The “Beyond the MSM” project is an ESRC-funded project. The aim is to explore the role of ‘alternative media’ outlets within the wider media system, in addition to public perceptions of the mainstream media. By taking part in an interview, you can help produce research that can constructively inform all forms of journalist (including those in our study), media regulators, politicians, and members of the public.
Before you decide whether or not to take part, it is important for you to understand why the research is being undertaken and what it will involve. Please take time to read the following information carefully and discuss it with others, if you wish.
Thank you for reading this.
1. What is the purpose of this research project?
The study aims to explore the habits and opinions of media audiences in the UK in order to understand how they use and consume alternative and independent media as well their opinions om the the mainstream media.
2. Why have I been invited to take part?
You may have seen our invitation. On this basis, we may think you are someone likely to be using alternative or independent media.
3. Do I have to take part?
No, your participation in this research project is entirely voluntary and it is up to you to decide whether or not to take part. If you decide to take part, we will discuss the research project with you and ask for your consent before you participate. If you decide not to take part, you do not have to explain your reasons and it will not affect your legal rights. If you decide to withdraw during the project, this is also OK.
You will be able to state at the end of this form whether you are willing and able to take part in the project.
4. What will taking part involve?
Taking part involves answering questions relevant to your use and consumption of alternative and independent media as well as mainstream media. The interview will take about 20 minutes. No prior knowledge or specific news consumption habits are required for participating in the project. We are genuinely interested in your own personal opinions.
5. Will I be paid for taking part in this survey?
We cannot offer you payment.
6. What are the possible benefits of taking part?
Although there are no direct advantages to you from taking part in the research, your participation will be an opportunity for you to reflect on your media habits. Most importantly, your participation will help us understand more about this area of research.
7. What are the possible risks of taking part?
There are no foreseeable risks or discomforts involved in your participation in this research project. If, for any reason, the discussion makes you feel uncomfortable, you can interrupt your participation at any point.
8. Will my taking part in this research project be kept confidential?
All information collected from (or about) you during the research project will be kept confidential and any personal information you provide will be managed in accordance with data protection legislation. Please see ‘What will happen to my Personal Data?’ (below) for further information.
10. What will happen to my Personal Data?
None of your personal data will be available to anyone besides the research team.
Cardiff University is the Data Controller and is committed to respecting and protecting your personal data in accordance with your expectations and Data Protection legislation. Further information about Data Protection, including:
- your rights
- the legal basis under which Cardiff University processes your personal data for research
- Cardiff University’s Data Protection Policy
- how to contact the Cardiff University Data Protection Officer
- how to contact the Information Commissioner’s Office
may be found at https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/public-information/policies-and-procedures/data-protection
Anonymised information will be kept for a minimum of five years but may be published in support of the research project and/or retained indefinitely, where it is likely to have continuing value for research purposes.
10. What happens to the data at the end of the research project?
The anonymised data will be stored in the University’s secure, password-protected network.
11. What will happen to the results of the research project?
It is our intention to publish the results of this research project in academic and non-academic outputs. Participants will not be identified in any report, publication or presentation.
12. What if there is a problem?
If you wish to complain, or have grounds for concerns about any aspect of the manner in which you have been approached or treated during the course of this research, please contact jomecahrc@gmail.com. If your complaint is not managed to your satisfaction, please contact Damian Carney at CarneyD@cardiff.ac.uk.
If you are harmed by taking part in this research project, there are no special compensation arrangements. If you are harmed due to someone's negligence, you may have grounds for legal action, but you may have to pay for it.
13. Who is organising and funding this research project?
The research is organised by Professor Stephen Cushion and Dr. Declan McDowell-Naylor from the School of Journalism, Media and Culture at Cardiff University and Dr Richard Thomas from the Media and Communications Department at Swansea University. The research is currently funded by the Economic and Social Research Council.
14. Who has reviewed this research project?
This research project conforms to the standards of the School of Journalism, Media and Culture's Research Ethics Committee and Cardiff University’s Research Governance Framework - https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/937021/Research-Integrity-and-Governance-Code-of-Practice-v3-PDF.pdf
15. Further information and contact details
Should you have any questions relating to this research project, you may contact us at esrcbeyondmsm@gmail.com