Journal Entry 8: Print Media

This week’s discussion in class was focused on the topic of print media. We discussed its relevance in society in this coming day of technological growth and compared its consumption within society today. This weeks class definitely got me thinking in regards to my media consumption here in London versus back at home in the States. Part of the class was dedicated to taking a magazine to read somewhere other than class for a half hour. I can say with certainty that that magazine was the first magazine I have read since being in London. That is a profound discovery for myself. Back at home in the States, I consider myself a magazine addict. I subscribe to several various magazines (Us Weekly, Vogue, Vanity Fair) and whenever I am in line at the grocery store, there is not much you can do to stop me from buying one. Especially when I travel, I find the biggest comfort in curling up with my magazine while on the plane. You would think with the immense amount of traveling I have been doing while studying abroad, I would be overflowing with my magazine archive. However, it is quite the opposite. The cost of buying a magazine here in London is double the price, which steers me in the complete opposite direction from purchasing such products. Not only is the price deterring me from physically buying a magazine but also since my arrival in London, the power of the Internet has completely taken over my media consumption.  My amount of time spent on the Internet has doubled since arriving in London and I find myself completely dependent on it.  Not only am I using the internet as a source for media consumption such as news reports, celebrity and fashion blogs but I am using it a source for communication with friends both in London and home and of course to connect with my family. Rather than purchase a magazine, I go online to the various blogs or the company’s website to receive my desired information instantly with no charge. This demonstrates a pivotal change that is slowly occurring within society today. The Internet serves as an all-encompassing form of media production, which will eventually replace various forms of print media. However, with this week’s class, holding the magazine and turning the pages with my fingertips reminded me of the importance of keeping this form of media alive. Seeing the pictures from the magazine first hand and the comparing their production on line gives a reader an entirely different experience. A unique tradition that takes place is London is the circulation of newspapers on the tube. I can go on the tube and pick up a newspaper that was left behind by previous commuters. While sitting on the tube, I then have the opportunity to view local British news and information brought to me through the newspaper. The Internet will never have the capability to do this. 

Journal Entry 7: Radio

This week we had a great guest speaker from the world of radio production come in and talk to the class. With her lecture, our entire class truly came to realize the amount of work and thought put into broadcasting radio programs. Especially in countries with limited means, the access to radio is so important and can change the communication process of an entire community. We had the opportunity to create our own-featured program which was an interactive look into just how difficult this form of entertainment is. I enjoy the radio most when I am alone and take comfort in hearing the voice of another coming through the radio speaking to me. The evolution of the radio absolutely fascinates me. How it went from the sole source of entertainment in the home to the second place in comparison to the television shows the true evolution of technology. It will be interesting to see what comes to replace the television in coming times. My radio use since arriving in London has drastically changed. In the States, I of course use my car as my means for transportation. Los Angeles means lots of traffic so therefore on my long commutes from home to school or from work to school, I depend on the entertainment brought to me through the radio. My favorite morning talk station is Ryan Seacrest in the morning, which features celebrities coming in to talk about their most recent song, film or product that they are endorsing. I love the way that Ryan talks to the celebrity guest and how the listener gets an interesting view into their lives on a casual level. Also, this show features my favorite guilty pleasure program, Ryan’s Roses. Ryan Seacrest would call the boyfriend of a listener who had called in to express their doubts of fidelity that they are having with their partner. Ryan would call the boyfriend saying he owns a flower company who is having a promotion in which twelve dozen roses will be sent free to the person of their choice. Most often the boyfriend chooses to send them to another woman other than their girlfriend and the drama ensues. It is comical entertainment in the morning when you need a good laugh to wake you up. Also, while in the States I am addicted to the online radio station Pandora. You can create your own interest station and listen to the radio free for however long you want. It has any style music you might desire and is extremely convenient as it can be done through your computer or IPod. Since moving to London my radio consumption has completely stopped. I am no longer stuck in the car for long periods of time and Pandora does not even stream to London so I am unable to access it. We are not equipped with radios in our flat and most often even our TV is broken. I think my classmates can attest to the lack of access we have to the radio. It makes me sad because I know the BBC and many other radio production companies here in London output wonderful programs. Unfortunately, with our lack of radio connection, we don’t have the opportunity to enjoy this simple pleasure in a foreign country.

Ryan Seacrest in the morning:

Journal Entry 6: Branding

This week’s class discussion focused around innovation and featured a brilliant guest speaker who discussed the world of advertising and product placement. Prior to his presentation to the class, an interesting question was brought up during the class discussion: Do I recognize US culture here in London? Since my arrival in London, I have marveled at the implementation of American brands into London every day culture. The most notable American brands I have come in contact with here are Starbucks, McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Burger King, Chipotle, Apple, and even our most notable fashion brands such as The Gap and Nike. Upon first arriving, seeing those brands made me feel a sense of joy and relief because they served as a connection to home for me. I knew I could seek refuge in knowing that some of the every day comforts from home were here in London. In regards to each of these brands, however, the companies are making large profits by having their brands overseas in pounds because they are charging the same amount of money for a product as they do in US dollars in the States. For instance, a Chipotle burrito will run the average student in America about eight dollars where in London a burrito costs eight pounds. Clearly there is a dramatic increase in price between the two continent’s pricing. I have quickly come to realize the profit that these notable American brands benefit from by selling their products overseas in a stronger currency. In regards to American fast food brands such as McDonalds, Pizza Hut and Burger King, I was in awe of the difference in marketing these brands have made in their establishments overseas. The typical McDonalds or Pizza Hut in the States are considered low culture establishments with quick service and meager surroundings. They are associated with poor nutrition and a way in which to pinch pennies when buying food. However, upon walking into the modern functioning restaurants of McDonalds and Pizza Hut, my mouth immediately fell to the floor. I couldn’t believe how this low scale common American fast food institution is considered an upscale eatery in London. Even traveling to other countries such as Copenhagen, the 7 11 brand convenience store is a highly frequented grocery store. The difference in advertising and marketing overseas versus America has been truly fascinating. Rather than seek refuge in these standard American institutions, I have actually found myself going in quite the opposite direction due to the price increase and overall desire for the true London experience. My favorite London brands abroad have become EAT, Costa, Pizza Express and in regards to clothing brands Top Shop.

                                                          McDonalds America

McDonald's London

Some of My Favorite London Brands