Skip to content

Posts from the ‘journalism’ Category

Sep 29

The Beatles: Revolutionary 1965

Proud Camden presents The Beatles: Revolutionary 1965 by Michael Peto, an intimate photographic portrait of The Beatles taken during one of the most significant years in The Beatles’ history, 1965, including rare and unseen shots.

Michael Peto (a photojournalist for major international artistic, intellectual and political figures of the 1950s and 60s) worked exclusively with The Beatles throughout the year of 1965, culminating in a light hearted, yet intimate and touching body of work revealing an overall less polished and relaxed side of the ‘Fab Four’; a side which manager Brian Epstein allowed few photographers to capture.

Gorgeous contrast of black and white in the prints. Printed on geletine paper it creates a black black, as opposed to digital printing which creates tones of grey. // Paul McCartney at the piano, bearded, smoking contrasts with the fresh image of the time. // Michael Peto has captured the ingredients of creativity – cigarettes, coffee, locations, and mates – a natural scene in an extraordinary set of lives. // The Beatles are recording Rubber Soul at the time – taking a new creative step both in sound and presentation of the band. The photos narrate this event. // It would be great to hear Rubber Soul playing in the background along with the images. // Each member is identifiable with a new character of clothing – Lennon in the Dylan’esque velvet jacket and cap. // Favourite image is of Paul McCartney at the piano, but the picture of the band in a make-shift television studio stands on its own. The shot shows the band being interviewed following the announcement that they would be receiving an MBE. Each member of The Beatles is in a different state of engagement. Two, in particular, are laughing as they learn that an MBE is not something to do with their manager, Mr Brian Epstein (MBE), but rather an Order of the British Empire (MBE). // According to the gallery host, the event has attracted a number of people who were in some way connected to the Beatles at that time, including young girls who followed The Beatles wherever they travelled. Lennon once remarked to them “Nice to see you again”.

–

The Beatles: Revolutionary 1965 by Michael Peto. Running from 25th August to 16th October 2011 at Proud Camden, The Horse Hospital, Chalk Farm Road NW1 8AH. Free Admission.

Sep 21

Living Apart

Ian Berry has a captured a number of shots where the subject is seemingly unaware of the photographer – he is the invisible man. Is this because the subject is unaware, situated within one of the lowest points in human history – the misery, the elation, so low and so high it pays no notice to the documentary film-maker. // There is a real menace about the man who ignores the young woman selling flowers. // Comfort of the white foreman presiding over black mine workers – discomforting as an image. // Ian Berry flows freely between separated communities, and in volatile situations – how does he achieve this? // A brave photographer who turns to the faces and bodies fleeing a gun massacre? // Evidence of traditional South African tribes (Zulus) – their spears, shields, and dance becoming mixed with Western jeans and trainers. It is a tipping point. An image that captures the beginnings of a homogenised. A world where we all sip from the cup of Starbucks, and all the wars and turmoil to achieve that end. // From despair to real euphoria. // Images of more than one individual. It reveals more of the story and a character within the story. // If you knew nothing about the South African Apartheid there is little to suggest that Mandela was a central figure and applauded the World over // The narrative shows the juxtaposition between the black poverty of the apartheid, and the white poverty post-apartheid. Is the real apartheid just poverty? Has apartheid really been demolished? Will it ever (the child pointing a gun at a babies head in a billboard poster). These are the tough questions suggested by the historical timeline of the images. // A yellow tone in all the images – representing the tones of the landscape, the heat and dust. // The picture above – a piece of art in its own right.

–

Living Apart: photographs of apartheid by Ian Berry. At the International Slavery Museum 8 April to 6 November 2011. Part of the Look11 photography festival. Free admission.

Sep 21

Like you’ve never been away

The streets, although suffering from poverty and deprivation, are notably lacking in litter. There is a respect for the World around them. The World they live in. // Photographing children – Would a photographer be able to do that so freely in the year 2011? // The children are well dressed. Brushed hair. Clean teeth. Cared for. They are happy. Children need very little to be entertained and happy. // Each photo has at least one aspect of animation, for example, a brother grabbing another brothers cheek. // Exposure on the fire photograph is stunningly executed // It would be great to have heard some of the sounds, news headlines (local and international) and music that marked the year 1975. // A consistent exposure and blue tone in each of the images. // An element of humour in each image. // It is striking, that even in such poverty, families were marked by 4, 5 or 6 siblings. There is no example of 1 or 2 children families. // The boy leaning over the edge of a high-rise tower block is alarming, but then your eyes are calmed by a second focal point – the holes in the boys socks. // Football was at the heart of the city, the entertainment, the promise. // There are at least 3 or 4 things to look at or consider in each photograph – this is incredibly difficult to achieve // Why does Britain maintain a cycle of prosperity and then poverty? How do we break this cyclical pattern and develop a model of sustainability? // The furniture looks well made, solid, almost luxurious in comparison to Ikea’s fake dream. // Some photos offer a glimmer of hope, of technological advancement – the racing bike, the chopper, the ford car, tv, high-rise communities and fashion. // Children climbing over a car. Today we call them feral // Evidence of tight knit communities, shared conversation with neighbours, interaction on the streets, water fights // Staged images in some cases – the soldier kiss?? // The industrial smog of the city creates atmosphere. // Lines in the images are well composed. // It is notable just how unaware the children are of the camera in some shots, and in others they are intrigued and willing to entertain for a technology they would have been unlikely to have seen before. How do we recreate this freedom now? Possibly using non-instrusive device like a mobile phone camera OR possibly hand the technology to the participant in the image and simply curate the results. The story is the important outcome. You could also participate, join-in or sign-up to the community you wish to photograph, but lose the innocent perspective as you are influenced by the subject matter – it changes the story, the truth. // What is the role of archives? What do they do? What do they tell us? Do they act as evidence? Do they offer true insight to the moment? // There is ambiguity in some of the images, for example the image above – What are the boys looking at? Who are they talking to? What has created the smile? The blanks are to be filled in by the viewer. // Paul Trevor has numbered his installation. He has created a narrative, a story to be told from one image to the next.

–

Like you’ve never been away, an exhibition of Paul Trevor’s photographs of Liverpool in 1975, is at the Walker from 13 May to 25 September 2011. Part of the Look11 photography festival. Free admission.

May 20

Confession

Something deep down tells me there is something very wrong about the story of a premiership footballer who has taken out a gagging order over his alleged affair with Big Brother contestant Imogen Thomas.

Assuming the football player has a distinguished playing career along with valuable contracts and sponsorship deals how can he justify is behaviour?

He has an affair. He leaves a vulnerable young woman to defend her name while he hides behind a super-injunction. He continues to earn vast sums of money based on his reputation and profession.

I’m not pouring scorn on any individual who has made a mistake in their personal life. We all have, I know I have, and we all have our own demons, but I am sorry, be a man and face the consequences of your decisions and actions.

Opening up to your Wife and opening up your Mum must be the lowest event in your life, and I do feel for celebrities who have to additionally watch their personal life played out in the tabloid, but I’m sorry – that’s the deal you make; you take home a hugh pay cheque every week and you commercialise your talent to the public hordes.

If that equation to make millions suits the player, they must accept when the equation backs fire.

Seriously Mr Footballer – Fess up and stop this sham. One way or another your name is going to come out.

P.S Good luck taking on Legal America. You may need your millions for that one.

P.P.S For the record I think Injunctions and Super Injunctions are a farce and should all be torn up.

P.P.P.S Apologies for the rant. I don’t often rant, but this story has me riled for some reason.

Jul 5

Old Media 1 New Media 0

I have recently come to learn that newmatilda.com has stopped publishing!

What is newmatilda.com?

Launched in August 2004, newmatilda.com is (was) an Australian website of news, analysis and satire, playing an important and prominent role in Australian society. With a growing and loyal readership the site provided coverage of Australian politics, business, consumerism, civil society, international affairs, media and culture.

So what happened?

In their own words, “newmatilda was operating on an outdated business model; a model that relied primarily on site hits and advertising.”

Given its prominence in Australian media, it has thrown the business of online journalism sharply under the spotlight.

So what can be done to keep this service alive?

According to newmatilda.com, they do have plans to rise again, but the economic structure will look substantially different to anything that came before.

Clues to the next economic model can be found in Professor Peter Kawalek’s post ‘Why We Will Always Pay for Content‘ and John Thornton’s notions of “revenue promiscuity”: “you have to get it everywhere and often”.

Both models suggest that a group of respected and in-demand writers will come together and form a writers circle. They ask their readership and loyal followers to contribute to their mission.

According to newmatilda.com similar services across the world are trading on the quality of their journalism and their trusted brands to build relationships with other media outlets to which they provide niche content.

“They rely on a broad and growing base of philanthropists, funding bodies, foundations and individuals who see that as the media industry cuts costs, the survival of public interest journalism requires them to put their money where their mouth is.”

This is an interesting and significant story at a time when The Times online has switched to a subscription model and the value of truthful and accurate reporting has never been more important.

In essence “Quality has never been worth more” – Martin Cahill.

–

Article posted at Free Trade Press – the free trade of ideas.

Mar 4

4 Comments

How to make journalism pay? #media140

“I’ve never delivered a talk at 60 beats per minute, but here goes”.

This was the opening line from last nights Media140 event at the Fringe Bar, Sydney. Acoustics were clearly a problem as the background bass shook the laptops and notepads of those in attendance, but in some ways it was all quite fitting. The debate was solid, fast at times and ideas certainly flowed at a steady 60 beats per minute.

Caveat >> My ears and pen was also susceptible to the rumbling bass line, so the following transcriptions may not be wholly accurate. I apologise if there are errors, but for all those who have a hand in media, and journalism in particular, I believe this will be of great interest.

Panel Member Number 1: Catriona Menzies-Pike (@catri) – Associate Editor, NewMatilda

Launched in August 2004, newmatilda.com is an Australian website of news, analysis and satire. The site provides coverage of Australian politics, business, consumerism, civil society, international affairs, media and culture. It publishes the work of writers from a wide range of backgrounds including journalists, current and former politicians, lawyers, critical and creative thinkers, bloggers, policy-wonks and satirists.

Insight and sound-bites:

  • “The sustainability of our business is very much linked to the quality of content.”
  • “We maintain stringent editorial practices – fact checking, analysis of opinion so not to get sued, and spelling and grammar checking. We typically reject more content than we publish. We find that writers appreciate this attention and this policy is also recognised by our readers.”
  • “Although our editorial process slows things down i.e. we don’t react immediately to event, we believe our site appeals to discerning audiences … visitors are smart – they can tell a reactive post from a well thought out article.”
  • “We understand that low rates of pay do not help freelance journalists pay the bills, but I believe this will happen, one day, particularly if we maintain high editorial standards, for example, we are now introducing a system where contributors are payed for their submissions.”
  • “We have no immediate plans for a pay-wall.”
  • “Twitter allows us to build a relationship with writers as well as with our audience whilst facilitating immediate discussion and appraisal.”

Panel Member Number 2: Renai Lemay (@renailemay) – Publisher of Delimiter.com.au

Delimiter.co.au primarily covers the local IT and telecommunications industries, but also the introduction and usage of consumer technology in the Australian market, as well as the top gaming stories. The site was started in early 2010 by established Australian technology journalist and editor Renai LeMay with the aim of providing Australia with a strong independent voice about the local technology community.

  • “In response to the question – ‘What should you do to make more money?’ – I say there is opportunity in a growing marketplace. People are constantly looking for great content. ‘Where are the opportunities?’ – I say, look where advertisers are spending money and what they are spending their money on. Look for the opportunity.”
  • “Don’t look at what Murdoch is doing – who cares … just look at where the money is going and be there”.

Panel Member Number 3: Tim Burrowes (@mumbrella) – Editor of Mumbrella.com.au

Mumbrella is a discussion of everything under Australia’s media and marketing umbrella. It is organised into editorial strands: News, the Dr Mumbo diary, Opinion and the Mumbo Report video content. They also offer free listings including Jobs, Events, Freelancers and a business Directory

  • “At my heart I am a print journalist, but the business model has changed three times in the last year and it will change again in a year or two – no doubt, but I do believe there is a way forward for journalism.”
  • “Only one year ago Mumbrella was just me, but we now have five people on the payroll.”
  • “Initially the project was about finding an audience, building a relationship with that audience and later introducing advertisers to that audience. People now pay to advertise on our site, but we also offer premium products such as appearing in our email newsletters.”

Key Insights from the debate

1. From Tim: “Will big media organisations rather than fighting with each other actually get in bed together and share costs of production and development. We might see some unusual alliances this year.”

2. From the floor: “Who will fund investigative journalism? Is it not more attractive to fund reactive/ simpler stuff?” Response: “The best articles that give us the most retweets, debate, attention, and interest from advertisers are those articles that have been well researched, thought-out and are possibly radical or controversial in their argument or line.”

3. From Reina: “I want to employ, full-time journalists and good writers. This is important to me and my business. Still, we can not hide from the fact that the cost of content has dropped a lot – that is the reality.”

4. From the floor: “To journalists, I say, think laterally – there is opportunity and there is money to be made, but it may mean learning new skills including video production, podcasting and photography. Editors and audiences are looking for the mix and we will pay for it.”

5. From Valerio Veo (@Valerioveo) – Head of SBS News and Current Affairs Online: “We are sending 19 year old journalists to cover Obama’s visit in Indonesia. They will be producing videos, articles and images and we will pay up to $1k per piece of content.”

From the twitter feed

@paulwallbank summation of #media140; content is all important but publishers can’t afford to pay content creators. we have a problem.

tullibo #media140 was disappointing-u guys could learn a lot from zenhabits.net & huffington post, 2 examples of journos making it big online

christinefogg Memorable frankness: “Really don’t like dealing with freelancers” Ouch! Good to hear Renai LeMay prepared pay salary #media140

@bradatslice: Journalist’s are like stone masons Some chip rocks Some make bricks The true believers are building cathedrals #Media140

julie_posetti The other clear (i.e. above the din ;) #media140 message was: journos must develop serious expertise-specialist reporting will find payment.

@bronwen: Great comment to end the night, “it’s not journalism that’s dying, but rather that the definition of journalism is changing.” #media140

–

More media insight @martincahill

Article also posted at Free Trade – the free trade of ideas.

Feb 18

How To Report The News

When mapping the transformative effects of technology on media, we often need look no further than the reporting of news.

News delivers a core human need – to be informed. It can bring a nation together during times of woe whilst holding powerful bodies and individuals to account. It is the local gossip. A stage where careers are born and governments fold. We rely on it, too much at times. We trust it, again too much at times. Like all mediums we have an insatiable appetite for it and in today’s world it flows from any number of sources – morning television, radio, the newspaper, the news site, bleep bleep on the mobile, RSS, twitter feeds, local news, national news, international news, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

The news has a hold on us and not necessarily a healthy hold. Just watch the next ITV evening broadcast. I suspect you will hear the words and terms – disaster, tragedy, loss, breakdown, global scale, mark the end, colossus, fail, crash, you, EXPLOSION, mass, murder, fear, schools, children, look out, obesity and beware. These words are mixed to form headlines that Hollywood would be proud of. Quite frightening stuff when you think about it. It is enough to make the strongest recoil in fear for what might happen, expect for the “and finally” where a cat being rescued from a flooded drain makes us all feel better.

Not only is content hyped, the format is looking tired. We have seen it all before – lack-lustre opening shot, punctuated sentences, hand gestures, posing questions, bulleted points, vox pops, man effected by the issue, animated charts and rhy sign off. A point brilliantly made by Charlie Brooker in the following clip (please note: adult language is used. If you are easily offended please do not click play):

Still progress has been made. Although sensitive, the bulletin from Moira Stewart below provides a stark realisation of just how far we have travelled in the last two decades. The piece is slow, Sesame Street like. There is only one phone number to call, and the statements are repeated over and over again. There are limited pictures and limited analysis. There are certainly no whizzy graphics or twitters flashing up at the bottom of the screen.

I often wonder if the past holds clues to the future as it is likely that we will come full circle? For example, some commentators argue that the news is becoming more homogenised, global and repetitive in its reporting. The local story is loosing its place. Large media organisations can no longer afford to support such activity. But, local news was at the beginning of the circle. A glass of wine after work or a natter at the local post office. The beginning was campfire news. Campfire gossip.

The future is difficult to predict, but with the technologies now available it is not too far-fetched to imagine a bright kid picking up a laptop and camera (see top image) and doing something far more informative and less predictable than the format we currently digest. Local news may come back. There are many examples. This is one – http://www.pennine-life.co.uk – and another is a recent initiative announced by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) to interact and engage regional audiences through photography, film and social media – ABC Open. This could well be a cheaper alternative to the camera crew and studio. It is certainly more exciting and a genuine attempt to generate and distribute real-life community stories from the source.

News may also become lighter. In a constant cloud of doom we all too easily seek reprieve in the scandal over the disaster. Tiger over Haiti. Maybe we just relate more to social stories or perhaps the lens is still a safe barrier between us and faraway places?

–

Article posted at Free Trade – the free trade of ideas.

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.