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Alumna and lecturer collaborate on a new book together: Protests and the Media
Giedre, a MSc in International Events Management graduate at Leeds Beckett University, alongside Dr Ian Lamond, a Events Management lecturer, have co-written a book together. The book is based on a combination of Giedre's Master’s dissertation and Ian’s work into the media representation of protest events.
In an era where information spreads like wildfire through social media and traditional news outlets, understanding the intersection of protests and media is crucial. Recently, Giedre Kubiliute, an MSc in International Events Management graduate and now an Independent Researcher, and Dr. Ian Lamond, from the School of Events, Hospitality and Tourism, shed light on this critical topic in their co-authored book, Protests and the Media: A Critical Event Studies Exploration into the Future of Protest.
In a recent interview with Brett Gregory, published on Culture Matters, Giedre Kubiliute delved into the core ideas of the book. Drawing on her MSc in International Events Management, Giedre combines her own research with Dr. Ian Lamond's, offering a comprehensive analysis of how media frames and shapes protest events. You can read the full interview here.
The book analyses the media representation of various protest events, including those associated with Extinction Rebellion, Black Lives Matter, and the vigil following the tragic murder of Sarah Everard. It also includes interviews with key figures involved in these movements, offering a deeper understanding of the challenges they face.
One of the main takeaways from Protests and the Media is the intricate relationship between media coverage and protest movements. While media coverage can raise awareness and garner public support for social and environmental justice issues, it can also subject organizers to intense trolling and negative backlash.
For instance, the book highlights the tension between the necessity of media coverage for building public understanding and the challenges it poses to the mental health and well-being of protest organizers. Giedre and Dr. Lamond emphasize the need for protest movements to utilize digital technologies effectively while also establishing resources to support the mental health of those deeply engaged in organizing peaceful dissent.
As digital technologies continue to evolve, so too will the landscape of protest and media interaction. Giedre Kubiliute's and Dr. Ian Lamond's work provides valuable insights into how protest movements can navigate this ever-changing landscape effectively.
The book is published by Routledge, as part of their Research in Critical Event Studies book series and can be order through most book retailers (both online and high street).
Dr Ian Lamond
Ian is an events researcher examining the conceptual foundations of event studies. Their research interests intersect cultural studies; sociology; political/social theory, and anthropology. Their work encompasses events of dissent; creative protest; end of life events; fandom and transgressive leisure.
Giedre Kubiliute
Giedre Kubiliute graduated with an MSc in International Events Management in 2021, she is an independent researcher born in Lithuania but now based in Edinburgh. Protests and the Media is her first book.
