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PHD STUDENTSHIP: SKY NEWS-CITY UNIVERSITY STUDENTSHIP IN CITIZEN MEDIA / USER-GENERATED CONTENT This project affords excellent opportunities to explore concepts around citizen journalism in the mainstream news media, using a case study approach and participant observation. For the first year of their PhD the appointee will work closely with Sky News on an innovative project to recruit several hundred "citizen journalists" to report on the next UK general election campaign. The project aims to allow contributors to do more than simply give their opinion; instead they will be expected to write stories, take pictures and possibly record video. The appointee's role would be to work closely with Sky News to recruit suitable contributors, mentor them and guide them in creating the right sort of content, and manage their contributions. The appointee will be responsible for ensuring that there is a broad mix of contributors in terms of party affiliation, background and expertise. The successful candidate will also be involved in the development of the website to best support the project and ensure that the material is used to its best advantage. The role requires editorial initiative, a nose for news, an understanding of what makes compelling online content and familiarity with the social networking community. For approximately 4 days a week the appointee will be based within the Sky News website operation, and will also work with the Sky News Election campaign team. For the remaining day the appointee will work on their thesis and is likely to be supervised by Neil Thurman, senior lecturer in electronic publishing in the Department of Journalism at City University, London. Neil has considerable research experience in the field of online journalism. The successful applicant will receive a Departmental studentship of 13,000 British pounds in the first year of study, plus a full fee waiver, starting in October 2007. Applicants should possess an undergraduate degree of at least 2:1 Honours standard (UK) or equivalent, and preferably also a Masters in a relevant subject area. Application Requirements: - Two copies of the completed University research degree application form (http://www.city.ac.uk/arts/research/phd_application_form_general.doc) - please note that particular attention should be given to Section 6 of the form, which should give as many details as possible about the research area, and the reasons for carrying out the research; your proposal should be no more than 5 sides of A4 plus references; - Copies of your degree certificates, where applicable; - Details of your English language qualifications for candidates whose first language is not English; - Two written references (at least one should be academic). Deadline for applications: 31st August 2007. Completed application forms and further enquiries should be directed to: Mr. Shei Ren Ong, Research Administrator School of Arts City University Northampton Square London EC1V 0HB Tel: +44 (0) 20 7040 3320 Web: http://www.city.ac.uk/arts/research/ Email: [log in to unmask]