Platforming media work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Focusing on media workers and the unions that represent them, this chapter explores the platformization of work and opportunities for labor organizing. Surveillance, labor intensification, and precarity are characteristics of platform work shared by contemporary media workers and “gig workers” alike. They are built into the architecture of digital platforms and linked to the global power of platform companies. Media unions should be concerned about digital platforms due to the poor working conditions they impose on their members, and the pervasive types of exploitation they generalize to other workers and the public. Media unions can intervene in public discourse and policy debates with the goals of articulating workers’ interests, mobilizing members, and ultimately pursuing structural change. While we are experiencing a spike in interest regarding platform regulation, these labor struggles—including struggles over AI and other emergent technologies—require new forms of solidarity and sustained campaigns.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationRaising class consciousness
Subtitle of host publicationlabor movements and communication power in the information age
EditorsGino Canella
Place of PublicationCham, Switzerland
PublisherPalgrave Macmillan
Chapter6
Pages105-116
Number of pages11
ISBN (Electronic)9783032022387
ISBN (Print)9783032022370, 9783032022400
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2025

Publication series

NameDynamics of Virtual Work
PublisherPalgrave Macmillan
ISSN (Print)2947-9290
ISSN (Electronic)2947-9304

Keywords

  • digital labour
  • journalism
  • social media
  • precarity
  • AI
  • digital platforms
  • media industries

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Platforming media work'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this