Swinburne University researcher Dr. Ellie Rennie is in the process of writing up phase one of the Youthwork research in to a book addressing the assumptions regarding young people and the media, in particular the anxiety that young people are ‘leaving’ traditional media spheres and points of public connection in favour of digital media.
The Student Youth Network demonstrates that non-commercial (community) structures have value in the changing media environment; it also reflects what Henry Jenkins calls ‘convergence culture’ - young people are developing innovative uses of media across multiple platforms, rather than leaving old media for new.
The book will also explore the differences between community media and other forms of amateur media participation, and the challenges that convergence/digital media raise for community-based organisations.
In addition she will look at digital literacy and the media labour market: how organizations such as SYN are assisting young people to make the transition to work.