Journalism chapter 4 to 13

Define public spheres

Public spheres are spaces for public debate and discourse where citizens can discuss and form opinions about societal issues (Habermas 1962)

Types of publics in the platform era

Publics (general audiences) Counterpublics (marginalized voices) and Affective publics (emotion-driven collective action) (Papacharissi 2015)

4 ages of political communication Blumer and Cavenna

premodern (local and personal face to face rallies strong party loyalty)
modern (mass media and tv, leader centric) postmodern (decline in party loyalty, diverse targeting of audiences), platform or digital era (digital platforms, social media, decentralised communication, direct engagement and circumventing gatekeeping by journalists)

Relationship between platforms and public opinion

Platforms influence public opinion through content curation amplification of certain narratives and enabling real-time feedback loops (Webster 2014).

Define journalism in the platform era

Journalism is the production and dissemination of news adapted to platform technologies including algorithmic distribution and data-driven storytelling

Business models for journalism

Models include subscription-based services ad-supported content and platform partnerships (Napoli 2019)

Data journalism

Data journalism uses computational techniques to analyze and present complex datasets for storytelling and public insight (Howard 2014)

Emerging trends in journalism

Trends include automated reporting audience engagement metrics and collaborative journalism across platforms.

Define strategic political communication

Strategic political communication involves deliberate messaging by political actors to shape public opinion and behavior (Blumler 2015)

Changes in public opinion through platforms

Platforms allow real-time feedback direct communication and micro-targeting altering traditional opinion formation (Iyengar et al 2019)

Components of political marketing

Components include branding issue framing and targeted messaging to influence voters (Kaid 2004)

Crisis communication in the platform era

Crisis communication relies on timely transparent updates while managing misinformation amplified by platforms.

Define campaigning in the platform era

Campaigning uses digital tools and platforms to engage voters influence opinions and mobilize support

Four ages of campaigning

1. PARTY CENTERED Pre-modern (traditional face-to-face) 2. MASS MEDIA CENTERED Modern (mass media-driven) 3. TARGET GROUP CENTERED Post-modern (targeted niche strategies) and 4. INDIVIDUAL CENTERED Digital (platform-based interaction) (Norris 2000)

Role of platforms in elections

Platforms facilitate voter outreach mobilization and real-time engagement while amplifying misinformation risks

Trends in platform campaigning

Trends include micro-targeting, data analytics, meme strategies and influencer endorsements (Kreiss 2016).

Define social movements

Social movements are collective efforts by individuals or groups to drive social or political change outside formal institutions (Tarrow 2011)

Role of platforms in movements

Platforms provide tools for mobilization awareness-building coordination and amplification of movement messages

Theories shaping understanding of social movements

Resource mobilization theory (focuses on resources) Political opportunity theory (exploiting political structures) and Framing theory (shaping perceptions and narratives) (McAdam et al 1996)

Protest cultures in the digital age

Digital protest cultures rely on hashtags, memes, live streams and decentralized organizing for collective action (Gerbaudo 2012)

Benefits of platforms for social movements

Platforms lower barriers to entry: democratize access to communication and increase global reach of movements

Risks of platforms for social movements

Risks include surveillance by authorities, algorithmic suppression, internal fragmentation and slacktivism (Morozov 2011)

Case studies of platform-driven movements

Examples include Arab Spring (#Jan25) Black Lives Matter (#BLM) and Extinction Rebellion

Future of social movements in the platform era

Movements are likely to rely more on decentralized strategies collective digital storytelling and hybrid online-offline tactics.

Define platform governance

Platform governance refers to the structures, policies and practices regulating platform operations and user interactions (Gorwa 2019)

Importance of platform governance

Governance ensures fairness, accountability , transparency and compliance with social norms and legal frameworks

Forms of media governance

Forms include self-regulation co-regulation government regulation and algorithmic governance (Helberger et al 2018)

Challenges in platform governance

Challenges include balancing freedom of expression content moderation misinformation and global disparities in governance

Global governance of platforms

Global governance involves harmonizing regulations across nations addressing jurisdictional issues and managing global power disparities (Flew et al 2019)

Facebook’s Oversight Board

An independent body established to review content moderation decisions and uphold free expression while considering safety and rights

Key governance debates

Debates include algorithmic transparency privacy protections data sovereignty and regulation of misinformation

Mechanisms for platform self-regulation

Mechanisms include community guidelines transparency reports and automated moderation tools

Future of platform governance

Future trends include AI-driven moderation global regulatory frameworks and debates over decentralization and user empowerment.

Define misinformation and disinformation

Misinformation is false or misleading information shared without intent to harm while disinformation is deliberately false information spread with malicious intent (Wardle and Derakhshan 2017)

Define propaganda

Propaganda is systematic dissemination of biased or misleading information to influence public opinion or behavior (Jowett and O’Donnell 2019)

Relationship between platforms and polarization

Platforms amplify echo chambers and filter bubbles which may exacerbate polarization by reinforcing pre-existing beliefs (Sunstein 2001)

Effects of misinformation on democracy

Misinformation undermines trust in institutions disrupts informed decision-making and polarizes societies (Lewandowsky et al 2017)

How platforms facilitate the spread of misinformation

Platforms enable rapid sharing algorithmic amplification and emotional engagement which boost the spread of false content (Pennycook and Rand 2018)

Examples of platform-driven disinformation campaigns

Examples include Russian interference in the 2016 US elections Cambridge Analytica and Covid-19 vaccine misinformation

Strategies to counter misinformation

Approaches include fact-checking, media literacy, pre-bunking algorithms and cross-platform collaboration (Cook et al 2017)

Propaganda in the platform era

Platforms have democratized propaganda tools allowing state and non-state actors to target specific audiences with tailored messages (Chadwick 2017)

Strengthening democratic information environments

This involves fostering transparency accountability media literacy and regulation to mitigate harmful content (tr ac meli regu )

Concepts of filter bubbles and echo chambers

Filter bubbles are algorithmically created environments limiting exposure to diverse viewpoints while echo chambers are social networks reinforcing shared beliefs (Pariser 2011)

Role of platform algorithms in misinformation

Algorithms prioritize engagement over accuracy often amplifying sensational or polarizing content.

Define populism

Populism is a political ideology that contrasts the virtuous people with corrupt elites and advocates for the people's sovereignty
a near consensus emerged among scholars about its ideational character (Hawkins et al. 2012; Mazzoleni 2008b; Pauwels

2011). This approach broadly regards populism as a set of ideas that focuses on pure and good people versus corrupt and bad elites, understood to be two homogeneous and antagonistic social entities.
(Mudde 2004): "thin" or "thin-centered" ideology. calls this ideology "thin" because it builds on a limited conceptual core, unlike fully fledged ideologies such as socialism, Marxism, or liberalism. Populism often associates itself with other movements and ideologies, such as nationalism, instead of standing on its own f eet.

Further, populism is always divisive and polarizing because it fundamentally casts some groups of people not only as not part of "the people," but as enemies of "the people."

Core elements of populism

Core elements include people-centrism anti-elitism and exclusion of out-groups (Canovan 1999)

Populism as communication

Populism relies on emotional direct and simple communication to connect with audiences (de Vreese et al 2018)

Different forms of populism

Full populism (people + elite + out-group) Anti-elitist populism (people + elite) Exclusionary populism (people + out-group) and Empty populism (people alone) (Jagers and Walgrave 2007)

Relationship between platforms and populism

Platforms allow populists to bypass traditional gatekeepers mobilize support and amplify messages (Engesser et al 2017)

Role of algorithms in promoting populism

Algorithms prioritize engagement through emotionally charged content often favoring populist narratives

Distinguishing populism radicalism and extremism

Populism opposes elites radicalism challenges the status quo non-violently and extremism seeks to overthrow democratic systems often violently (Mudde 2007)

Role of social media in extremism

Social media enables recruitment, radicalization and coordination of extremist activities through unmoderated spaces (Schmidt et al 2022)

Examples of populist leaders and platforms

Examples include Donald Trump’s Twitter usage Jair Bolsonaro’s Facebook presence and Viktor Orbán’s media ecosystem

Challenges of addressing populism on platforms

Addressing populism involves balancing freedom of expression, algorithmic transparency and the risk of censorship

Democratic backsliding and platforms

Platforms contribute to democratic erosion by amplifying authoritarian rhetoric suppressing dissent and spreading misinformation.

Relationship between politics and entertainment

Politics and entertainment intersect in areas like political satire celebrity politicians and symbolic cultural acts which shape political identity and public discourse

Politicians as celebrities

Politicians like the Kennedys and Obamas leverage personal branding to become cultural icons influencing political and social values

Celebrities as politicians

Figures like Donald Trump Ronald Reagan and Volodymyr Zelensky transitioned from celebrity status to political leadership using their platforms for mobilization

Role of media monarchies

Monarchs like Queen Elizabeth II communicate through symbolic gestures and strategically mediatized imagery to sustain their legitimacy

Political influencers

Social media influencers blend authenticity and strategy to convey political messages shaping public opinion and activism (Khamis et al 2017)

Music in political communication

Music conveys political messages sustains movements and fosters solidarity as seen in protest songs and anthems for civil rights movements

Movies and shows in politics

Films and TV shows shape public understanding of politics and history influencing political identities and perceptions (Gerbner et al 1968)

Fashion and political communication

Clothing and accessories act as symbolic expressions of political identity power and cultural affiliation.

Purpose of the book

This book aims to provide a framework for understanding the role of platforms in shaping political communication in the contemporary era

Challenges and opportunities in political communication

Challenges include misinformation , polarization and disinformation while opportunities lie in expanded public spheres and democratization of voice

Definition of political communication

Political communication involves constructing meaning about political practices encompassing power identities and public engagement (Schuetz 2009)

Key features of platform power

Platforms mediate interactions between users institutions and political actors influencing public opinion through algorithms and technological affordances (Thorson et al 2021)

Global perspectives on political communication

Political communication strategies are shaped by regional cultural and contextual factors necessitating diverse theoretical frameworks (Mutsvairo and Karam 2018)

Future trajectories in political communication

Future trends include addressing algorithmic transparency, regulating platform power, enhancing media literacy and fostering democratic resilience

Relationship between political communication and democracy

Political communication plays a dual role facilitating democratic engagement while also posing risks like authoritarianism and democratic erosion

Importance of knowledge-producing institutions

Institutions like journalism and academia are vital for countering misinformation and supporting informed democratic discourse

Role of platforms in shaping democracy

Platforms amplify both democratic potentials and threats providing tools for participation and manipulation alike

Democratic resilience in the platform era

Resilience requires collective efforts in promoting media literacy rejecting polarization and holding platforms accountable.

Definition of political communication

Schuetz 2009 defines political communication as the construction of meaning about political practices including the exercise, retention and contestation of power

Political communication and democracy

Political communication strengthens democracy by expanding participation and debates but also risks undermining it through polarization and misinformation

Relationship between platforms and misinformation

Platforms amplify misinformation by prioritizing virality and emotional engagement over accuracy creating challenges for democratic societies (Pennycook et al 2021)

Examples of public sphere theories

Habermas conceptualized the public sphere as a space for rational debate and consensus formation whereas Fraser critiqued it as excluding marginalized voices

Impact of platform governance

Platform governance involves content moderation, algorithmic transparency and regulation affecting freedom of speech, public discourse and democratic accountability

Role of public opinion in platforms

Platforms shape public opinion by creating echo chambers and counterpublics influencing political polarization and mobilization

Affordances of platforms for populism

Platforms allow populists to bypass traditional media interact directly with followers and amplify anti-elite messages

Strategic political communication

Strategic communication includes lobbying public relations, crisis communication and campaigning to influence public perception and opinion.

Role of platforms in democracy

Thorson et al 2021 argue platforms mediate communication between users, political actors and institutions transforming public opinion and engagement

Thin-centered ideology of populism

Cas Mudde 2004 defines populism as a thin-centered ideology opposing pure people and corrupt elites without a fully developed ideological framework

Emotional dimensions of political communication

Hameleers et al 2017 highlight the role of emotions such as fear and anger in shaping political messages and populist rhetoric

Filter bubbles and echo chambers

Pariser 2011 warns of filter bubbles created by algorithms isolating individuals from diverse perspectives while research debates the extent of these effects

Definition of counterpublics

Fraser 1990 defines counterpublics as alternative public spheres for marginalized groups to challenge dominant discourses

Mediatization of politics

Strömbäck 2008 explains mediatization as the dependency of political actors on media logic shaping their communication strategies

Cultural subversion through style

Hebdige 2012 emphasizes how style and subcultures like punk contest dominant ideologies and express political resistance

Algorithmic curation and platform influence

Platforms use algorithms to prioritize content based on user engagement monetization and political goals influencing public discourse (Thorson et al 2021).

Example of music in political communication

Anti-apartheid songs in South Africa and Civil Rights Movement anthems in the US illustrate music’s role in fostering solidarity and resistance

Example of platform-driven populism

Donald Trump used Twitter to bypass traditional media directly engage followers and amplify populist anti-elite narratives

Example of political influencers

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez used Instagram to discuss politics while applying makeup merging political engagement with relatable content

Example of strategic populist messaging

Bolsonaro used Facebook Live to broadcast populist messages engaging directly with Brazilian voters outside traditional media

Example of public diplomacy through music

Live Aid concerts in 1985 raised awareness for Ethiopian famine showcasing music as a tool for political advocacy

Example of misinformation campaigns

Cambridge Analytica's use of Facebook data during elections highlights how platforms can be weaponized to influence voter behavior.

What role do platforms play in mediating political communication

Platforms shape modern political discourse through algorithmic curation technological affordances and direct communication between users and political actors (Thorson et al 2021)

How do emotions affect political communication

Emotions like fear and anger are central to populist rhetoric enabling political mobilization and polarization (Hameleers et al 2017)

Why are counterpublics important in the digital age

Counterpublics provide marginalized groups with spaces to challenge dominant discourses and amplify alternative perspectives (Fraser 1990)

What are the ethical implications of platform governance

Platform governance balances content moderation free speech and accountability raising questions about censorship and transparency

How do algorithms influence public opinion

Algorithms prioritize content for engagement, often amplifying sensational or polarizing material, shaping public discourse (Pariser 2011)