Does the public or the media set the agenda? This question has been on my mind for several days now. Before discussing the topic in class I had never really thought about the fact that there could be a group setting the agenda that is not the media. To be honest, even though the public was an option for agenda setters, I still firmly believe that the media sets the agenda.
Take for example my overall experience here in Oxford so far. Of course I am not at liberty to speak for everyone else, but there has been a, sort of, huge realization for me when it comes to my contact with news and what is going on today. Because I am not capable of watching a television at will, or even have enough time to stop and look up news online, I am not very up to date. As a student in Public Relations, I would consider myself one of the publics that has many opportunities to set agendas for media and other publics, but I am not. This is only because of a lack of easily accessible media ports. What I am trying to say is that there are many people like me in this field, and others that are news related, that do not seek out the information too. Therefore I believe that it is the media that is setting our agenda, and we as a public just frame it as we see fit.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Persuasion Please
After our discussion about persuasion in class I couldn't help but notice the many persuasive messages that surrounded me.
I don't know how many of you have experienced this, but if you go out into Oxford in the later hours of the night there are quite a few people on the street handing out little cards or flyers trying to get you to go to their dance club. Last night after walking on High Street for maybe three minutes I had a total of four of these flyers in my pocket. Each had a persuasive message that tried to entice people to go to their club. For instance, Lava Ignite hosted Vibe-"
However for me the most effective persuasion was two young men on the street promoting Po Na Na. These guys had all of their persuasion techniques down. They were of course attractive and very likable. Since they were our age, they seemed more credible when they told us the Po Na Na was so much fun and everyone goes there (argument 1). He informed us it was free (argument 2). They had the best music (argument 3). Yet, I thought the most effective thing he did was to stop promoting and talk to us like he would if he wasn't working. By making himself accessible, friendly and fun, he turned into a trusted source.
This grassroots form of advertising/PR for places such as Po Na Na is definitely interesting. Sure, we've all been bombarded with flyers that try to get us to go here and there, but this is different. I wonder if they use this technique during the normal school year too? Is this just for summer because there are less people living here? I wonder how effective it is? Well all I know is that it worked on me…twice.
Beatlemania!
Three cities in two days is exhausting. The new experiences of train schedules, activities, inclementuyt weather, and hostels can take the energy right out of a person.
But you know all that you need? 'All you need is love!' Love for the Beatles, of course. Out of the three cities we visited, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Liverpool, and Manchester, Liverpool shines the brightest. Not only are the people friendly but it also provided me with great insight about media effects.
After a long Friday, our group really looked forward to a Beatles tour on Saturday. Unfortunately, we had no idea how many others shared our excitement; most of the tours were booked up until Saturday afternoon or even Sunday. Luckily, the lovely lady in the Liverpool tourism office saved us by suggesting a private, moderatley pricey taxi tour. As of yet, this is the best money I have spent. Our tour guide, Loll, took us to such places as Penny Lane, Strawberry Field, John Lennon and Paul McCartney's homes, and even the bar where Ringo Starr's mother used to tend.
Aside from the exciting tourist sites, Loll gave me great insight about the media effect of the Beatles on the economy of Liverpool. Prior to the Beatlemania, Liverpool's economy was seriously struggling due to the shutting down of large industry in the city. A lot of people were leaving the city, especially the richer residents, because of this drop in jobs. However, Beatlemania has transformed this formerly sleepy city into a booming metropolis for tourism and the arts. Not only do they boast being the Beatles's birthplace, Liverpool also won the "City of Culture: 2008" award with its Tate Gallery and performance art.
Who could have guessed four English boys with funny haircuts and a new sound would have such a huge impact?
But you know all that you need? 'All you need is love!' Love for the Beatles, of course. Out of the three cities we visited, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Liverpool, and Manchester, Liverpool shines the brightest. Not only are the people friendly but it also provided me with great insight about media effects.
After a long Friday, our group really looked forward to a Beatles tour on Saturday. Unfortunately, we had no idea how many others shared our excitement; most of the tours were booked up until Saturday afternoon or even Sunday. Luckily, the lovely lady in the Liverpool tourism office saved us by suggesting a private, moderatley pricey taxi tour. As of yet, this is the best money I have spent. Our tour guide, Loll, took us to such places as Penny Lane, Strawberry Field, John Lennon and Paul McCartney's homes, and even the bar where Ringo Starr's mother used to tend.
Aside from the exciting tourist sites, Loll gave me great insight about the media effect of the Beatles on the economy of Liverpool. Prior to the Beatlemania, Liverpool's economy was seriously struggling due to the shutting down of large industry in the city. A lot of people were leaving the city, especially the richer residents, because of this drop in jobs. However, Beatlemania has transformed this formerly sleepy city into a booming metropolis for tourism and the arts. Not only do they boast being the Beatles's birthplace, Liverpool also won the "City of Culture: 2008" award with its Tate Gallery and performance art.
Who could have guessed four English boys with funny haircuts and a new sound would have such a huge impact?
Stonehenge
The day trip to Stonehenge was something I felt necessary to do while in England. It is only two hours away and the city of Salisbury is gorgeous. You really have to be knowledgeable with the British rail system because three different trains there and and three back are required to make it to this little town. Stonehenge itself is about 10 miles out of the city from where the train drops you off at. It is 100% worth paying for the tour bus to take you through the amazing rolling hills of the countryside to the monument. The weather in england is so difficult so of course it rained for some of the trip but only for a few minutes. After walking around the monument, listening to the free audio commentary, and taking multiple pictures from different angles we headed back into the little town of Salisbury. We did not know it until we got to the cathedral but inside the church was one of four remaining copies of the Magna Carta. I do not think I had ever been in the presence of anything that old and valuable so it was a great end to the day!
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Dining in Oxford
I'm sure everyone has noticed how early places close around here. Even some of the restaurants will stop serving food by dinnertime and turn into bars. This makes eating late very difficult. Plus, everything here is so expensive. If you have my problem, you automatically double the price to think of it in US dollars. (Which I know isn't a good idea but I can't seem to make myself stop.)
Tonight, though, we went to a really awesome place to eat. It is called the Red Lion and I recommend it to anyone looking for a tasty meal without spending a fortune. Most of us ordered roast, a jacket (baked potato), salad, and a drink for less than 4 pounds! That is pretty amazing considering that everything here, with the exception of Morton's, is so expensive.
If you want to try it out, take a right out of Trinity and walk down Broad Street, crossing over Cornmarket. Broad Street will turn into George Street and keep walking down until you get to Jamie's and Old Orleans (both on the right). Take a right between those two restaurants and the Red Lion will be right in front of you.
It is perfect for those of us on a budget!
Tonight, though, we went to a really awesome place to eat. It is called the Red Lion and I recommend it to anyone looking for a tasty meal without spending a fortune. Most of us ordered roast, a jacket (baked potato), salad, and a drink for less than 4 pounds! That is pretty amazing considering that everything here, with the exception of Morton's, is so expensive.
If you want to try it out, take a right out of Trinity and walk down Broad Street, crossing over Cornmarket. Broad Street will turn into George Street and keep walking down until you get to Jamie's and Old Orleans (both on the right). Take a right between those two restaurants and the Red Lion will be right in front of you.
It is perfect for those of us on a budget!
Amsterdam
Immerse yourself in a completely different culture. The world operates at a different pace here than it does anywhere else i've been. Bicyclists make their own lanes of traffic as the dominant vehicular transport devices. People stroll by. Korean here, Dutch there and there, English from around the corner, Spanish from behind. There is such a harmony from the mixing of cultures. Commercial intent is completely transparent; a feat major of proportions considering the city's relationship with tourism. Boats drive under bridges, taxiing friends from various rendezvous points. Cars zip by sparingly. Mopeds overtake you and are gone before you realize. The charm of this place is in its bustle. There is too much to do for one or even a few but there are seemingly just the right number of people to do it all. The city fits itself. There are niches for every character. I think I could find my niche here.
Friday, July 11, 2008
News in Briefs?!
Upon entering the UK, it did not take long to realize that UK is much more liberal than the United States. From their politics to their mass media, much of what is considered normal here would be unthinkable in the United States.
The other day, I went in search of a popular newspaper to see just how different their media was from ours. I asked a local which paper was most widely read. She said the Sun was the most popular paper in the UK. The Sun? A tabloid? I bought it and sat down to read it, eager to find out what it meant to be a popular paper in the UK.
I wasn't five pages in before I saw just how different our papers truly were. It was an add for "Today's Page 3 Pic," the daily cell phone wallpaper picture. There she was. A 22 year old Brit from Manchester named Sam. She was shamelessly topless, posing underneath a tree. In the top, right hand side of the 1/3 page ad was the "News in Briefs". It read, "Sam was delighted at the sporting victories for young Brits Lewis Hamilton and Laura Robson."
I had heard about Europe's openness to sexuality and heard it was common to see nude pictures on television and in print media. Nevertheless, I couldn't say I wasn't a bit surprised. What I didn't understand, though, was the purpose of quoting the woman. I have seen similar ads in the United States trying to sell cell phone wallpapers but never with personal information and never topless.
Was the quote a plug for Formula 1 racing or the recent Grand Prix at Silverstone? Or, was it simply a way to connect to the audience in order to sell more cell phone wallpapers? We have already discussed, in class, the effectiveness of advertising via appealing to emotion and sexual instincts. But what if you are "selling sex"? Is it still important to use other advertising methods to increase sales?
Furthermore, in the United States, I would think that a topless photo might make the ad more effective. However, if nudity is accepted and "normal", is there anything truly exceptional about this ad? Meaning, would a cute, little kitten with a bow around it's neck be just as likely to sell "The Daily Page 3 Photo" to cell phone users?
Despite my knowledge of mass media, my first experience with the UK's media has raised a lot of questions for me. Sure, I know that sex sells and an emotional appeal to a product is important. I also believe, that readers' ability to relate to Sam probably makes her more attractive. However, even though human nature it universal, I think different ad campaigns may be necessary to appeal to people in different countries who have different cultures. This experience definitely warrant more research on my part. I can hardly wait to turn on the television!
Katherine M.
The other day, I went in search of a popular newspaper to see just how different their media was from ours. I asked a local which paper was most widely read. She said the Sun was the most popular paper in the UK. The Sun? A tabloid? I bought it and sat down to read it, eager to find out what it meant to be a popular paper in the UK.
I wasn't five pages in before I saw just how different our papers truly were. It was an add for "Today's Page 3 Pic," the daily cell phone wallpaper picture. There she was. A 22 year old Brit from Manchester named Sam. She was shamelessly topless, posing underneath a tree. In the top, right hand side of the 1/3 page ad was the "News in Briefs". It read, "Sam was delighted at the sporting victories for young Brits Lewis Hamilton and Laura Robson."
I had heard about Europe's openness to sexuality and heard it was common to see nude pictures on television and in print media. Nevertheless, I couldn't say I wasn't a bit surprised. What I didn't understand, though, was the purpose of quoting the woman. I have seen similar ads in the United States trying to sell cell phone wallpapers but never with personal information and never topless.
Was the quote a plug for Formula 1 racing or the recent Grand Prix at Silverstone? Or, was it simply a way to connect to the audience in order to sell more cell phone wallpapers? We have already discussed, in class, the effectiveness of advertising via appealing to emotion and sexual instincts. But what if you are "selling sex"? Is it still important to use other advertising methods to increase sales?
Furthermore, in the United States, I would think that a topless photo might make the ad more effective. However, if nudity is accepted and "normal", is there anything truly exceptional about this ad? Meaning, would a cute, little kitten with a bow around it's neck be just as likely to sell "The Daily Page 3 Photo" to cell phone users?
Despite my knowledge of mass media, my first experience with the UK's media has raised a lot of questions for me. Sure, I know that sex sells and an emotional appeal to a product is important. I also believe, that readers' ability to relate to Sam probably makes her more attractive. However, even though human nature it universal, I think different ad campaigns may be necessary to appeal to people in different countries who have different cultures. This experience definitely warrant more research on my part. I can hardly wait to turn on the television!
Katherine M.
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