Doug Bowser – Nintendo

MEDIA MOGUL REPORT

A mogul is defined as “an important and powerful person in a particular activity or industry” (Macmillan Dictionary). Further, a media mogul is a person who is a leading figure in the world of entertainment or news. Media moguls work with television, radio, newspapers and even the Internet. They control what the rest of us see and hear. An important characteristic of the media mogul is size. In a 3-4 page paper (there is no penalty for exceeding the page requirement), write an in-depth report about a Media Mogul. Sources can be gathered from a variety of places in addition to academic and scholarly publications.

1) Be in-depth with your research, and make sure to use as many of the journalistic questions as applicable: who, what, why, where, to whom, when, and how.

For example, in giving background information about the mogul, include what they did, why they did it, where it started/was or is headquartered, when, to whom was it intended, and how the Mogul went about forming this entity; what methods, strategies, etc. did he/she use?

2) Be careful to paraphrase and use your own words to rephrase what the original author is saying. This may be challenging, but is an excellent way to develop critical thinking and writing skills, skills you will need in the field of mass communication. If you like the way a certain idea is stated or phrased, use it as a direct quote, and be sure to place quotation marks around it.

Include all of the “bulleted” information below. Label (use subheadings) each of the headings so that they can be easily located. Images can be included to enhance understanding of this paper.

* Discussed the Mogul’s media source, their position, and his/her influence on society from your perspective and/or the opinions of others. (cultural analysis)

* Give in-depth background of the individual (Mogul) and the media outlet. What function(s) does it serve in society? (functional analysis, macro level)

* Discuss any dysfunctions.

* Discuss the Mogul’s philosophy, guiding system or beliefs.

* Who comprises their audience(s)? What populations do they serve? For example, which countries, languages, cultures, etc.?

* What type(s) of information do they disseminate? What is each used for by society (uses and gratification analysis)

**Other information that can be included:

* Has there been any public or private controversy with this Mogul and others? What were the circumstances and events surrounding it?

* Has this Mogul been philanthropic? If so, what organizations and people did he/she support? Was there any controversy over this support and its effect on their media outlet, or vice versa in the effect of their media outlet on those they supported?

RUBRIC: Grading Criteria

Grading is based on the following criteria. Take time to proofread and edit your work for clarity. An “A” paper will be accurate, comprehensive, descriptive and well written.

Discussed the Mogul’s media source, their position, and his/her influence on society from your perspective and/or the opinions of others. (10 pts.)

No use of subheadings (-5 pts.) Note: This means, please use subheadings in your report to label the sections. This is also a helpful way to ensure you have researched your topic thoroughly.

Provided a background on the Mogul and their media vehicles. (20 pts.)

Discussed their philosophy, guiding system or beliefs (10 pts.)

Described their mass communication vehicles, and information about the audience(s) and population(s) they serve. (20 pts.)

Described the type(s) of information they disseminate and what they are used for by society. (20 pts.)

Used correct spelling and grammar, and properly cited at least 3 credible sources. Used in-text citation. Included properly formatted bibliography (MLA or APA style). (20 pts.)

FORMATTING:

Format this assignment with standard fonts no larger than 12 points. If your font is larger than the average such as Arial, use a smaller point size (11 or 11.5). You can usually tell when a font displays larger than the norm, but if in doubt, ask. Also, double-space, and use margins of no larger than 1″ on each size. Include your bibliography on its own separate page. Use in-text citations.