Convergence
Newsletter
From Newsplex at
the University of South Carolina
Vol. IV No. 5 (
November 9, 2006)
Commenting on
Convergence
By Melissa McGill,
editor of The Convergence Newsletter
Do you ever have those
moments where you just think ÒI love convergence?Ó IÕve actually had two since
last monthÕs newsletter. The first was when I realized that ABC posted complete
episodes of GreyÕs Anatomy on its Web site. The second was at USCÕs Convergence and Society
Conference where scholars from across the nation presented research concerning
ethics, religion and new media.
The focus of this
issue of The Convergence Newsletter is sharing some of the information
presented with those of you who could not attend. David Scott and Daniel Stout
discuss the use of convergent media in a Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit and Jeff
Wilkinson and Jack Keeler researched how young Christians use new media such as
cell phones and MP3 players to enhance their faith, posing the question ÒiPods
and God?Ó George Daniels presents a case study of StreamingFaith.com, a Web
site geared at facilitating Internet broadcasting for faith-based
organizations. And since itÕs never too early to start planning for next year,
a call for papers for next yearÕs Convergence and Society Conference also
appears.
Also new conferences
and position announcements are listed in this issue. We hope the mix of
articles and other pertinent information makes The Convergence Newsletter a useful resource for
you. If it is, share this issue with your colleagues and encourage them to
subscribe.
View past newsletters
at http://www.jour.sc.edu/news/convergence/.
Melissa McGill is
working toward a Master of Mass Communications at the University of South
Carolina. Contact her at convergence-editor@mailbox.sc.edu.
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Feature Articles
The Dead Sea Scrolls
Exhibit as Convergent Media: An Analysis of Discovery CenterÕs Attempt to
Integrate Science with Religion in a Conservative Christian Market
Uses of Mobile Media
to enhance Faith
Reconsidering the
Electronic Church in the Age of Convergent Media: The Case of Streaming
Faith.com
Convergence and
Society: Media Ownership, Control, and Consolidation Call for Papers
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Conference
Information
Innovations in Digital
Publishing US Study Tour
AEJMC Midwinter
Conference
Media 101: Creating
the Future by Understanding the Past
Creating
Communication: Content, Control and Critique
Info Services Expo
2007
Expanding the
Definition of Convergence and Integration
Convergence and
Society: Media Ownership, Control, and Consolidation Call for Papers
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
New Book on
Convergence
Cyber Media go to War:
Role of Converging Media During and After the 2003 Iraq War
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Faculty Position
Announcements
Emerson College
Bennett College
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
---------------Feature
Articles
The Dead Sea
Scrolls Exhibit as Convergent Media: An Analysis of Discovery CenterÕs Attempt
to Integrate Science with Religion in a Conservative Christian Market
By David Scott,
University of South Carolina and Daniel Stout, University of Nevada Las Vegas
Museum studies
scholars are recently noting a shift in the manner in which museum exhibits are
organized and presented to the public. While early museums were viewed as
hegemonic high-brow venues, museums in recent decades have ÒdemocratizedÓ their
exhibits, adding more interactive features to attract a larger audience. How do
inter-active features impact the attendeeÕs views or experience as participants
in a museum exhibit? Do they offer a Òpreferred textÓ that is accepted by
visitors, or do patrons resist the dominant message in favor of their own
subjectivity? This paper addresses those questions with an analysis of the Dead
Sea Scrolls Exhibit presented at the Discovery Place in Charlotte, North
Carolina.
Our analysis follows
the approach of similar investigations of traditional media guided by Stuart
HallÕs Encoder/Decoder model which predicts, in part, that media consumersÕ
socioeconomic standing would influence their interpretation of mediated texts.
Our analysis of the exhibit demonstrates that religion—rather than class
struggle—closes the museum text to many alternative readings. Moreover,
we find the science—an integral component of the exhibit—is
interpreted by visitors to reinforce their religious values.
Beginning with a
celebration of the piety of North Carolinians and others in the ÒBible Belt,Ó
the museum message appears to be one that superimposed the religious tradition
of conservative Christians and locals in the community with the practices of an
ancient religious society (the Essenes). Immediately, the origin of the scrolls
is localized and placed within the confines of the public memory by comparing
the relative size of Israel to North and South Carolina at the beginning of the
exhibit. Finally, an appendage at the end of the exhibit offers a history of
the Bible and various claims as to its veracity and historical accuracy. While
this portion is not sponsored by the Israeli Antiquities Society (the providers
of the scrolls), visitors seem unaware that this section is sponsored by a
religious organization. Visitors spent little time with the interactive
exhibits highlighting the science of the scrolls, preferring instead to spend
their time with those components of the exhibit that reinforce the religious
merit of scrolls. Moreover, the audio portion of the tour frames the discovery
and value of the scrolls within common-sense notions of religious history
prevalent among Christians (who place religious authority primarily in the
Bible). Finally, the impact of this closed text is further manifest by the
written comments of visitors in a guestbook who seemed to experience the
numinous in their interaction with the scrolls. However, these visitors also
questioned the veracity of science when in conflict with their religiosity.
David Scott and
Daniel Stout presented this research at USCÕs Convergence and Society: Ethics,
Religion and New Media held October 19- 21, 2006. For a copy of the complete
paper, contact Scott: scottdw2@mailbox.sc.edu
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Uses of Mobile
Media to enhance Faith
By Jeff Wilkinson and
Jack Keeler , Regent University
Widespread use of new
media technologies and personal communication devices continues to impact our
attitudes, behaviors and lifestyles. Just as the Internet revolution began in
earnest a decade ago, so now the mass adoption of wireless network devices such
as the iPod, the cellphone, and the laptop computer have opened up increased
demands for new forms of content and ways to communicate.
This is especially
true for religious communities. An overwhelming number of Americans proclaim
themselves to be Christian in their beliefs, and a number of Christian leaders
and scholars have voiced concerns about the ways these devices may be used.
Since young consumers generally embrace new media in far greater numbers than
older ones, among Christians this is a top concern because they're the most
volatile and uncertain in their beliefs. To stay relevant and to reach younger
people, churches and other religious organizations are also increasingly using
new media as tools for fulfilling ministry and communication goals. These
devices are seen as a new means of expressing the religious faith.
Therefore, this study
focused on the creative uses of new media for pro-social purposes such as
enhancing an individual's religious belief, practice, and lifestyle. A
purposive survey was conducted to explore how these young people use new media
for religious purposes or are being influenced by them. The focus was on the
role of new media in the lives of young people who profess to be Christians in
outlook and lifestyle.
In October, 2006, a
paper-and-pencil survey was distributed to five different Christian colleges
and universities. A total of 275 usable questionnaires were returned. Items
specifically dealt with the relative importance of various new media devices in
the lives of young people for talking about religion and/or finding information
about their faith. Additional questions examined the functions and usefulness
of these new media as tools for interacting with others in experiences that
relate to their Christian faith. Finally, items examined the influence these
new media experiences may have on young ChristiansÕ beliefs and practices.
Of the 275 usable
questionnaires, 93% were between the ages of 17 and 22. The ratio of male to
female respondents was reasonable (n=121 or 44% to n=153 or 56%, one person did
not respond). Around 85% listed ethnicity as Caucasian, and all 275 stated they
were specifically Christian in their faith. Over 60% (n=169) reported they
attended church at least once a week.
The most widely
adopted device was the cell phone (98%) followed by laptop computer (87%), and
iPod (58%). Lagging far behind were devices such as MP3 players (6%), PDAs
(5%), and Blackberry (2%).
The preliminary
findings are general and exploratory, but provide an interesting (though
blurry) snapshot of how professing Christians use wireless portable
communication devices. Almost two out of three reported they used at least one
of these devices for sharing their faith and also two out of three used them to
learn about their faith. Due to the exploratory nature of the responses, the
Likert scale items were collapsed into simple agree-neutral-disagree responses
and rank-ordered. These items were generally phrased as "I use personal
communication devices toÉ"
Table 1: Learning
about their faith (n=202 out of 275):
|
Item |
Agree |
Neutral |
Disagree |
|
Store teachings,
notes, discussion, debates |
49.5 |
18.8 |
31.7 |
|
Specifically learned
about church history |
42.8 |
20.2 |
37.0 |
|
Learned about other
religions |
40.9 |
29.8 |
29.3 |
|
Hear podcasts of
sermons or teachings |
38.9 |
13.0 |
48.1 |
|
Visit Christian news
web sites |
35.1 |
24.0 |
40.9 |
The same was done for
the statements suggesting ways they use the devices to share their faith with
others. The results were again rank ordered from highest to lowest.
Table 2: sharing with
others (n=202 out of 275)
|
Item |
Agree |
Neutral |
Disagree |
||||
|
Stay connected
w/Christian friends |
93.2 |
5.3 |
1.4 |
||||
|
Pray with others |
60.1 |
14.4 |
25.5 |
||||
|
Share with unbelievers |
58.9 |
20.8 |
20.3 |
||||
|
Share Christian
music, videos, & pics |
47.3 |
21.3 |
31.4 |
||||
|
Share with others
through my home page |
31.3 |
11.5 |
57.2 |
||||
|
Share with others
when visiting a blog, newsgroup or chatroom |
29.0 |
19.3 |
51.7 |
||||
|
Share with others
through my own blog |
26.1 |
18.8 |
55.1 |
||||
The data confirmed the notion that a substantial percentage of
young Christians are employing these devices in positive ways that enhance
their faith. This includes sharing with others and learning more about what
they believe. A sizable number actively use the Internet to share, either via
homepage, blog, or visiting chatrooms.
While most of the respondents did not believe these devices
affected them for better or worse, fully one-third agreed that these devices
were "addictive." Further analysis on this and other findings is
needed and will appear in a future report.
Finally, for three specifically Christian behavioral measures
(reading the bible more, going to church more, praying more), less than 10%
agreed and over 60% disagreed on all three items. This supports the comforting
idea that technology is amoral and users adapt the technology to their beliefs,
habits, and lifestyles.
Jeff Wilkinson presented this research at USCÕs Convergence and
Society: Ethics, Religion and New Media held October 19- 21, 2006. Contact Jeff
for a copy of the complete paper: jwilkinson@regent.edu
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Reconsidering the Electronic Church in the Age of Convergent
Media: The Case of StreamingFaith.com
By George Daniels, University of Alabama
This case study was conducted to bring a new dimension to the
scholarship in religion and media arena by studying the relatively short
history, media strategies and client base of StreamingFaith.com. Having only existed
in the 21st century, StreamingFaith.com is an ideal exemplar
to advance the discussion of the electronic church.
Streaming Faith, LLC, began in 2000 with a vision of providing
ministries with state of the art technology that empowers them to share their
message with a worldwide audience. In addition to providing audio and video
feeds over the Internet, StreamingFaith.com touts itself as the
online outlet to increase a ministryÕs REACH, REWARD, and RETURN.
Its promotion to churches on its Web site focuses on being the
Òend-to-end solution for Internet ministry.Ó This comes in three major ways:
giving churches their own channel on the Internet, providing a live stream for
worship services or just an outlet for streaming programming. Viewers are able
to view some ministries on-demand while others airing on a Web-based network at
a scheduled time.
Likening his company to America Online, StreamingFaith.com President Chance
Mason says the fee-for-services model is used to support his portal site thatÕs
a destination site aggregating content. The fees are paid by ministries who air
church services, talk programs and music videos. For the user, who provides an
e-mail address and ZIP code to register, the site is home base for an online
community that not only provides faith-based programming, but editorials,
discussion boards and announcements. Within the next few months, StreamingFaith.com expects to rollout an
e-commerce component.
Both of the largest Christian television networks- Trinity
Broadcasting Network (TBN) and Daystar Television Network stream their signals over the StreamingFaith.com site. They are joined by at least a half-dozen other
smaller regional networks available on a limited number of cable systems. While
the existing networks using StreamingFaith.com has grown, Mason believes his company still works best as
an alternative to ÒexpensiveÓ over-the-air broadcast time.
ÒWhen you look at what it takes to go on a local TV, youÕve got to
have cameras and the same things you have to have to maybe go live,Ó said
Mason, who agreed to a wide-ranging interview conducted as part of the case
study. ÒGoing direct to Internet
can be very cost-effective.Ó
The interview with the man in charge of StreamingFaith.com along with
observations at both the corporate headquarters in Atlanta and the data center
in LaGrange, Ga. constituted the qualitative components of this study. The
quantitative analysis of the client base for StreamingFaith.com continues as of this
writing.
Based on the first stage of analysis of nearly 500 clergymen who
stream religious programming on the site, it is clear most of those ministries
are using the site for providing pre-recorded programming. Only about 18 of the ministries are allowing
the programming to be provided in a downloadable format for podcasts.
At least four of the key televangelists mentioned in the
electronic church literature have associated themselves and their ministries
with StreamingFaith.com. Perhaps the most controversial of all, Jim Bakker, who
served five years in prison after his conviction on fraud and conspiracy, on an
early release is not only on-the-air, but streaming ÒThe New Jim Bakker ShowÓ on StreamingFaith.com.
Associated with the program and listed separately is BakkerÕs
second wife, Lori. Also listed along with his wife is Kenneth
Copeland, another figure from the 1980s
electronic church debate. Dr. Robert SchullerÕs ÒHour of PowerÓ
known as AmericaÕs television church is part of Streaming Faith via its
broadcast on the Trinity Broadcasting Network. While Oral
Roberts himself is not listed, his son, Richard and wife Lindsay are on StreamingFaith.com.
In the age of convergent media, faith-based programs and religious
organizations often get left out of the discussion. By conducting this analysis
of not only the philosophy behind StreamingFaith.com, but the ministries
and television networks it considers its clients, this study brings a new set
of players to the cross-media, cross-platform discussions: a faith-based
organizations.
George Daniels presented this research at USCÕs Convergence and
Society: Ethics, Religion and New Media held October 19- 21, 2006. Request a
copy of his complete paper by emailing him: gdaniels@ua.edu
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Convergence and Society: Media Ownership, Control, and
Consolidation Call for Papers
A Convergence Conference at the University of South Carolina,
October 11-13, 2007
The convergence trend has been accompanied by a trend toward
consolidation in ownership and control of both traditional and emerging media.
Some debate whether one trend is a cause of the other, or whether the two are
the result of other developments in media technology, regulation, and consumer
behavior. This conference provides a forum for the presentation of essays and research
regarding the interrelated themes of media convergence, ownership, control, and
consolidation. Papers and panels may include institutional, content, audience,
cultural, political, philosophical and technological perspectives on one or
more of the conference themes. Abstracts, completed papers, and panel proposals
for this conference should deal with the primary conference themes or related
issues including:
Studies in competition, localism, and diversity, especially as
related to current FCC inquiries
Trends in media convergence
Innovative theoretical perspectives
Case studies in convergent journalism
Issues in teaching media convergence, convergent journalism, and
media economics & management
The purpose of this conference is to provide a scholarly
exploration of these and related issues, with discussions ranging from
democratic quandaries to the business opportunities posed by the changing media
landscape.
Faculty and graduate students are invited to submit in one or
more of three categories:
1. Completed papers
2. Proposals or abstracts of papers in progress
3. Proposals for panels
Submissions may address practical, theoretical, phenomenological,
critical and/or empirical approaches to any of the subjects listed above. All submissions will be reviewed by a
jury that will consider: 1) relevance to the conference theme, 2) the quality
of the contribution, and 3) overall contribution to the field. The conference will be accompanied
by a "Showcase of Convergence Media Processes and Practices";
complete information on the Showcase is available at http://Newsplex.sc.edu.
The conference is sponsored by the College of Mass Communications
and Information Studies at the University of South Carolina, and Newsplex, an
advanced micro-newsroom training and research facility dedicated to news
presentation techniques emerging from the convergence of print, broadcast and
online media. Newsplex is a joint project of the College and Ifra. The conference will take place in
historic Columbia, SC, located midway between the Atlantic beaches and the
foothills of the Blue Ridge and Appalachian mountains.
Papers, proposals, abstracts, and panel proposals should be
addressed to:
Augie Grant, Conference Chair
MOCC
Conference
College
of Mass Communications and Information Studies
Carolina
Coliseum
Columbia,
SC 29208
E-mail: augie@sc.edu
Submission guidelines:
Electronic submissions (Word or RTF attachments) are preferred
(send to augie@sc.edu).
A separate "cover page" file should be included with the
title of the paper or panel and authorsÕ names, addresses, telephone numbers,
and email addresses.
Submission deadline (postmark) is June 15, 2007. All submissions will be jury-reviewed
with notification to authors and organizers on or before July 31, 2007.
For registration and further information about this academic
conference, visit the conference Web site at: http://Newsplex.sc.edu.
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---------------Conferences
World Association of Newspapers/World Editors Forum
Innovations in Digital Publishing US Study Tour
Nov. 27-Dec. 1, 2006
http://www.wan-press.org/studytour2006/
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AEJMC Midwinter Conference
December 1-3, 2006
New Orleans
http://www.aejmc.org/convention/
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
BEA Call for papers
Media 101: Creating the Future by Understanding the Past
April 18-21, 2007, Las Vegas
Submissions due Dec. 4, 2006
http://www.beaweb.org/bea2007/calls/callpaper.html
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Texas Tech University Call for Papers
Expanding the Definition of Convergence and Integration
April 19 & 20, 2007
Lubbock, Texas
http://www.depts.ttu.edu/masscom/about/newsstories/convergentcallpapers.pdf
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
57th Annual Conference of the International Communication
Association
Creating Communication: Content, Control and Critique
San Francisco, CA, May 24-28, 2007
http://www.icahdq.org/conferences/index.asp
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
60th World Newspaper
Congress/ 14th World Editors Forum
Info Services Expo 2007
June 3-6, 2007, Cape Town, South Africa
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Convergence and Society: Media Ownership, Control, and
Consolidation Call for Papers
University of South Carolina October 11-13, 2007
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
---------------New Book on Convergence
Cyber Media go to War: Role of Converging Media During and
After the 2003 Iraq War
Edited by Ralph Berenger/Foreword by Everette E. Dennis
This edited compilation addresses the InternetÕs role in the
creation and distribution of news during the war in Iraq.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
---------------Faculty Position Announcements
Emerson College
Department of Journalism (Two Positions)
The Department of Journalism in the School of Communication seeks
to fill two full-time faculty positions, one in Online Journalism and one as a
Journalist-in-Residence. The Department of Journalism prides itself on its
cutting edge technologies, strong professional alumni network and
convergence-oriented curriculum. It seeks candidates who thrive on innovation
in a cross-media environment. When applying indicate Online Journalism or Journalist-in-Residence position and send a
cover letter, curriculum vitae, evidence of teaching effectiveness, and names
of three references to: :
Journalism Search Committee, Department of Journalism, Emerson College, 120
Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116. Both appointments begin September 2007.
Online Journalism
The Department of Journalism seeks a full-time, tenure-track
faculty position at the Assistant Professor rank specializing in online
journalism. A Masters degree and professional journalism experience are
required. The ideal candidate will have both teaching experience and an
established career in web or cross-media journalism and in print or broadcast
news. Responsibilities include teaching undergraduate and graduate courses,
advising students, and demonstrating commitment to the academic community.
Review of applications will begin November 1 and continue until the position is
filled.
Journalist-in-Residence
The Department of Journalism in the School of Communication seeks
to fill a full-time, one-year Term (non-tenure, non-renewable) faculty position
beginning September 2007. Professional journalism experience and a minimum of a
Masters degree required. The ideal candidate will have both teaching experience
and an established career in print, broadcast, online or cross-media
journalism. The Department of Journalism prides itself on its cutting edge
technologies, strong professional alumni network and convergence-oriented
curriculum. It seeks candidates who thrive on innovation in a cross-media
environment. Responsibilities include teaching undergraduate and graduate
courses, advising students, and demonstrating commitment to the academic
community. Applications will be accepted and reviewed until the position is
filled.
For more information, visit:
http://www.emerson.edu/academic_affairs/faculty/Faculty-Employment.cfm
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Bennett College
Department of Journalism and Media Studies
Assistant Professor, Broadcast Journalism and Electronic Media
The Department of Journalism and Media Studies (JMS) is a growing
department with a faculty that embraces diversity. We are looking for an
enthusiastic and energetic colleague with strong communication skills and a
good record of teamwork. We are especially interested in applications and
nominations for a dynamic and creative leader who can assist in implementing
the Department's newly developed concentration and can assist our efforts in
attaining ACEJMC accreditation within the next six years. The position is for
Assistant Professor, Broadcast Journalism and Electronic Media. This is a
ten-month, full time, tenure-track position, which is available August 2006.
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume with
salary history, and three (3) letters of recommendation to:
Human Resources, Job Code 06-0711BGB,
Bennett College for Women, 900 East Washington Street, Greensboro,
NC 27401.
For more information, visit: http://www.bennett.edu/positionvacancies/06-0711BGB.pdf
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---------------Publisher and Editorial Staff
The Convergence Newsletter is free and published by The College
of Mass Communications and Information Studies at the University of South
Carolina.
Executive Editor
Augie Grant, Ph.D.
Editor
Melissa McGill
convergence-editor@mailbox.sc.edu
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
---------------Copyright and Redistribution
The Convergence Newsletter is Copyright © 2006 by the University
of South Carolina, College of Mass Communications and Information Studies. All
rights reserved.
This newsletter may be redistributed in any form - print or
electronic - without edits or deletion of any content.
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---------------Formatting
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program.
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---------------Submission Guidelines/Deadline Schedule
The Convergence Newsletter provides an editorially neutral forum
for discussion of the theoretical and professional meaning of media
convergence. We welcome articles of all sorts addressing the subject of
convergence in journalism and media. We also accept news briefs, calls for
papers and conference announcements. Our audience is both academics and
professionals and the publication style is APA 7th edition. Feature articles
should be 750 to 1,500 words; other articles should be 250 to 750 words;
announcements and conference submissions should be 200 words. All articles
should be submitted to The Convergence Newsletter editor at convergence-editor@mailbox.sc.edu. Please include your name, affiliation and contact
information with your submission.
If you would like to post a position announcement, include a brief
description of the position and a link to the complete information. All
announcements should be submitted to The Convergence Newsletter editor at convergence-editor@mailbox.sc.edu.
The Convergence Newsletter is published the first week of each
month except January. Articles should be submitted at least 10 days prior to
the publication date. Any questions should be sent to convergence-editor@mailbox.sc.edu.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
---------------Subscribe/Unsubscribe Information
To subscribe, unsubscribe or edit your information, please send a message to convergence-editor@mailbox.sc.edu or write to The Convergence Newsletter c/o School of Journalism and Mass Communications, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208.