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The primary endeavor for media, broadly, is communications. It’s a tall order. Words matter, as do visual images and audio productions. All of those means of communication are subject to interpretation by us, humans, through the capacities of intellect. Words and all other devices of communication can have different meanings for different people. Usually, these differences are celebrated as remarkable human characteristics. Then, too, they can cause wars.
A discussion paper prepared two years ago for German public television network ARD meant to put a little practical information to the social science of framing, the contextual effects on information processing. Words matter but context matters more. The paper, titled Framing Manual, was written by University of California-Berkley linguist and expert in frame theory Elisabeth Wehling. It was meant for internal consumption; “food for thought and discussion.” Obviously, this being the post-modern age, the document was eventually leaked.
Right-wing commentators went nuts, calling it a strategy for “manipulating” public perceptions. The document was not publicly released “for copyright reasons,” said the ARD press office. This further inflamed the right-wingers as a lack of transparency and far worse. ARD is the national public television network, a consortium of regional public broadcasters. (See more about media in Germany here)
“The demonization is not justified,” wrote digital rights organization netzpolitik.org (February 17). “Every word in a text is always linked to a specific framing that can trigger certain associations or feelings in the reader. Each term triggers different associations, stands for a different framing.” Netzpolitik.org published the entire document. (See more about public broadcasting here)
Public broadcasters frequently produce various “think pieces” to illuminate the institutional mission; public service. Private media operators are not so encumbered. All that matters to executives is shareholder value. But the appearance in the text of the term “media capitalist locusts” to frame, as it were, private sector media turned those flames even higher. All of Germany’s conservative and right-wing tinged media found a new reason to attack the ARD.
"Over the last few days, a discussion has arisen about a communication concept in which I worked on behalf of the ARD,” said Dr. Wehling, quoted by German tabloid Bild (February 22). “In the current discussion, quotes from the concept, which was intended solely for internal use, were taken out of context and used for political scandal. A factual analysis of the concept based on scientific principles does not take place. I find that a most remarkable process.”
Italian public broadcaster RAI is large, rather unwieldly and forever a political football. Public opinion, too, is sharply divided. President Roberto Foa, designated by La Lega political party and a notable right-wing conspiracy theorist, implored the RAI board to take the long view. “Certain transformations do not come quickly,” he said last year, quoted by Pubblicita Italia (November 16).
Fabrizio Salini was named RAI director general in July last year, nominated by the Five Star Movement and La Lega. He came with significant experience in the television business with Sky Italia, Fox Entertainment Channels Italia and Discovery Italia. He outlined goals for RAI as “a transition toward a modern digital broadcaster… to grasp the challenges of multimedia and innovation.” He also referred to “a new model of industrial relations…to overcome a certain conservatism.” He talked about transparency. (See more about media in Italy here)
The first steps, announced recently, appear focused on budgetary matters. Expensive talent must go or, at least, work for less. Well-known TV show host Fabio Fazio is being asked to accept a pay cut from €2.2 million a year. His current contract expires in 2021 and a pay-out would cost RAI about €7 million. Endorsing this, right-wing deputy prime minister Matteo Salvini said "Fazio can continue to make his wonderful interviews, perhaps earning less money,” quoted by Il Fatto Quotidiano (February 25). “In my next life I want to be born a left-wing millionaire who makes moral judgements.”
Also on the list of expendables is RAI head of human resources Luciano Flussi, “the very powerful number two in the company during the era of former director general Mario Orfeo,” reported Primaonline.it (February 5) and the RAI legal team might be pared down. Then, too, news operations are to be consolidated to facilitate digital transformation.
The workplace can be a less than joyful place. The history is deep and painful. Bosses brutally push employees to work harder, illustrated by the fictional character Simon Legree. There are other complaints.
Poland’s state TV broadcaster TVP has availed its employees of the services of a psychologist. Recent public demonstrations have called out TVP employees for distorting news coverage, often with disparaging comments. Apparently, TVP employees are stressed.
"The reason for launching a consultation point with a psychologist has been the high level of external aggression and hate against our employees and colleagues for a long time,” said a TVP spokesperson, quoted by Dziennik Gazeta Prawna (February 25), citing the need “to minimize and relieve stress and anxiety.” The special medical services have been offered at the TVP headquarters in Warsaw. The building entrance has been given enhanced security.
After the January murder of popular Gdansk mayor Pawel Adamowicz large rallies around TVP facilities have focused on unfair news coverage placing those critical of the right-wing, nationalist, xenophobic Law and Justice (PiS) party in a negative light. Investigating the coverage by TVP Info the Media Ethics Council found its references to Mr. Adamowicz slanderous. After winning parliamentary elections in 2015 the PiS took complete editorial control over TVP. (See more about media in Poland here)
In one particular incident demonstrators approached TVP Info news anchor Magdalena Ogórek outside the TVP building shouting “hire journalists.” There were no immediate arrests but police identified 15 individuals from CCTV, evidence sent to the public prosecutor’s office. “Even taxi drivers who come with guests call us criminals carrying bandits,” said one former TVP editor, who recently resigned. “It's impossible to talk to anyone.”
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