 7. The name and shame approach of many
the ethics of journalism and their invasion into the newspapers has been questioned as unethical, or
does this strategy confirm their watchdog status?
8. Watchdog is a very important consumer protection 5.0 Media across Cultures
programme. Is this an example of responsible Media plays a different role in different cultures; however
journalism? this is changing in the digital and satellite age. This has
9. Breach of confidence is an important area of law brought fears of Americanisation and cultural imperialism,
to protect private data; how far can the journalist’s therefore bringing an exciting area for comparative research.
right to freedom of expression be used as a Some topics and case studies that you could research for
defence of such a breach? your media dissertation are:
10. Is there a different level of freedom of expression
for tabloids and broadsheets? The News of the 1. What is the role of the in the People’s Republic of
World versus The Times. China? Propaganda, Tibet and the Olympics 2008.
4.0 Media, the Artist and Censorship 2. Media and the war on terror, is it right there
Censorship is the government approach to should be a move to ban Al-Jazeera by
controlling the media for the good of the society. communities in the USA?
The question is how far can the government go to 3. Does the media illustrate that there is degradation
protect society and is it really justified or merely a of culture and society in the UK? A case study of
form of citizen control? There are two forms of Big Brother.
censorship, the first is direct censorship, which is 4. Is the Islamic movement against America and the
the banning of certain mediums and topics, whist West taking its images and prejudices from
the second is propaganda, where the media and Western media culture?
artists feed the government viewpoint. This is a 5. In France, culture is becoming more and more
controversial area in which to base your media important in response to the fear of
dissertation. Americanisation. Is this portrayed in the media?
1. Direct censorship is a direct breach of the 6. How does individualism-collectivism influence the
individual’s human right to a free press. Discuss in media and the quest for freedom of expression?
relation to UNDHR? The case of the People’s Republic of China.
2. Journalists have a moral right to provide a 7. Can the media be used to breach cultural divides
balanced approach to the news; however it is and erase stereotypical images? An argument for
argued that the media is highly politicised. The responsible journalism.
case study of Fox News in the US. 8. Is the growth of media and film making, outside of
3. Iran has a strict censorship programme in relation Hollywood, important to ensure that all cultures
the role of women. Does this approach protect the are represented? The case of Bollywood.
integrity of women or is it a form of state control? 9. In the UK do the British media fail the North/South
4. Were the dossiers released by the UK and US cultural divide? A comparison of BBC news
government prior to the Iraq war an example of broadcasting.
the state using the media for propaganda? 10. The UK argues that it has a free press; however
5. In a free and democratic society is it right to ban how does this compare with the different
pornography? communications from the BBC in the UK and BBC
6. The Spycatcher Case illustrates that the English World News? Does the difference indicate
courts will allow censorship if there is a threat to subversive censorship?
national security; however should there be a limit
to allow for legitimate whistleblowing? 6.0 Music, culture, the artist and intellectual property
7. Art has been an object of censorship over the Intellectual property is very important to the artist,
years to protect the morals of the community. especially in the current age of advanced technology where
Some would argue the BODYWORX art show is individuals can download pirated music and films. Some
immoral, but has not been censored. How does would argue that this devalues the worth of the artist;
this compare to the display of foetuses? however the question arises on when does using the work of
an artist become stealing? This is becoming a more
8. Censorship, through propaganda, one would argue
prominent issue within the media industry, and the subject
is more subversive in a democratic society,
would make for an interesting media dissertation.
because it is hidden behind so-called legitimate
laws. Case Study: The war on terror.
1. The music and film industry are high stake players
9. Political correctness is the new form of censorship
in the global economy, how far has this affected
in a democracy. Has the liberal view on tolerance
international treaties such as TRIPS and WIPO?
caused a breach of the rights that they aim to
2. There are legitimate situations in the name of
protect?
education where breaching an artist’s intellectual
10. The recent cases on the right of an individual to
property rights is permitted. Discuss.
wear religious symbols have brought into question
3. Intellectual property law fails cultural groups, their
whether the UK is now censoring the right of
tribal music and art because it fails to understand
religious association. Is this an example of
communitarian ownership and relies on the
censorship?
individual too much. Discuss.
4. Copyright law is far more interested in the owner
of the copyright, such as record labels, than the
artists. Discuss.
 5. Does economics play too much of a role in the 9. Governments try to censor information to the
music industry, rather than good music. X Factor a public as a form of control. How has the Internet
case study? brought democratic change?
6. It is argued that in the UK there is no real choice in 10. In current years the change in Iran’s attitude
music, because there is a monopoly on record towards women has slowly changed. It has been
labels in the market. A comparison of the UK and argued this has been influenced by the public’s
Canada’s music markets. access to information from outside the country.
7. Music throughout the centuries has been linked to Discuss.
culture. However, in the UK there seems to be a
distinct lack of cultural mainstream music. Does 8.0 Communication and Government Monitoring
there need to be a promotion of British music The growth of mass communication and the technology to
culture? enable this communication has brought many benefits.
8. Do the beliefs and attitudes of consumers in the However, there are some significant problems because it has
music market need to change to stop music enabled governments to access individual’s private
pirating? communications with greater ease. This includes ISP
9. Artists are changing the music market by allowing addresses asking for personal information on access and
consumers to choose their price for music, which Internet providers allowing government access. Does this
means that £0.01 can get a recording. How will this mean that although mass communication has benefits it also
change the face of the music market? has significant problems? An important issue to many would
mean any of the following topics could create a useful and
10. How does culture affect the music industry? Or are
well-read media dissertation.
the fears of many countries coming true with
Americanisation destroying traditional musical
forms? The case study of music censorship in Iran. 1. Is it ethical for Internet providers to allow
government agencies to access private, individual,
personal communications in the interests of
7.0 Communication in the Digital age
justice?
Communication in the digital age has caused fears that
individual privacy will be breached as governments 2. How does the UK government justify using mass
communicate with each other. However, the digital age has communication interceptors, such as ISP address
brought an opening of doors for cheap and effective recording, to access private individual’s personal
communication and education. It also has helped the human information?
rights era to take off by relaying these values to all cultures 3. What are the implications of governments using
with limited censorship. Here are some topics within this the private individual’s access of mass
area that you could research on for your media dissertation. communication as reason to investigate their
personal communications?
1. Data protection has become a key factor in the 4. How are the boundaries blurring between mass
digital age of communication. Are the current UK and personal communication with the advent of
laws sufficient to protect individuals? blogs and social networking sites?
2. France, Germany and the UK have different 5. Privacy is a key factor to limit journalists accessing
approach to Data Protection. Are any sufficient to personal information. How can the government
deal with digital communications? justify breaching the same rights of an individual’s
3. Identity fraud has grown with the growth of digital personal information?
communications. Should service providers be liable
for breaches in their data systems? 9.0 Communication and social networks
4. Education has been improved in the digital age Social networks, such as Facebook, are changing the way
with faster communication and exchanging of that many people use the Internet, and are changing the face
ideas. Has this made traditional teaching methods of the distinction of private and mass communication. If the
less important? area of communication and social networks interests you,
5. Development and education are intrinsically you could write about any of the following topics for your
linked. Has digital communication aided media dissertation.
development by increasing the access to
education? 1. Social networks are the new form of mass
6. Canada’s Athabasca University is a pioneer in communication, with blogs and ideas being
distance education. How important is digital exchanged; however they are also NOT FINISHED?
communication to its success? 2. What are the effects of social networking sites on
7. The digital age brings communication to remote the economics of mass communication?
areas at a cheap price. How has the use of the 3. Can social networking sites be used as a form of
Internet in local economies kick-started mass communication to trigger sustainable
sustainable development? A comparison of rural development and trading outside the ambits of
South Africa and rural India. corporations, such as eBay.
8. Digital communication has been an important tool 4. Do social networks play an important role in the
for human rights campaigners. A case study of mass communication, advertising and the
Amnesty International’s email petitions. economic growth of trading over the Internet?
 5. Are social networks more persuasive than
traditional forms of communication, especially in
regards to changing attitudes of individuals
towards key debates?
6. Can we use social networks and blogs as a
platform of mass communication to change
attitudes to consumers and companies? Social
networks and consumer boycotting.

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