Module Code - Title:
JM4051
-
TV AND DIGITAL BROADCASTING
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module builds upon theoretical and practical audio-visual journalism concepts introduced on the BA Journalism and New Media degree program in year one, following recommendations by the external examiner and feedback from industry. It gives students a historical and theoretical perspective on the development of audio-visual journalism norms and culture, and develops and adapts student skillsets towards content creation for multi-media digital platforms.
Syllabus:
The module examines historical and organisational perspectives on visual news representation, while examining the medium's political and social impact, as well as recent technological developments in the field. Lectures examine the evolution of, uses and limitations of professional skills and normative values in the sector. The module has a strong practical component with instruction on scripting, shooting, editing, presentation, production and pitching and designing content for multi-media digital platforms. Lectures and labs are held in a dedicated newsroom and incorporate in-class practice based components with problem-based learning elements. The module also includes interactions with industry figures, via talks and short workshops, as a means of showing how concepts discussed in lectures can be effectively applied in professional environments.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of audio-visual journalism in the context of the development of broadcasting generally, in particular, recent technological innovations in the field and the implications of same.
2. Understand of the principles of different types of audio-visual news operations and the complexities of multi-media digital production.
3. Apply a range of skills to developing, pitching, researching, gathering and scripting audio-visual news content for use across multi-media platforms.
4. Operate appropriate broadcast hardware and software to produce and edit audio-visual news content.
5. Be able to evaluate and reflect critically on the products and processes of audio-visual production
6. Demonstrate an understanding of the major ethical issues faced by broadcast journalists.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
Show an understanding of the value of good research for audio-visual journalism.
Display an appreciation of the values of audio-visual news production and on air presentation.
Appreciate the ethical and legal issues associated with audio-visual journalism.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Experience:
Teaching is in the form of lectures and labs in the dedicated newsroom and television studio. Assessment is based on the practical production of audio-visual news material. The students will also work individually and in teams in preparing audio-visual news packages and bulletin segments for assignments and reflections on the approach they have taken and what they have learned from this.
Research:
This module provides a framework for the exploration of historical perspectives on the audio-visual news production in Ireland and an analysis of the major changes in broadcast journalism, as it has evolved into a more audio-visual multi-platform digital forms in recent years.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Hill, J. and Schwartz, V. (2015)
Getting the Picture: The Visual Culture of the News
, London Bloomsbury
Horgan, J (2004)
Broadcasting in Public Life RTE News and Current Affairs 1926-1997
, Dublin Four Courts Press
Horgan, J (2001)
Irish Media, A Critical History since 1922
, Routledge
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
BAJDCOUFA - JOURNALISM AND DIGITAL COMMUNICATION
BAJNMEUFA - JOURNALISM AND NEW MEDIA
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
fergal.quinn@ul.ie