This course will introduce students to the contemporary media landscape with a focus on current developments that are influencing the practice of journalism and the role of communications within private, public and community sector organisations. Students will be introduced to key concepts that frame, assist and challenge practitioners working in the contemporary journalism and communications fields. Students will learn about the historical, social and political role of journalism and will compare different national media spheres. They will also learn about the expansion of professional communications and its impact on journalism, organizations and the public sphere.

Topics covered in this course will include:

A history of the evolution of Australian media
Australian media regulation history and contemporary frameworks
The role of the public and private sectors in Australian media production
The political and social role of journalism in Australia
The role of professional communications in the Australian public sphere
The differences between Australian media and other national media with regard to journalism practice, regulation and the social and political role of journalism.