I am doing an assignment observing trends, techniques, issues and bias used in the media. I should reflect on these elements via a blog or an essay.

While I'm decent at english, I just don't know where to start. The topic seems so broad and I'm at a loss as to how I should present my research. The criteria is vague; I should be selecting stories, but do I analyse the media as a whole, or each story individually? Obviously propaganda and other factors are used varingly from article to article, so I don't think I can pigenhole the entire media.

Please someone help me know where I should start. I'm aiming for 1000 words.

You are exactly right in the second paragaraph. But 1000 words hardly lets you get to any substance. Why don't you focus on popular media, such as television commentary and news. There are several elephants that romp there, which are new in the last ten years to media. Surely comparing those elephants will allow some analysis.

I just was reminded in my mind of a movie several years ago, Elephant Walk, with Elizabeth Taylor. It fits the situation, as I see it. I hope you saw that movie.

One thing that's happening in our country today is that major newspapers are losing subscribers and losing money, too. You could explore the reasons why -- the obvious (online newspapers, other newspapers, blogs, etc.)

http://tomfaranda.typepad.com/folly/2008/04/the-ny-times-lo.html

http://www.bizjournals.com/losangeles/stories/2005/04/11/daily60.html

You can find more by searching by different newspapers' names.

You'll also find many bloggers who refer to CBS, NBC, and ABC as MSM -- Mainstream Media -- and you can research their ratings and other ways to measure viewer numbers to see if they're dealing with the same things as the major newspapers.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_media
(As with any Wikipedia article, be sure to check out all the references and external links and further resources -- at the bottom of the article.)

You have an interesting topic. You just need to determine what angle you want to focus on and then run with it.

Thanks guys, I'll write my piece on media bias and tacit knowledge. I think my teacher is expecting references and evidence that I have used a large array of articles in my studies. It might be difficult to incorporate them all smoothly into a finished product, but at least I have a starting point now.

Any ideas for specific issues I could potentially look into? Maybe Chinese media censorship and the Tibetan repression? The obesity epidemic?

I could showcase the two extreme, contrasting sides of the media by attaching some very fair articles alongside propaganda and sensationalized pieces.

Writing my thoughts out here has also helped a lot!

When starting your assignment on observing trends, techniques, issues, and bias in the media, it's important to break down the task into manageable steps. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Understand the assignment criteria: Review the assignment guidelines carefully to ensure you fully understand what is expected. Identify any specific requirements, such as the number of stories to analyze or the focus on a particular type of media (e.g., news articles, TV broadcasts, social media).

2. Define your research scope: Given the broad nature of the topic, it's crucial to define the scope of your research. Decide whether you want to analyze the media as a whole or focus on specific stories. Consider the resources available to you and ensure your chosen scope is feasible within your limitations.

3. Select your media sources: Choose a variety of media sources to analyze. This can include newspapers, online news platforms, TV news channels, podcasts, or social media accounts. Make sure your selection represents different perspectives and genres (e.g., news articles, opinion pieces, investigative reports) to obtain a well-rounded understanding.

4. Develop a research plan: Plan how you will gather and analyze your data. Consider creating a spreadsheet to record details about each story, such as the source, date, author, topic, and any apparent biases or issues. This will help you organize the information and draw comparisons later.

5. Read and analyze each story: Take time to thoroughly read and analyze each chosen story. Look for techniques, trends, and issues that come to the surface. Pay attention to the language used, sources cited, tone, and any potential biases. Take notes as you go, highlighting important aspects for discussion later.

6. Identify common trends and techniques: After analyzing multiple stories, start identifying common trends and techniques employed by the media. This could include sensationalism, selective reporting, framing, use of emotional appeals, or reliance on particular sources. Also, note any issues or biases that may become apparent.

7. Evaluate individual stories: For each story, assess the techniques, issues, and bias present. Analyze how these elements influence the overall message being conveyed and the potential impact on the audience. Compare and contrast the stories and consider the motivations behind particular media choices.

8. Reflect and critically analyze: Once you have analyzed your selected stories and identified trends, techniques, issues, and bias, reflect on their implications. Consider the broader societal impact of these practices, their potential influence on public opinion, and the consequences of such media tactics. Generate thoughtful insights and interpretations.

9. Organize your essay/blog: Structure your essay/blog in a logical and coherent manner. Begin with an introduction that provides context on the topic and your approach. Divide subsequent paragraphs to discuss different trends, techniques, issues, and biases. Support your claims with evidence from your analysis and provide examples from your selected stories.

10. Conclusion and recommendations: Summarize your findings in the conclusion and highlight the key takeaways from your research. Consider suggesting recommendations for media consumers to navigate issues of bias and techniques employed in the media. Propose ways to address the identified trends and issues to foster more responsible media practices.

Remember, when writing your blog or essay, it's crucial to support your arguments with evidence and provide proper citations for any sources you use. Good luck with your assignment!