The emergence of social networks and respectively the sharing and distribution of (user-generated) content via such networks have changed the media landscape profoundly. In this seminar we will investigate and discuss various aspects of the interplay and interdependencies between content shared on social networks and news reporting. We will also look at respective strategies and approaches. This includes, but is not limited to • social newsgathering • newsroom strategies (when it comes to dealing with social media content) • dangers and pitfalls of using content from social networks (user-generated content) in the news production and distribution process • verification of social media content: tools, strategies and approaches • economic / financial implications • ethical aspects Aim of the seminar: lead to a better understanding of changes in news reporting resulting from the emergence of Social Networks. This includes looking at the consequences and impact of content now being shared with ease (and low entry barriers) with a – potentially –worldwide audience. Formalities: As to the seminar dates and times, some flexibility may be required by participants (possible shifting of dates). The course language is English. For the first session, seminar participants are expected to prepare and give a short introductory presentation about themselves, outlining interests, experiences to date etc., in any suitable format (the more innovative the better). Slots for presentations (“Referate”) and topics to be covered will be allocated in the first meeting only – participation in the first session is thus essential and compulsory! Should students not attend the introductory session in person, they won’t be accepted into the course. Introductory reading: • Friedrichsen, Mike and Mühl-Bennighaus, Wolfgang (eds.): Handbook of Social Media Management. Value Chain and Business Models in Changing Media Markets. Springer, Berlin / Heidelberg, 2013 • Silverman, Craig (ed.): Verification Handbook for Investigative Reporting. European Journalism Centre, Maastricht, 2015. • Viner, Katherine: How technology disrupted the truth. In: The Guardian, 12 July 2016. • Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism (Nic Newman with Richard Fletcher, Antonis Kalogeropoulos, David A. L. Levy and Rasmus Kleis Nielsen): Digital News Report 2017. Oxford, 2017. • Wardle, Claire and Derakhshan, Hossein: Information Disorder. Toward an interdisciplinary framework for research and policy making. Report for the Council of Europe, Strasbourg, 2017. • Respective online sources that cover the seminar topics outlined above. Seminar dates, timing and planning: • Session 1: Tuesday 24 April 2018 from 16.15 – 19.45 • Session 2: Tuesday 08 May 2018 from 16.15 – 19.45 • Session 3: Tuesday 29 May 2018 from 16.15 – 19.45 • Session 4: Tuesday 05 June 2018 from 16.15 – 19.45 • Session 5: Tuesday 19 June 2018 from 16.15 – 19.45 • Session 6: Tuesday 26 June 2018 from 16.15 – 19.45 • Session 7: Tuesday 03 July 2018 from 16.15 – 19.45 Important note: It could be that one or two of the sessions 1-6 need to be canceled at short(er) notice. Should this be the case, the respective session(s) will be added in a longer session (possibly in session 7 on 3 July 2018, or conducted at another date that is practical and logistically possible. Consequently, students should be prepared for such an eventuality. close