Media Critique Assignment
Instructions:
This is an individual project.
This assignment requires you to read and understand the TRC Calls to Action #84, 85 and 86. These calls to action focus on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (the CBC), the Aboriginal Peoples’ Television Network (APTN) and educational institutions (like Centennial College) that teach journalism and other media studies programs.
Step 1:
Begin by reading the TRC’s Calls to Action #84, 85 and 86, and make some notes about what they are calling for: https://nctr.ca/assets/reports/Calls_to_Action_English2.pdf
Step 2:
Choose an article from the list below; read it and make notes. As you read, think carefully about how the article covers the topic and addresses the Calls to Action you read about. Please note, the articles below vary in how they present the content. Some are biased, others are not. It is wise to also look at other articles discussing the same topic to be sure you have enough information to examine the writer’s perspectives/biases within the article you have chosen clearly.
Step 3:
Answer the following five questions for 5 marks each (25 marks total):
1. Who wrote this article, and are they Indigenous? What media company produced this piece, and what do you know about this corporation/newspaper/media outlet? Why does this matter? How does this relate to the Calls to Action in the TRC?
2. Whose perspectives and voices are heard in this article? Why does this matter? Does this article prioritize one voice, or one position? Is it sympathetic to Indigenous perspectives, or not, and how so?
3. In your opinion, what does a reader need to know (history, context) to understand this article or topic? Does the article provide information that would help the reader understand the context (history, relevant policies, other related issues)? Why does this matter?
4. What is the topic in the article? What is said about this topic? Do you think this is positive, negative, or neutral coverage, and why?
5. Choose one or more Calls to Action to consider in relation to this article. Is this article problematic in light of the Calls to Action you read, or does it help promote fair coverage? Why do you think so?
