Batch 2020

Syllabus  -- Download
 
profIconRajina K
Title of ThesisClubhouse as Publicsphere: A Sudy of Organic Interaction and Opinion Formation
Status: Ongoing
 
 
Synopsis: 

This study examines the role of Clubhouse, a popular audio-based social media platform, as a public sphere for organic interaction and opinion formation. With its unique format of real-time audio conversations, Clubhouse has gained significant attention as a space where individuals can engage in discussions on a wide range of topics. This study aims to explore the dynamics of communication within Clubhouse and investigate how it fosters the formation and dissemination of opinions. Through qualitative analysis of user interactions and content, this research identifies key characteristics of Clubhouse as a public sphere. It examines the organic nature of conversations, the diversity of participants, and the impact of the platform's audio-based format on opinion formation. Additionally, this study explores how Clubhouse enables the exchange of ideas, the negotiation of meaning, and the potential for collective decision-making. By analyzing the various mechanisms and dynamics at play within Clubhouse, this study provides insights into the nature of public discourse in digital spaces. It contributes to our understanding of how social media platforms can shape and influence opinion formation, as well as the role of organic interaction in fostering public dialogue. The findings of this research have implications for the broader study of digital public spheres and highlight the evolving nature of online communication in contemporary society.

 
 
 
profIconVinaya T K
Title of ThesisDigital Journalism Startups in Kerala: Content Strategies and Funding Models 
Status: Ongoing
 
 
Synopsis: This qualitative study is based on an in-depth interview with fifteen people from various online media initiatives that develop news content, such as news portals, mainstream online media, web magazines, and various other journalism start-ups. The study fills many gaps in the literature on digital journalism by examining how content strategies and funding models work for start-ups. Following other research on digital media that looks at digital media startups and disruption, this study also shows how digital innovations have changed old media like newspapers and television channels and how these changes have led to the creation of digital media startups in Kerala. The study of funding models focuses on how they survive financially, i.e. what are the sources of funding such as advertising, corporate interventions, and what other survival strategies. The findings show that digital technology is shaking the capabilities of legacy media and that digital journalism startups are thriving and evolving as they crave independent journalism. The content strategies pursued by the startups are very unique and have their own identities, as do their funding models. It is also clear from the findings that digital disruption is not the only reason for the flourishing and growth of digital media startups.

Keywords: Digital media, legacy media, journalism startups, digital disruption, qualitative, funding model, content strategy.

 
 

 

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