Deck 16: A Global Media Marketplace

Question 1

In what ways might a nation's media system be shaped by its government's political philosophy? Cite three specific examples.

Answer 1

Media system of nations can be shaped by its government's political philosophy in following manner:
If Soviet theory is followed by the nation then mass media of the country will be managed by its governmen t. All the employees will be considered as government officials and would work for the benefit of government.
If Authoritarian theory is followed then media will be owned either privately or through public holdings. In this approach rules to be followed are formulated by the aristocracy. Government had rigid control over the content to be published over media.
In case libertarian theory is followed it is expected that media will convey the truth to the society. Here the government has least control and market place is free.
Social responsibility theory states that media should be regularly monitored by government so that they perform their duties efficiently. In addition, it also gives authority to the government to take action against media not working in the interest of the society.
Developmental theory states that media can either be owned by an individual or by government. It explains that media should promote social and economic growth of the country.
Examples:
• United states follow Libertarian model and give liberty to media. They believe that media has the ability to distinguish between truth and false and would convey correct news.
• Developmental theories are followed by all third world countries. Third world countries use media to promote their social and economic goals with the motive to achieve national goals.
• Authoritarian theory is followed by monarchies. They control entire media and give very less liberties.

Question 2

Compare the evolution of mass media in the various regions of the world. Give three specific examples.

Answer 2

Mass Media includes technologies which are used by different companies to address large audience.
Media falls into following two categories:
• Print Media
• Broadcast Media
Evolution of media in West Europe and Canada is given below:
Press was privately owned in Europe till 1850's. Later, print media became an important part of media in North America, Europe and Australia. With increasing acceptance of freedom of expression media is growing in Canada and Western Europe.
Europe gives much freedom to its Scandinavian journalists with the motive to portray actual picture of the society to general public.
With time print media is losing it importance and broadcast media is taking over.
Evolution of media in East Europe is given below:
Print and broadcast media are changing at a very fast pace in east European nations. Newspapers and magazines are losing their importance and new laws were formulated. European countries were giving more importance to freedom of expression. TV and radio broadcast were controlled.
Evolution of media in Middle Eastern and North African countries is given below:
Newspaper was first published in 1817. However, daily publication started in the year 1873. It was seen that more newspapers were published in regions with higher literacy rates as compared to low literacy rates.
Radio was also introduces and had captured wide market. Government has tight control over media in these countries.
Evolution of African media is given below:
Publication of newspapers in English language was started. However, mass circulation of newspaper was not introduced. Radio became an important source of information as compared to print media. Internet was introduced in African countries but was available only in urban areas.
Evolution of media in Asian countries is given below:
Major Asian countries where media explode include Japan, India, china and Australia.
Japan had 3 newspapers operating successfully for more than 100 years. With time Japan also allowed private ownership.
3 commercial media networks were operating in Australia. It was identified that 3 of them were facing financial issues. However, they are operating profitably in current market.
Media industry has developed tremendously since Indian independence. At present there are around 25,000 publications operating in the country. Radios were operating under the name of "All India radio" and television under Doordarshan. It is also evident that most successful industry in India is film making.
Example:
• International Herald Tribune is a largest newspaper of English language in the world. It was started in 1887 and has now capture wide markets. It is operative in 35 sites and has developed a readership in 180 European countries.
• Film industry has also evolved over time. Recent films use animation and special effects to make the movies more appealing to the public.
• All India radio is a public service broadcaster used to educate, inform and entertain people. It is one of the largest broadcasting organizations in the world. It has a very wide network coverage in India and has around 413 operating station. In addition, it als broad cast programs in 23 different languages and 146 dialects.

Question 3

Discuss the role of radio in developed and less-developed countries. Cite three specific examples.

Answer 3

Role of radio in developed countries are given below:
• In developed countries, the government has higher control over the radio broadcasting. Therefore, the broadcasting contains lesser advertisements in comparison to the less-developed countries.
• In comparison to radio broadcasting, internet and television serves as the major source of information in developed countries.
Role of radio in less-developed countries are given below:
• Radio is one the crucial mode of communication in less-developed countries. Government of these countries can utilize radio as a medium to communicate important information and news.
For example, government of less-developed countries might use radio to warn their citizens regarding the cyclones, Tsunami or heavy rainfall.
• Due to poor economic condition of less-developed countries radios are used extensively, due to its cheaper price and accessibility in comparison to internet and television.
For example, radio is extensively used in Africa as majority of its population can't afford television or internet.
• In less-developed countries the radio stations are mostly owned by the private owners and government has less control over the broadcasting.

Question 4

Explain how the International Herald Tribune became one of the largest global media presences. What will the IHT have to do to stay competitive in the growing global media market?

Question 5

Discuss the global consequences of international access to the Internet, including the impact of the Internet on government control of information and ways that developing countries attempt to deal with the loss of control.