As I have outlined in this statement, the mass audiovisual media have systematically withheld from the public essential information relating to the forms and practices of the media, as well as the basis of decisions underlying broadcasting policies. Education systems have also deprived the public of analytical ideas, processes, and alternative practices which could have paved the way to reform. Society urgently needs alternative media community groups seeking to reclaim this vital information and analysis. The project as described works best with at least a dozen participants. It is made up of 3 parts:
PART A: The participants divide into groups of 3 or 4: each group analyzes a different story from the same current TV newsbroadcast, or from newsbroadcasts on the same day. The analysis includes several tasks:
breaking down the story into its basic elements; producing a ‘scoreboard’ pictorially clarifying every aspect of the Monoform – each cut, zoom, pan, frame, bit of dialogue, sound and visual effect; so that the juxtaposition of each is visually apparent, enabling the students to examine the effects of each element in relation to the others researching the story to compare the ‘facts’ as discovered, with the ‘facts’ as presented showing and discussing the news item with an audience locating either the original subjects (including the people interviewed), or finding a representative group, in order to ascertain whether the news item showed what actually happened (was said), or presented the information accurately w taking those questions which arise in these first stages to the media professionals – journalist, editor, senior producer – who created and produced the item.
PART B: Each group presents its analysis and findings to the other groups, detailing the possible contradictions, dubious ‘facts’, misrepresentations, effects of language-form, etc., and any possible resistance from TV professionals. Each presentation is followed by a discussion. Key issues which can arise include: centralization of power fallacy of the myths of ‘objectivity’ and ‘professionalism’ manipulation via the Monoform hierarchical relationship between media and audience.
