The best alternative? The use of alternative media in the occupy movement

This research study explores the use of alternative media among the Occupy social movement. A combination of factors, including emerging media technology and an antagonistic relationship with mainstream media has led many social movement actors to use alternative media to mobilize participation. The study looks into the participants' perspectives concerning mobilization through alternative media. Qualitative interviews with participants of Occupy Denver revealed insight into methods of mobilization, users' relationships with mainstream media sources, and vulnerabilities of alternative media use. The findings revealed that mobilization has been observed to occur successfully using open, interactive forms of online alternative media. Despite several risks identified with alternative media use, participants explained that Occupy Denver continues to prefer mobilizing through alternative media due to opportunities for horizontal structure, control, and independence from the mainstream media.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (M.S.)

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Journalism and Technical Communication

Grantor dc:publisher

Colorado State University. Libraries

Year dc:date.issued

2013

Authors dc:creator

• O'Connell, John T., author
• Switzer, Jamie, advisor
• Kodrich, Kris, committee member
• Mahoney, S. Pat, committee member

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright and other restrictions may apply. User is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws. For information about copyright law, please see https://libguides.colostate.edu/copyright.

Language dc:language.iso

eng, English

Identifier URI

https://doi.org/10.25675/3.018269

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:mountainscholar.org:10217/80282