2. What’s the deal with globalization? Two central components: Changing role of geography and physical distance Content of this communication Also includes political globalization and economic interdependence. Cultural products are now available globally (i.e. music) “Since wealthier nations dominate the ownership and control of the media industry, they also dominate the production of global media products” (p. 343) C&H pgs. 337 - 343
3. At first… “The dissemination of information worldwide through the media… was endorsed as a tool for the promotion of peace and understanding” (363). Concern grew over WWII propaganda Final Act of UN Conference in 1948 reiterated this idea In 1925, the League of Nations resolved to establish a committee to ensure faster and cheaper transmission of news Discuss all problems to promote peaceful public opinion C&H pg. 363
6. What are the institutions? Government Propaganda UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) NWICO (new world information and communication order) AP (Associated Press) UPI (United Press International) Reuters (in the UK) United Nations
7. How do they work? Media conglomerates compete for domination of news accounts around the world “…world’s major media conglomerates are all from North America, Europe, and Japan – wealthy industrial nations…”(366) Developing nations looked to their government to support media that was relevant and useful to public needs. Some cases: basic information about agriculture, public health, education
9. How does it work? “First World” – producers and distributors of mass media 1978 – UNESCO suggested that mass media give “expression to oppressed people who… are unable to make their voices heard within their own territories.” United States announced its resignation from UNESCO at end of 1983 Control where and what to broadcast “…wouldn’t it be more accurate to describe the process as the international export of “First World” media?” (366)
11. How does it work? Access: Many developing countries have difficulty establishing and maintaining effective communication systems that reach their areas, i.e. Africa < Western media Pooper nations called for NWICO, which was taken up by UNESCO Agency: “Developing nations often saw their efforts as an attempt to balance the scales of information production and distribution that had always been tipped sharply in favor of wealthier Western nations” (365). Consumption: Concentrated heavily in wealthier countries By not taking action and changing the systems, we are agreeing and letting them happen.
12. How does this relate to us?? “Our everyday lives are saturated by radio, TV, newspapers, books, the internet, movies, magazines and more.” “We are already pawns in a modern technological society where life happens around us, but is scarcely influenced by us.” …or is it? In our first presentations: “Technology does not own us, but it does control us… and we choose to let it… but we could end technological advances if need be.” Could we? Maybe WE could, but can people of the developing countries we are talking about end it? Technology versus US: Answering the Matrix question: Ideology…
