Clare Herbert: is a Student of NUIM and a Youth Editor of SpunOut.ie. This post is an extract from a presentation by Clare at Media Moves (FRI.08.JUN.2007, Galway). See here for Clare’s blogged review of Media Moves.

Youth representation in the Media:
what works, what could work better

Listen to Clare’s presentation:

Introduction

I disagree with the term ‘young people’, as if we are separate from the rest of society, destined to be left in a corner and excluded from media participation. Besides if we’re ‘young people’, does that make the rest of you ‘old’ people?

Today, young people are highly media literate, but that’s not to say well educated in terms of the media.

Also, the media plays a significant role in setting an example for young people in terms of stereotyping. Media’s insistence on highlighting a negative perspective, as young people are chastised for binge drinking rather than publicizing the fight for youth cafes and other facilities. A balance between the two is essential.

Mass Media’s representation of young people:

The sensationalized tabloid media’s focus on moral indignation and criticism of young people. Indeed, the word ‘youth’ is generally used in relation to ASBOs, road deaths, speeding, alcohol or drugs. Young people have even been attacked for wearing hoodies, and waiting for the bus is criticized as ‘loitering’

In the future, it’d be nice to see a swing from criticism of young people to a discussion of what causes social problems and how they can be remedied. Surely setting an agenda of change is as much the media’s responsibility as incessant criticism is.

Stereotyping:

Media’s role in the objectification and sexualization, particularly of young women at a time when they are vulnerable to adopting a negative body image

Role of Education in making young people both more active in the media and more informed of its influence:

Irish young people are extremely media literate, despite a dismal media education programme. Junior Certificate English covers a brief module on media studies. However, given the popularity of third level and post graduate media studies courses, surely this should be extended to Leaving Certificate in the form of a complex, interactive and above all relevant curriculum. Media Education should also be encouraged for inclusion in Transition years programmes.

Furthermore by altering the education system to ensure learning out of interest rather than by rote, young people could develop critical thinking and analytical skills. Students need to be taught how to think, read, analyse, discuss and debate, not exam technique.

Also for young people to become involved in the media, they must be given the necessary skills. Public speaking and debating skills are essential to encourage young people to be both articulate and outspoken.

Involving young people in the media:

I disagree that all young people have disengaged from the media, rather they have become disillusioned by it. And this is both a danger for the future of informed debate and a disservice to the young person, their community and society in general.

I also disagree with the rather meek claim that the media will refuse to listen to young people. While there is certainly some truth in the idea of journalistic laziness, this certainly does not excuse it. Young people themselves, the media and groups such as yourselves all have a role to play in improving this. Indeed, this idea should galvanize people into passionate action, rather than discourage involvement.

The media is a difficult profession, both for prospective journalists (who are young and old) and groups eager for positive media coverage. It’s a hugely demanding job, which extends far beyond the 500 words that appear on the page or my ten minutes up here talking to you. Payment is rare and publication sparse, but even from my limited experience of it, it’s a fantastic job. Somebody’s gotta do it, so why shouldn’t it be you.

Indeed it seems that what’s lacking in the modern media is what young people could bring: a fresh perspective, a new outlook, vision, hope and maybe even a little balance

There are spaces for young people to become directly involved in the media: Questions and Answers is a great start, as is the TeenTimes column in the Irish Times and letter writing. Spunout.ie (for whom I work) are also always on the lookout for fresh, new voices and we’d love to hear from any of you here.

The Internet is the great leveller in the media profession, and blogging is a good start which has lead to newspaper columns and expensive book deals for other bloggers.

Rightly or wrongly, the media is a profession of networking. So take advantage of today and get to know fellow media junkies.

Conclusion:

At the moment sensationalism, stereotyping and endless bad news stories sell newspaper and paint young people in a very negative light. I’ve no doubt but that this can change, and that the media professionals in this room should acknowledge this fact and strive to bring balance into their reporting.

Clare Herbert at Media Moves

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