MEDIA POLICY RESEARCH SOURCE DIVERSITY

RESEARCH AIMS To investigate source diversity in the news from a theoretical viewpoint To utilise various research methods in conceptualising our new source diversity policy To generate a deeper understanding of the history of the Grocott’s Mail, where it is now, and where it can be in terms of serving its community

RESEARCH METHODS Qualitative Research “It is the interpretive study of a specific issue or problem in which the researcher is central to the sense that is made” Key Features: Open-ended in nature Concerned with the insider perspective Looks at the individual’s lived experience Approach to research: To gain an interpretive understanding of the topic

DATA COLLECTION TECHNIQUES 1) Interviews There are two types of interview techniques : a) Unstructured interviews: Give rise to unexpected material Provide in – depth information Create a relaxed atmosphere which motivates the interviewee to answer b) Structured interviews: Make sure all the topics are covered Pinpoint important issues which need to be discussed A combination of both ensures the success of the interview! 2) Review of literature 3) Analysis of other source diversity policies

SOURCE DIVERSITY IS… Sources are: People with information concerning the topic e.g.: Politician: on the new water bill (Traditional/ Authoritative) Resident without water: opinion (Non-traditional) Or alternatively documents or surveys etc. Diversity is: Incorporating a range of these sources e.g. multi- perspective news, multi-sourcing

FUNCTIONS OF SOURCE DIVERSITY Why do we need multiperspectivism in the news? Perceptions of reality are directly related to the context of the individuals life. Grocott’s Mail’s new aims are to be the community paper,in order to do so, the life contexts/perceptions of individuals need to be understood and taken into account. Source diversity: Alleviates News Distortion Bias And Contributes to Balance

INTERVIEWS CONDUCTED We consulted industry proffesionals on the concept of source diversity in building community newspapers We found that sources of copy were confined to: 1. Eastern Cape News 2. The few NGO’s in town 3. The local schools 4. City hall / municipality And that a large proportion of the community was being left out. As such we concluded that Source Diversity policy in The old Grocott’s Mail was insufficient in representing the entire community.

RECOMMENDED POLICY Grocott’s Mail is a community newspaper and as such need to represent the voices of the whole community. Subsequently: Grocott’s Mail shall endeavour to utilise as wide a range of sources as possible. These sources should reflect community interests Endeavouring to give access to as wider range of the community as possible. Not relying on only authoritative sources, the emphasis should be on the people. Grocott’s copy should contain at the least one non-authoritative/non-traditional source.

POSSIBLE METHODS FOR IMPLEMENTING POLICY Utilise the GRAB project for copy Motivate journalists to maintain diverse source lists from across town especially in Grahamstown East. Contact the minority and informal institutions and include them on the ‘beat’ list. Include at least one non-authoritative source in every story

“News is like a hurricane, the closer it gets, the more important it becomes to you”