'Is World Journalism in Crisis?'

That was the question being asked on Wednesday 28th October at Coventry University, as 'Coventry Conversations' held its latest event, bringing together journalists and media experts from all around the world.

Hosting the event was BBC College of Journalism Editor, Kevin Marsh, a key figure in the world of journalism today.

The likes of Jeremy Paxman and Adrian Monck joined us from London and Geneva via video satellite, the optimistic Nick Davies joined us from Brighton, whilst journalism.co.uk's Judith Townend and Professor Fred Mudhai graced us with their presence in person.

I have to begin by saying the views put forward from the various Professors and Journalists were just as diverse as the were themselves. Perhaps I was rather naive walking into the conference, but just over 2 weeks ago, I sat avidly listening to Jon Snow saying that the 21st Century was the best time to become a journalist, now I was hearing about confidence crisis, economic crisis, over saturation in the market crisis. Just crisis, crisis, crisis!

Adrian Monck avidly stated that 'there is a jobs crisis in journalism', which was a view that most of the other speakers, more or less, agreed with. I think this opinion roots in what Jeff Jarvis, joining us from the U.S.A, was saying about journalism moving towards an entrepreneurial model. He followed this up by stating how, in certain parts of the world, hearing or reading about current affairs was becoming increasingly difficult, so difficult in fact that they have come up with the idea of radio through free phone calls - a truly inspired idea and one which I would definitely invest in.

But it is rather dire to see how the 'fall' of the economy has lead to something as vital as news to be diminished, to a certain extent. How can it be that places such as Starbucks and Costa are thriving in these times, as people spend more on coffee, yet cut back on their daily intake of current affairs? - something which, to me, seems more vital than an espresso.

This then leads to one of the issues that both dominated the discussion on Wednesday and links in with the talk presented by Snow - technology.
It was the opinion of many that with the constant updating and innovation of new technology - journalism is moving towards an entrepreneurial model, via blogs, twitter and online newspapers. Indeed why pay for a newspaper when you can read online for free?
But is this the cause of a jobs crisis? After all, writers must be paid online, however 'virtual' their jobs may seem.
Perhaps the answer lies in the opinion of Paxman who stated, how the importance of money leads to the fact that the 'need of a story is not of paramount consideration'.
Now this is view that I definitely share, it does seem to me that in this fast paced world, and an even more pressurised business world, the need for real - and by real I mean, honest stories, stories that matter and make a difference, have been lost.
Yes, these ideas of mine may seems slightly romanticised, but, to me, this is what journalism should be about, this is what attracts me to the career and makes me want to write.

Therefore, it is really not much of a surprise when the aspiring writer in me perks up when Richard Keeble takes to the floor and opens 'Crisis, what crisis?', this is followed closely by Nick Davies who seemingly, launches straight into how we are not in a crisis, and how content and editorial standards are the problem, a view which I am sure is reflected in his book, Flat Earth News.


So OK, maybe it is time for me to get my head out of the sand and analyse the reality. Yes there is a crisis. But as I've had a few days to mull it over, it leads me to conclude that there is no need for panic, as every problem does have its solution, does it not?

So how do we solve this problem?

Well, I for one have decided to take to my rebellious side and carry on blogging to you via Lipsync, to give to you views as raw and honest as you can get. I'm determined to keep informing you with my version of the news.

But I'm not too worried, journalism is the most powerful platform, I cannot see a world where we have to live without it.

Question Time!

So I'm wondering what the ratings were for Question Time yesterday as it seems as though the whole of the nation tuned in to see the Oh so delightful Nick Griffin.

I was unsure of whether I should do this blog, because I don't want the hate driven BNP get any attention whatsoever, what with the ratings last night and the news headlines this morning.

But I just wanted to take a moment to make my opinions on Nick Griffin and the BNP very clear.
Before watching Question Time, I severely disliked Nick Griffin and his cronies, they are, in my opinion, hardly a political party as they seem only to have one key policy and are simply worthless, backward minded people who are not worth a second of my time.
But having watched Question Time, I can know come to the conclusion that I HATE to the very bones anything even relating to those 3 words of the alphabet.
I think Griffin will have to sleep with one eye open from now on due to the things that he said on the show. I cannot believe that someone could have the audacity to be so nonchalantly racist, then continue to be so blase about the issue!

My ancestral heritage is Asian, 3 generations of my family have lived and worked in Britain. They have earned their living every day, payed their taxes, voted, and remained law abiding citizens for the past 50 years.
I am a British citizen, I was born here, am being educated here and I call this place home. Griffin and his like - minded people have no right to take that away from me or anyone else.
If he wants people like us to leave, it would be interesting to see what would happen if we ALL did because I think there would be nothing left here. Britain is so multi - cultural and we should be PROUD of it, the most intelligent, intellectual, respectful people we have in our society are from ethnic minorities.
If we were to leave, what would Britain do without civil servants, doctors, lawyers, professors, entrepreneurs, manufactures, teachers?

And as for his thoughts on Islam? First of all, lets not even assume that any member of the BNP, has ever read the Qu'ran - they wouldn't even touch the text with a bargepole. Griffin's opinions on Islam just show how illiterate and ignorant he is towards other cultures and religions, his views are a garbled sense of hear say that he is using to his advantage to instill fear in people and increase Islamophobia.
In the Qu'ran it is stated that the definition of a good Muslim is a happy person, a nice person, a person that does not cause harm to others. Women should not be stoned to death for rape, and the shar'ia law is not something that compelling states love to carry out. The Muslim community is not a blood thirsty, hate loving community.
First of all, Shar'ia law, just like all law is there as a deterrent, if people are convicted of breaking the law there are procedures that have to be carried out, before the final sentence is reached. The laws are the same for all people, male or female - I find it incredibly weird that people can judge Islam for a harsh religion when capital punishment still exists in this world, something that Islam does not comprehend.

I would also just like to say, good on to Baroness Warsi, and the other panelists for having some damn good answers and points and for putting Griffin in his place, as well as the live audience too - its a wonder he got out of there alive.

I hope the show was an eye opener for those who watched and illustrates who NOT to vote for in May 2010.

Nativity!

I know Christmas is quite a far way away yet, despite what the department stores would lead us to believe, but having talked with Debbie Isitt yesterday, I thought I'd do a little promotional blog.

Most of you probably know Debbie from the film 'Confetti', which she wrote and directed, starring Martin Freeman.
Freeman also stars in her new film, Nativity, alongside Ugly Betty star, Ashley Jensen.

It great was to be able to get together with Isitt yesterday and talk about her film, which definitely looks like one to watch for Christmas. It was shot in Coventry over the course of 6 weeks, and follows the plot of a school teacher (Freeman) in over his head when he boasts that a Hollywood producer (Jensen) is going to come to see his school's nativity in hopes of making it into a film, cue much chaos, kids with stars in their eyes and eager, pushy parents.
From the bits of the film that were previewed exclusively, it looks like a laugh riot, Isitt is famous for her preference of improvisational comedy, which really brings out the personalities of alot of the children.

Isitt was fantastic in person, a genuinely passionate and driven person keen to make good films; films that will please the audience - and I think she has definitely achieved that here, she has produced a uniquely hilarious piece of cinema, which has the perfect amount of warmth and tinsel that will brighten up any winter night.

Make the family outing on the 4th December!

Who would be a Journalist in the 21st century?

So last week I bumped in Jon Snow, as you do of course.

He was a guest professor at my University giving a talk about Journalism, nonetheless.
As I sat amongst the other students and locals that had turned out to see him in the Cathedral, I really did not know what to expect, after all, this man is one of the most remarkable British news readers of all time, his honest opinions devoid of any propaganda, his direct approach, as well as the fact that he has been closer to a story more than anyone; he's rubbed shoulders with Idi Amin, Thatcher and a few old MP's just to lighten the mood.

Snow talked about the 'technological revolution' in his relaxed and humorous manner, and how the impact of this has made it easier in recent times to become a journalist; the wonders of the World Wide Web make information, accurate information, easier to find, to report, to reach an audience, it is therefore, in his optimistic opinion, 'the best moment to become a journalist'.

He, to me, was the epitome of a journalist, in the fundamental sense of the word, eager to get to the bottom of the story, to find out the truth, not because he needed to, but because he wanted to, he wanted to share the truth with the world. His manner was of urgency but not before he was fair, and objective and had double checked the facts. In his opinion, I feel he would say, that's what being a good journalist is all about. I would say that's the mark of a great journalist.

All in all he gave a positive and uplifting message to those listening to him from the pulpit, 'As long as people aspire for the best - we are going to live in the best of times.'

After the economy breakdown, high rates of unemployment and a loss of purpose, out came a bit of ethereal optimism.

Glamourously British ;)

http://insideout.topshop.com/blog/2009/10/london-loving.html#

Why is it that in 2009 it can still feel like the stone ages?

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/crime/article6882552.ece

According to the opinions of some, what Tulay may have done was wrong, but no - one deserves to be treated this way, why is it that these days we skip communication 101 and just go to action?

Offensive or Art?

This picture just went completely viral online. It is one of a 16 page spread from French Vogue in which a white model was painted black.
Many people have taken offense at these pictures, similar to the one posted above and believe that a real black model should have been used instead of a white model in art.
Maybe its my ignorance (although I'm sure of that I have none) but I believe that using a white model and painting her black gives more context to the photo, and creates a purpose or statement; the model is trying to be something that she is not and that is the irony of the photo which makes it beautiful, or maybe the photo is trying to illustrate the beauty of being black. Period.

You know maybe it's the fashion world who believe that they have the power to do what they want and call it art, or maybe we, as a population are getting increasingly sensitive about race issues, where we should now, in the 21st century, 2009, be attempting, at the very least, to be comfortable with it.

I can understand this as an issue if females who weren't white were not given a chance, but there are more than a few models, certainly and naturally black, who are on runways, front covers and certainly issues of Vogue.

Vogue has run spreads where models dress up as boys, I didn't hear any backlash then - what does that say about feminism?

Like I said, maybe I'm being naive, maybe I don't understand it - but I don't think any harm was meant.

I Must Be The Lion - Hearted Girl....

Have you ever wondered what marks our timing? How a time, a place or a distinct moment evolves itself into a memory, becomes embedded into our minds, then waits to be re-awakened?
Re-awakened by a smell that takes you back, or a sound. Music.

I always love to have a new soundtrack to a new season, it puts a skip in my step when I walk out of the house, a smile on my face that extends to my confidence.
I have to say I have outdone myself this autumn, but maybe I shouldn't take all the credit - most of it should go to Florance and the Machines, with their album 'Lungs'.
It's so amazing to hear music like this, the lyrics are amazing, there isn't a track on the whole album I don't like.
But most of all it creates the perfect scene. The music has enough intensity, with a smidgen of chirpiness which can brighten the dullest of mornings and exude drama to mix in with the chilly winds and crisp red leaves...

Sometimes the world can really suck

Lemme tell ya something guys - if we were to judge the moral standing of the world, more often than not these days it falls short.

I wonder if people know the difference between right and wrong anymore, in the world as it stands at the moment people think they can make mistakes and then apologise later (if they get caught).

David Letterman is one of those people. I like the guy, he's a good host, he has a good tv show, but what he did was wrong. He's been married for over 20 years and has been 'cavorting' with god knows how many women for god knows how long. So when you read an article title about how he's publicly apologising to his wife and somehow how he's a martyr for doing so, it really pisses me off - to put it frankly.
The guy only came clean because he got 'caught', he was being blackmailed and it was only a matter of time before he came out and then really looked like the bad guy.

I bet his wife was sitting at home stabbing the tv or throwing bottles of alcoholic substances at it, if she can even bear to see his face.

The karmic angle to finish it all off though - the blackmailer faces prison, Letterman carries on as normal, well as normal as he can I suppose.
I know that blackmailing people isn't on the right side of morality but I can't help but feel that the real criminal is getting away.