Proximity Journalism
Code: 103090 ECTS Credits: 6| Degree | Type | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 2501933 Journalism | OT | 3 |
| 2501933 Journalism | OT | 4 |
Contact
- Name:
- Aida Martori Muntsant
- Email:
- aida.martori@uab.cat
Teachers
- Alberto Cabello Hernandez
Teaching groups languages
You can view this information at the end of this document.
Prerequisites
Students interested in taking the course must master the journalistic expression, with journalistic genres interview, report or journalistic data report, and have a certain knowledge about the structure, functioning and organization of the media in Catalonia and Spain.
Students must have an interest in the political, economic, social and cultural life of the territorial areas of proximity, and for the role played by the specialized media in current information and the communication of these areas.
Objectives and Contextualisation
The Proximity Journalism course proposes to offer basic knowledge on key issues in proximity areas (local politics and administrations, municipal economy, urban planning, cultural activities and citizen participation, etc.), subjects that are the raw material of the proximity media.
The subject also deals with information to reflect on the structure and functioning of proximity media in Catalonia and understand its evolution since the end of the 70s of the last century, its current situation and its future challenges.
Competences
- Journalism
- Abide by ethics and the canons of journalism, as well as the regulatory framework governing information.
- Differentiate the discipline's main theories, its fields, conceptual developments, theoretical frameworks and approaches that underpin knowledge of the subject and its different areas and sub-areas, and acquire systematic knowledge of the media's structure.
- Relay journalistic information in the language characteristic of each communication medium, in its combined modern forms or on digital media, and apply the genres and different journalistic procedures.
Learning Outcomes
- Conceptualise the theories and techniques of specialised journalism.
- Demonstrate practical knowledge of specialised journalism.
- Incorporate the principles of professional ethics in developing narrative journalism specialised in cultural information and critique.
- Relay in the language specific to each communication medium narrative journalism specialised in local information.
- Use interactive communication resources to process, produce and relay information in the production of specialised information.
Content
THEORETICAL SECTIONS
Topic 1. Introduction to local journalism. Theoretical approaches and professional practice.
Topic 2. Local information and local media ecosystem in Catalonia. Typology of local media and impact of communication policies on the local media map.
Topic 3. Local community media: from ‘alegality’ to legalization?
Topic 4. Local radio: strong presence of municipal stations.
Topic 5. Local televisions (DTT and online).
Topic 6. The Xarxa Audiovisual Local (XAL) and the Agència Catalana de Notícies (ACN).
Topic 7. The local press.
Topic 8. Digitization of local media and digital native media.
KNOWLEDGE ON SUBJECTS OF PROXIMITY AREAS
THEMATIC 1.- The State at the local level. Competences of the local Administration. Policy or management? Organization of a city council. Municipal areas and macro-areas. The complexity of the workforce
THEMATIC 2.- Municipal economy. Municipal budgets Income and expenses. Municipal organizations of the economic field: joint ventures, institutes, autonomous bodies ... Municipal financing.
THEMATIC 3.- Urbanism, basic municipal competence. Politics, ideology and urbanism. The concept of a territorial "model" or city. Urban planning figures and planning. Administrationsand town planning.
THEMATIC 4.- Municipal elections. Political and electoral systems. Circumscriptions and the Hondt formula. Closed lists, open and unlocked. Supramunicipal administrations: county councils and councils (institutions without direct election).
Activities and Methodology
| Title | Hours | ECTS | Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type: Directed | |||
| Classroom practices (application of specific knowledge of proximity journalism for the elaboration of practices) | 18 | 0.72 | 2, 3, 4, 5 |
| Seminars (knowledge of basic subjects of the means of proximity: local administration, local politics, municipal economy and urban planning) | 18 | 0.72 | 2, 4, 5 |
| Theoretical classes (structure and evolution of the proximity media) | 14 | 0.56 | 1, 2 |
| Type: Supervised | |||
| Tutorial sessions and evaluation of journalistic practices and the complementary test | 10 | 0.4 | 2, 4, 5 |
| Type: Autonomous | |||
| Lectures, analysis of documentation, preparation and performance of journalistic practices in areas of proximity | 90 | 3.6 | 2, 4, 5 |
TEACHING METHODOLOGY:
THEORY AND PRACTICE:
The theory sessions will focus on the contents defined as topics, that is to say the evolution of local media and its structure, and will be for the whole group during the first hour. The group is divided into 2 subgroups in the laboratory practical sessions, which will take place in conventional classrooms or seminars (not in computer classrooms), each in charge of a professor.
The sessions of the course are basically expository in the theoretical classes, including the reflection of the students; and, on the seminars, afeter the teacher's initial exposition there will be discussion with the students and debate about practices, to offer basic knowledge of habitual subjects in the journalism of proximity.
During some sessions, specific parameters of the practices that students have to carry out during the semester are specified.
Some sessions may include presentations by active professionals in the local journalism and the local media sector, in order to explain examples and challenges of their professional practice, and bring the reality of the sector closer to the students.
PRACTICES:
Practices are made on a specific area of proximity selected by the student (a municipality, a district, a district or area of Barcelona, etc.), which will be elaborated as journalistic pieces (the specific requirements will be precized at the beginning of the course).
Some practices can be drawn between two or three people if there is a coincidence in the chosen subject or the territorial scope. The practices will be basically assessed for their content but also for their formal correction.
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The approach of the subject will incorporate the gender perspective in all possible aspects, from the contents to the methodologies applied tothe dynamics of work and student participation in the classroom, so as to facilitate an egalitarian interaction.
Annotation: Within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.
Assessment
Continous Assessment Activities
| Title | Weighting | Hours | ECTS | Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active participation in classes and seminars | 5% | 0 | 0 | 1, 2 |
| Examination of contents tought in seminaries | 20% | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Examination of contents tought in theoric sessions | 20% | 0 | 0 | 2, 3 |
| Groupal reflection work releted to theoretical contents | 15% | 0 | 0 | 1, 2, 4 |
| Journalistic practices (2 journalistic pieces on specific areas of proximity and chosen by students) | 40% | 0 | 0 | 2, 3, 4, 5 |
Competences in this subject will be assessed with the following activities:
a) Theoretical block:
a.1. Exam on the contents taught in theory (20%). The exam must be passed, and it can be recovered during the reassessment period.
a.2. A group work related to the theoretical content taught in the theory sessions (15%). It will involve applying the theoretical content and demonstrating understanding, as well as demonstrating the student's capacity for reflection, and an oral presentation will be required. This activity will not be recoverable during the reassessment period (it is not necessary to get a minimum grade for this assessment activity to pass the subject and, if it is suspended, it will be averaged anyway).
b) Block of seminars:
b.1. Two journalistic pieces on local topics (40% of the mark: 20% each piece). They are delivered throughout the course (dates will be announced at the beginning of the course) and can be done in pairs or groups. It is required to approve both parts to pass the subject. If one is suspended, it can be reworked and delivered during the reassessment period (if it is not recovered, the grade of the suspended report will remain as the final mark of the subject, or the average if both are suspended).
b.2. Exam on the contents taught in the seminar (20%). The exam must be passed, and it can be recovered during the reassessment period.
b.3. Intervention in seminars (5%). No minimum grade is required and cannot be reevaluated. It involves attendance and active participation in the sessions.
The dates of all assignments and assessment activities will be announced at the beginning of the year and will be made public on the Virutal Campus.
In order to opt for re-evaluation of the assessment activities that allow it, students must have submitted/attended to that assessment activity on the date set by the teaching staff (otherwise, they will not have the option to recover it) .
Important notice: the student whocommits any irregularity (copying, plagiarism, impersonation...) will have a grade of 0 in the affected practice. In case of several irregularities, the overall grade of the subject will be 0.
Single evaluation:
On a single date, which will be announced at the beginning of the course, students who take the single evaluation modality will have to carry out the following assessment activities:
1. Exam on the contents taught in theory (20%). The exam must be passed, and it can be recovered during the reassessment period.
2. Presentation of an individual work related to the theoretical content taught in the theory sessions (20% of the grade). It will involve applying the theoretical content and demonstrating understanding, as well as demostrate the student's capacity for reflection, and an oral presentation will be required. This activity will not be recoverable during the reassessment period (it is not necessary to get a minimum grade for this assessment activity to pass the subject and, if it is suspended, it will be averaged anyway).
3. Take the exam on the content taught in the seminar (20%). The exam must be passed, and it can be recovered during the reassessment period.
4. Deliver two journalistic pieces on local issues (40% of the grade: 20% each piece). They are not recoverable.
Students who follow the single evaluation modality will have the option of reevaluate assessment activities 1 and 3 on the reassessment date (exam on content taught in theory and exam on content taught in seminar). Neither the individual work related to the theoretical content nor the two journalistic pieces can be recovered. The reason is because doing work of this nature is practically impossible with the time we have for the re-evaluation.
Important notice: the student who commits any irregularity (copying, plagiarism, impersonation...) will have a grade of 0 in the affected practice. In case of several irregularities,the overall grade of the subject will be 0.
Bibliography
Basic:
Consell de l’Audiovisual de Catalunya (2024). Butlletí d’informació sobre l’audiovisual de Catalunya https://www.cac.cat/index.php/acords-recerca/biac-%28-informes-del-sector-quadrimestrals-%29 (Informes quadrimestrals)
Costera Meijer, Irene (2010). DEMOCRATIZING JOURNALISM?: Realizing the citizen’s agenda for local news media. Journalism Studies, 11(3), 327–342. https://doi.org/10.1080/14616700903500256
Gulyas, Agnes & Baines, David (2020). The Routledge companion to local media and journalism. Routledge.
Martori Muntsant, Aida (2023). Las dinámicas multimedia y transmedia en la prensa de proximidad: ¿utopía o realidad? Un análisis del caso catalán. Revista Mediterránea de Comunicación, 14(2), 299–309. https://doi.org/10.14198/MEDCOM.23868
Nielsen, Rasmus Kleis (Ed.). (2019). Local journalism : the decline of newspapers and the rise of digital media. I.B. Tauris. https://doi.org/10.5040/9780755695171
Complementary:
De Sola Pueyo, Javier (2020). Informar sobre la despoblación desde la mirada de los periodistas rurales. Estudios sobre el mensaje periodístico, 3 (27), 825-832. https://doi.org/10.5209/esmp.70958
Domingo, David; Alborch, Federica & Araüna, Núria (2009). La informació de proximitat als informatiustelevisius catalans. Bellaterra: Observatori de la Comunicació Global (InCom-UAB).
Gifreu, Josep & Corominas, Maria (1991). Construir l’espai català de comunicació. Barcelona: Generalitat de Catalunya, Centre d’Investigació en la Comunicació.
Guimerà i Orts, Josep Àngel (2012). La conceptualizació de l’objecte d’estudi en la recerca sobre comunicació local a Catalunya (1981-2006): de mesocomunicació a mitjans de proximitat. Trípodos, 30, 111-123.
Guimerà i Orts, J.A. (2006). La televisió local a Catalunya: un model en profunda transformació. Quaderns del CAC, 26, 141-149.
Guimerà Orts, Josep Àngel, del Rocío Monedero Morales, Carmen, & Martori Muntsant, Aida (2017). Digitalización, crisis económica y televisión pública local en España. Los casos de Andalucía y Cataluña (2010-2015). Revista Latina de Comunicación Social, 72, 574–589. https://doi.org/10.4185/RLCS-2017-1180
Guillamet, Jaume (1983). La Premsa comarcal : Un model català de periodisme popular. Departament de Cultura de la Generalitat de Catalunya.
Gulyas, Agnes; O’Hara, Sarah & Eilenberg, Jon (2019) Experiencing Local News Online: Audience Practices and Perceptions, Journalism Studies, 20:13, 1846-1863. https://doi.org/10.1080/1461670X.2018.1539345
Jerónimo, Pedro (2024). Local journalism, global challenges: news deserts, infodemic and the vastness in between. Livros de Comunicaçao.
McCollough, Kathleen; Crowell, Jessica K. & Napoli, Philip M. (2017) Portrait of the Online Local News Audience, Digital Journalism, 5:1, 100-118. https://doi.org/10.1080/21670811.2016.1152160
López, Bernat; Huertas Bailén, Amparo; Peres-Neto, Luiz (eds) (2023). Informe de la comunicació a Catalunya 2021–2022. Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès): Generalitat de Catalunya i Institut de la Comunicació (InCom-UAB). https://ddd.uab.cat/pub/llibres/2023/284362/infcomcat_a2023.pdf
Martori Muntsant, Aida (2024). Prensa local ante la digitalización: innovación y viabilidad del periodismo de proximidad. Ámbitos. Revista Internacional De Comunicación, (64), 104–119. https://doi.org/10.12795/Ambitos.2024.i64.02
Martori Muntsant, Aida (2019). Televisión de proximidad o televisión local? El impacto de la proximidad cultural en los estudios de televisión en la era digital. ZER: Revista de Estudios de Comunicación= Komunikazio Ikasketen Aldizkaria, 24(47). https://doi.org/10.1387/zer.21073
Metzgar, Emily T.; Kurpius, David D. & Rowley, Karen M. (2011). Defining hyperlocal media: Proposing a framework for discussion. New Media & Society, 13(5), 772-787. https://doi.org/10.1177/146144481038509
Moragas Spà, Miquel de (1988). Espais de comunicació : experiències i perspectives a Catalunya. Edicions 62.
Nicolás, Oscar E. (2014). Periodismo Ciudadano: nuevas formas de comunicación información y acción social. Revista de Estudios de Juventud, (105), 9-23.
Serrano-Puche, Javier(2020). Periodismo constructivo: una respuesta a las razones de los usuarios para evitar las noticias. Cuadernos.Info, (46), 153–177. http://dx.doi.org/10.7764/cdi.46.1714
Straubhaar, Joseph D. (2008). Rethinking Cultural Proximity: Multiple Television Flows for Multilayered Cultural Identities. Paper: International Communication Association, TBA, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Straubhaar, Joseph D. (2007). World television: From global to local. Los Angeles: Sage.
Townend, Judith (2015). Hyperlocal media and the news marketplace. In: Barnett, S.; Townend, S. Media Power and Plurality: From Hyperlocal to High-Level Policy. Palgrave Macmillan, pp. 83-98.
Video:
García, Antonio (2018). Cómo el periodismo local puede transformar comunidades. Antonio García Encinas. TEDxValladolid [Vídeo]. Recuperat de https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuVB0u30Dtc
Software
Is not necessary especific software.
Language list
| Name | Group | Language | Semester | Turn |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (PLAB) Practical laboratories | 11 | Catalan | first semester | morning-mixed |
| (PLAB) Practical laboratories | 12 | Catalan | first semester | morning-mixed |
| (TE) Theory | 1 | Catalan | first semester | morning-mixed |