Communication and Media in Asia Pacific (CMAP)

Assessment of Social Media Usage among Metropolitan Students in Khulna, Bangladesh

Mamunor Rashid — 2023-12-28

The goals of this study were to find out how many Bangladeshi students use social media, how students’ use of social media affected their work in school, and how their behavior have been changed. Data were gathered using a Google form online poll with a structured questionnaire. The survey ran from January to the middle of March 2021. A total of 300 invitations were sent out randomly to respondents, and 220 of them filled out the forms. The results showed that most of the respondents’ academic performance suffered because they spent too much time on social media. The length of time spent on social media was significantly linked to changes in academic performance. The problems that affect female students most are paying attention in class, controlling their anger, and eating habits. The problems that affect male students most are not getting enough sleep. More time spent on social media, especially late at night, was linked to problems like losing focus, losing their anger, and not getting enough sleep.

Exploring Podcast Genres and Formats: An Integrated Analysis of Thai Podcast Content Distribution

Ali Priyakorn — 2023-12-28

This research aims to study podcast genres and formats regarding Thai audio media on podcast platforms, and investigate how Thai podcasters distribute content in podcast shows. This study employs a mixed method, including qualitative content analysis and quantitative data, to highlight podcast trends during the selected sampling period. Primary data were collected through purposive sampling from the popular channels on audio podcast platforms, Spotify and Apple Podcasts, focused on podcast charts from 2018 to 2021. Meanwhile, secondary data were gathered from relevant sources on Thai podcasts. Then, the researcher used thematic and summative content analytic integration to examine the data, primarily in podcast content distribution. According to the research findings, 26,628 episodes were produced and published by 476 shows from the sampling channels. It was discovered that most moderators had only one host per show. A popular podcast's running duration lasts between 16 and 30 minutes. The findings contain seven presentation formats--the most popular type of podcast presentation is the conversation program. According to the research on podcast categories by content classification, it was discovered that the 26,628 published episodes have twelve different content-based genres--the most common type of content was business and management. Additionally, it was found that the podcast channel was a viable alternative platform for delivering content as part of a multi-platform media distribution strategy.

The Politicization of News: Evidence from Major Philippine Broadsheets

Manuel O. Diaz, Jr. — 2023-12-28

The news is expected to be apolitical, even if it reports about a political subject matter. Its politicization erodes public trust. Striking a balance before an increasingly polarized consumer base, however, is precarious, particularly in banner headlines. There is only one banner headline in every issue of a newspaper, and all news of the day compete for that sweet spot above the fold, written in big bold letters, trying to attract attention. Partisan tendency can manifest itself in the choice and construction of the banner headline. In this study, banner headlines from six of the major English-language newspapers in the Philippines collected over two months were analyzed for signs of politicization. Results show strong politicization in the banner headlines of the broadsheets with the lowest reach and circulation. In addition, politicization tends to significantly lean towards the incumbents. Notably, one newspaper has shown very little politicization, and with an even spread between the two sides of the political spectrum. Politicization is not necessarily bad, but that it should be tempered or otherwise disclosed. There is nothing more insidious and manipulative than a biased source of information disguised as a balanced view.

Credibility of Travel Influencer on Millennials Traveling Behavior

Papitchayapa Boonsub — 2023-12-28

The objectives of this study were to understand: 1) the credibility of travel influencers among millennial travelers, and 2) how they motivate millennial travelers’ travel behavior. The methodology employed was qualitative and relied on in-depth interviews. Interviews were conducted with twelve millennial travelers, aged between 25 and 40, who traveled both domestically and internationally. They had to follow travel influencers on social media and planned at least one trip in the past year. The research instrument used in this study was a set of questions based on four dimensions: travel behavior, source of credibility, attitude toward travel influences, and media usage. The findings showed that travelers had a positive opinion on travel influencers and believed they were a reliable source of information. Online resources inspire and motivate two groups of millennial travelers, particularly the notion that authentic experiences from travel influencers are the most important component needed for related travel behavior. A greater proportion of participants tend to discuss about electronic word-of-mouth findings in relation to travel contexts. However, it is clear that, instead of relying solely on sponsored media, the significance of travel influencers has been increased over time and they are now responsible for inspiring two distinct millennial traveler groups, which constitute a sizable economic force.

Guidelines for News Coverage of Beliefs and Superstitions

Chanettee Tinnam — 2023-12-28

As a multicultural society, Thailand embraces a variety of cultural beliefs. Furthermore, common practices of Thai people are characterized by beliefs and superstitions that confer their own distinctiveness; this is the other side of the coin that virtually reflects the act of violence. Thai society is afflicted with numerous detrimental effects caused by news coverage on superstitious beliefs. These include gambling, frauds, and exploitation of goods and services. The Thai media should offer a balance between presenting cultural diversity within the context of these beliefs and superstitions that still exist in society. Accordingly, as a watchdog, the content relating to beliefs and superstitions should be screened in order to eliminate the harmful effects on society. This study thus seeks to formulate comprehensive guidelines for mass media entities regarding the presentation of belief-relevant content. In accordance with methodologies, this involves a comprehensive analysis of relevant documents and television content, as well as focus group discussions. The findings of the study demonstrated that there are six aspects of media ethics that can be used to regulate programs of news reporting on digital television to be presented to the media regulation body of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) in Thailand. The six aspects are exhibited within the framework of the following principles: accuracy, objectivity, human rights, diversity, balance and fairness, and social responsibility.