Abstracts

Amelia Rae Koethen

Article Abstracts Assignment
Understanding Media Studies, Fall 2009


1. American Journalism Review, June/July 2009
A Porous Wall, Natalie Pompolio, Philadelphia Enquirer

Abstract: Difficult economic times combined with plunging advertising sales figures in the publishing industry have led some publications to seek creative revenue sources to stay in business. In light of the recent controversy involving a front-page “advertorial” style advertisement in the Los Angeles Time, Philadelphia Enquirer Reporter Natalie Pompilio examines the ever shrinking divide between editorial departments and advertising sales at publications across the country. Pompilio explores how aggressive sales tactics such as integrated ad units, sponsored content and over-wraps can help the bottom line while hurting the overall integrity of news publications. A Porous Wall also hints at how these relationships will change as traditional print journalism continues to progress into the online market.


2. American Journalism Review, April/May 2009
A Dubious Benefactor, Sherry Ricchiardi, American Journalism Review

Abstract: In August 2007 Mexican Businessman Carlos Slim Helú surpassed Bill Gates as the richest man on the planet. Slim, aside from owning a monopoly share of Teléfonos de México as well as over 200 other Mexican Companies recently became the newest benefactor for struggling new publication, The New York Times. The NY Times $250 Million loan from Slim raised questions throughout the journalistic community as to what control this “Mexican Robber Baron”, as the Times once referred to him, would have over the editorial content of the publication. American Journalism Review contributing writer Sherry Ricchiardi examines the issues of investor control and self-censorship in the relationship between journalist and benefactor.


3. American Communications Journal, Vol 10, Issue 03, Fall 2008
The Freedom to Choose a Personal Agenda: Removing Our Reliance on the Media Agenda, Jennifer Brubaker, University of North Carolina

Abstract: ACJ Contributor and Assistant Professor of Communication Studies at the University of North Carolina, Jennifer Brubaker compiled a report to determine if new media outlets had an effect on the controversial topic of media agenda setting. This article sites the rising popularity of online news and social networking sites with creating a more diverse portal for the average American voter to receive their news and candidate information. Through focus groups and questionnaires Brubaker concludes that agenda setting may not be as prevalent in the modern news media as is generally assumed and that the origins of agenda setting may trace back to campaign staff, as opposed to individual media outlets.