Abstract

Based on theoretical and methodological orientations from authors’ previous research on media and generations, this article presents a research and learning process involving supervised field work conducted by graduate students from a Master Seminar on Media Studies at FCSH, New University of Lisbon. Acting as facilitators of focus groups composed of older participants, exploring intergenerational and intragenerational differences and similarities that emerge from different age cohorts, and critically reflecting on this experience on their individual essays, students were able to build a contextual knowledge of media uses among their grandparents’ and parents’ generation in Portugal. The choice of focus groups as a tool for research and the topic of generations to be investigated within Media Studies proved to be very productive. The article argues on the potentialities of this intergenerational relation between facilitator and focus groups’ respondents as a way of activating the interactions inside the groups, leading –for instance– the participants to assume an «explaining» attitude in selfaccounting. Final notes are presented about the educational gains of this methodology for Media Education and for different branches of Media Studies, such as media and social history, journalism and the news or political participation.

Abstract

This research aims to portray the way young adult people interact with news and how their consumption is affected by advertising and personal data sharing. 'Digital News Report Spain 2018', a questionnaire on the consumption of digital media undertaken by a national panel of 2,023 Internet users, is used as a main source. Among the users mentioned, there were 293 young people from 25 to 34 years old who belong to the Millennial generation. Data from this report was completed with a qualitative study in which two focus groups were held, featuring people of that age frame residing in Navarre. The paper concludes that young adult people are generally interested in news, which they access mainly via mobile devices. Their interest grows when the content affects them directly, but also if they empathize with the topic. On the other hand, their familiar background and social routines shape the way they receive information. Young adult people still make use of traditional media, although they consider it ideologically biased. Advertising is something annoying, although they generally have little knowledge and even less intention to use ad-blockers. Finally, their review of the personalized services is negative, but they tend to give away personal data to media if this facilitates their news access.

Abstract

The results of a qualitative research study based on 12 focus groups with a total of 106 people about the role of social networks in the consumption of current information are presented. We inquired about the motivation of citizens to interact with the news on social networks, and if they consider them appropriate spaces for public debate. Some findings of this study suggest that social networks are seen as an adequate space to share news and information on matters of public interest; to extend the agenda of topics that focus on the interests of users by allowing them access to topics often silenced in their usual media; and finally, social networks are viewed as more suitable for opinions, rather than public debate.

Abstract

The results of a qualitative research study based on 12 focus groups with a total of 106 people about the role of social networks in the consumption of current information are presented. We inquired about the motivation of citizens to interact with the news on social networks, and if they consider them appropriate spaces for public debate. Some findings of this study suggest that social networks are seen as an adequate space to share news and information on matters of public interest; to extend the agenda of topics that focus on the interests of users by allowing them access to topics often silenced in their usual media; and finally, social networks are viewed as more suitable for opinions, rather than public debate.

Abstract

This paper aims to study the interactions between television and social networks (what we might call social TV) in Latin America, with two goals in mind: 1) Identifying how social media is affecting television consumption, including influential factors; and 2) Quantifying these factors in order to have a clear picture of the phenomenon. For this purpose we used a mixed methods approach, combining a focus group and national survey. The study yielded five major findings: 1) The more comments users read in social media the higher the effect on their television behavior; 2) Open television is discussed more than cable, on demand, and webcasting; 3) The most discussed topics are humor and informational subjects; 4) Facebook and Twitter are the most commonly used platforms to comment about television; 5) While Facebook is the most used site to learn about what friends are viewing on television, Twitter is the most used site to learn about what the general public thinks about television content.

Abstract

Stakeholder theory is directly related to disciplines such as marketing and to trends such as citizen participation, both vital to the current situation of the public libraries of the XXI century. Our aim has been to define a relationship model showing the leading stakeholders for these institutions. Having established the theoretical framework, the stakeholder concept is defined and its applicability to the library environment is described. Afterwards the three phases that constitute the model are detailed: identification, prioritization and relationship with stakeholders. Finally, a series of practical examples is presented. The conclusion is that stakeholder models must be based on scientific research, and must adapt and apply interest group techniques and principles that truly build relationships between stakeholders and the library.