165 episodes

Discussions about the role of media in sustainable and participative communities, providing an alternative to mass media. We look at how we build our capabilities to tell our own stories and think about the importance of what we become in producing and sharing our own media content.

Decentered Media Podcast Decentered Media

    • Society & Culture
    • 5.0 • 2 Ratings

Discussions about the role of media in sustainable and participative communities, providing an alternative to mass media. We look at how we build our capabilities to tell our own stories and think about the importance of what we become in producing and sharing our own media content.

    Decentered Media Podcast 144 - Valuing Community Radio Volunteers

    Decentered Media Podcast 144 - Valuing Community Radio Volunteers

    In this episode of the Decentered Media podcast, I delve into the motivations and impacts of volunteers in community radio. Drawing insights from the detailed blog exploring these issues, I discuss the reasons individuals give their time to community radio and the significant role they play in promoting local engagement and democratic values. From fostering diverse voices to enhancing community cohesion and civic participation, volunteers are the backbone of community radio, shaping its direction and ensuring its relevance. Join me as I examine how these volunteers contribute not just to the stations they serve but to the broader societal landscape, reinforcing the importance of community media in a healthy, functioning democracy.

    • 35 min
    Decentered Media Podcast 143 - We Need A Civic and Community Media Alliance

    Decentered Media Podcast 143 - We Need A Civic and Community Media Alliance

    In this Decentered Media podcast episode, the pressing need to reformulate policy development for community media and public purpose media in the UK takes centre stage. The discussion opens with a critical examination of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s (DCMS) current approach, highlighting its inadequate engagement with civic society organisations and public authorities. I argue that this failure significantly hampers the ability of community media providers to produce content that effectively addresses the myriad of social problems exacerbating the deterioration of the UK’s social fabric, particularly in the wake of prolonged austerity measures.

    The conversation then shifts to the potential of community media as a tool for social renewal, emphasising its role in fostering community engagement, amplifying marginalised voices, and promoting social cohesion. I summarise my insights into how community media can serve as a platform for dialogue and understanding, bridging the gap between different segments of society and contributing to the healing of the social divide.

    I argue that the next government has to ensure there is a collaborative effort between the government, civic society organisations, public sector bodies, and community media practitioners to co-create a more inclusive and participatory policy framework. This new policy direction would prioritize public purpose and leverage the power of community media to address local needs, empower communities, and tackle social issues head-on.

    The episode concludes with a rallying cry for listeners to advocate for policy change that recognises and supports the invaluable contribution of community media to society. I urge stakeholders at all levels to engage in meaningful dialogue and partnership to ensure that community media can fully realize its potential as a force for good at addressing the challenges facing the UK today.

    • 30 min
    Decentered Media Podcast 142 - AI and Human Creativity

    Decentered Media Podcast 142 - AI and Human Creativity

    In this episode of the Decentred Media Podcast, I met up with Professor Tracy Harwood and members of the Institute of Creative Technology at De Montfort University for a fascinating conversation about the role that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is playing in human creativity. We explored the intricate relationship between machine learning, the systematisation of superfast pattern recognition, and the uniqueness of the human creative experience.

    We explored several key questions that intrigue both professionals and enthusiasts alike: How is AI becoming an integral part of the creative toolkit in various artistic fields? What does the advent of AI mean for the traditional understanding of creativity and originality? We considered the implications of AI-generated art and its ethical dimensions. How the creative industry is adapting to the rise of AI, and what this means for future professionals in these fields? We also discussed the potential of AI as a collaborative tool that enhances, rather than replaces, human creativity. Asking how should educational institutions evolve to equip students for a future where AI plays a significant role in creativity?

    Hopefully the conversation provides a nuanced perspective on the evolving landscape of creativity in the age of AI, offering insights into the opportunities and challenges this technology brings.

     

    • 59 min
    Decentered Media Podcast 141 - Community Media Governance Principles and Practices

    Decentered Media Podcast 141 - Community Media Governance Principles and Practices

    In this podcast, I discuss the idea of community media and the need for practical governance as a way of building trust with listeners, readers and participants in different types of community media project. If community media is to provide an effective alternative to mainstream forms of media, we need to explore in more detail the importance of effective governance in community media projects, like newspapers and radio stations. I emphasise the need for transparency, ethical practices, and community engagement to ensure accountability and responsiveness to community needs. I also outline the reasons for good governance in community media, such as democratic participation, transparency, information dissemination, and financial management. The aim of this conversation is to raise issues about how we can gather and share different insights into good governance practices and the challenges in implementing these practices. Additionally, I ask, what are the best strategies for improving governance skills in community media are discussed, highlighting the role of training and capacity building.

    • 43 min
    Decentered Media Podcast 140 - Leicester Sound Postcards Telling Stories Using Sound

    Decentered Media Podcast 140 - Leicester Sound Postcards Telling Stories Using Sound

    At the November Saturday Heritage Fair, Dimple Patel from Luminous Productions shared her experience creating the Leicester Sound Postcards. Using sounds and testimony, Parveenben’s Shop is the “story of one woman’s love for the craft of sewing, and the empowerment this skill brought her and her mother.” Dimple explained how telling these stories of businesses that went from tiny living rooms in terraced houses, into a thriving South Asian clothing business in Highfields, is an inspiring account of people’s experience arriving and becoming part of the communities of Leicester.

    • 9 min
    Decentered Media Podcast 137 - Community Media Co-Production Principles

    Decentered Media Podcast 137 - Community Media Co-Production Principles

    In community media, the concept of co-production is not just a method, it’s a transformative approach that reshapes how we think about and engage in media creation. In this latest episode of the Decentered Media Podcast, I discuss the fascinating topic of Community Media Co-Production Principles, offering insights and perspectives that are essential for anyone interested in the field.

    At its heart, co-production in community media is about collaborative media creation. It’s where community members, media professionals, and stakeholders come together to produce content that is reflective, inclusive, and representative of the community’s diverse voices. This process is not dominated by any single entity, but is a shared endeavour that values each participant’s contribution equally.

    Key Principles of Co-Production:



    * Inclusivity and Diversity: Co-production thrives on the diverse perspectives and experiences of its participants. It actively seeks to include voices that are often marginalized or overlooked in mainstream media.

    * Equal Partnership: This principle is about valuing each contributor’s input equally, regardless of their background or expertise. It’s a move away from hierarchical structures towards a more democratic and participatory approach.

    * Transparency and Openness: Effective co-production requires clear communication and an openness to ideas and feedback from all participants. This transparency builds trust and fosters a productive collaborative environment.

    * Mutual Respect and Learning: Recognizing and respecting the different skills and knowledge each person brings is crucial. Co-production is as much about creating media content as it is about learning from each other.

    * Community Empowerment: By engaging in co-production, communities gain not just a platform for expression but also skills, confidence, and empowerment.

    * Challenges and Solutions:

    The podcast doesn’t shy away from discussing the challenges inherent in co-production, such as resource limitations, differing expectations, and power dynamics. It also explores practical solutions to these challenges, emphasizing the importance of sustained effort and commitment to the co-production principles.



    When effectively implemented, co-production in community media can have a profound impact. It not only produces media that is truly by and for the community but also strengthens community bonds, enhances civic engagement, and fosters a more inclusive public discourse.

    • 45 min

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