cmn 277: nature of media-history & development

define allocutive audience pattern

represents the traditional mass media audience experience, where both information storage & content selection are centrally controlled

define consultation audience pattern

information storage remains centralized, but individuals gain control over when & what they consume from that central source

define conversation patterns

a set of connected individuals actively exchange, share, & interact in a communication relationship with distributed control of both information storage & content selection; no content moderation

define registration pattern

interconnected set of individual network users can be kept under observation by & from a central point; content moderation

define concentration of ownership

ownership within specific media industries concentrated among fewer companies, reducing competition

define cross-media ownership

companies owning multiple media types

define conglomerate ownership

“non-media” corporations acquiring media properties, bringing external business priorities

define vertical integration

companies controlling both production & distribution channels to maximize profit & control

describe the penny press revolution

industrialization created ideal conditions for mass media growth:

• increased population density

• rising wages → disposable income

• improved education → raised literacy rates

transformed newspapers from publications → mass-market products, costing just one penny

describe yellow journalism

relying upon sensational & exaggerated headlines to sell newspapers; distorted facts yet expanded readership

describe objective journalism

a new approach emerged that promised neutrality & fact-based reporting:

1. fast collection

1. structured format

2. reporter objectivity

3. balance

4. source reliance

define fast collection

emphasis on gathering verifiable information rather than compelling narratives

define structured format

adoption of the inverted pyramid style that prioritizes key information

define reporter objectivity

removal of reporter voice & opinion from news stories

define balance

presentation of multiple perspectives on controversial issues

describe TV transition period

1. network audience erosion

“big three” networks audience steadily declined as other options opened

1. factors reducing network dominance

cable television expanded, recording technology (DVD), new technologies (mobile viewing)

1. television’s adaptations

product placement (embedding ads)

describe the 4 stages of media fragmentation

• stage 1: unitary

one-to-many model (ABC, CBS, NBC)

• stage 2: pluralism

more options within unitary model (fox, WB)

• stage 3: core-periphery

competing channels outside unitary core (cable, satellite)

• stage 4: breakup

disintegration of unitary core (netflix, streaming)