LU 1

LU 1: Theme 1 (Chapter 1)

LO 1: What is Global Communication

  • Global Communication: Refers to communication across national borders that influences social, political, and cultural exchanges.

  • Key Concepts:

    • International Communication: Focuses on state-to-state interactions; includes non-state actors (e.g., organizations, businesses).

    • World Communication: A broader sense of global connectivity; often romanticized, difficult to translate.

    • Transborder Communication: Emphasizes communication that crosses national boundaries, encompassing both local and global contexts in a "glocal" process.

    • Global Communication: Reflects a worldwide interconnectedness, largely due to the Internet, but with limitations and local experiences.

  • Technology's Role: The Internet enables decentralized information flow; highlights global interconnectedness while still rooted in local identity.

LO 2: Global Communication as a Multi-layered Process

  • Storytelling: Central to human communication; vital for understanding environments.

  • Dominant vs Counter-stories:

    • Dominant Stories: Created by major global media corporations, shaping perceptions.

    • Counter-stories: Arise from local productions, diaspora, and independent creators; platforms like YouTube enhance these voices.

  • Sectors Influenced:

    • Economy: Facilitates trade and transactions.

    • Politics: Affects narratives and international relations.

    • Military: Essential for coordination and intelligence.

    • Culture: Enables cultural exchange and resistance against foreign influences.

LO 3: The Globalization of Communication

  • Historical Context:

    • Began with the telegraph and wireless tech in the late 18th-19th centuries.

    • Global news agencies emerged (e.g., Reuters).

  • Capitalism vs Imperialism: Winseck and Pike (2007) argue capitalism has a stronger influence on global communication than imperialism.

  • Key Developments:

    • International propaganda, Hollywood films, and the global broadcasting revolution through satellites.

  • Hybridization/Glocalization:

    • Media products adapt to local cultures; examples include Turkish TV in Europe and Bollywood films.

  • Local Preferences: Despite globalization, local content remains preferred; national media still dominant in many regions.

LO 4: Context of Global Communication

  • Complex Contextual Factors:

    • Globalization: Multiple historical phases (e.g., ancient, colonial, industrial).

    • Urbanization: Rapid population growth in cities, leading to economic and cultural hubs;

    • Institutionalization: Institutions for education, healthcare shape communication access.

    • Inequality: Disparities in resource distribution, perpetuates existing power structures; affects global narrative formation.

    • Global Risks: Emerging threats from environmental issues to technological vulnerabilities affect communication dynamics.

Theme 2

LO 5: Approaches to the Study of Global Communication

  • Different Theoretical Perspectives:

    1. Propaganda Approach: Media influences public opinion, especially in political contexts.

    2. Modernization Theory: Media as a tool for national development.

    3. Cultural Imperialism and Dependency Theory: Western dominance leads to cultural dependency in developing countries.

    4. Political Economy Approach: Examines the role of media ownership in shaping communication.

    5. Cultural Studies Approach: Explores media’s role in forming identities and cultural resistance.

    6. Globalization and Information Society: Focuses on digital media’s impact on communication.

Dimensions of Global Communication

  • Technological Dimension: Impact of technology on accessibility and control of information.

  • Cultural Dimension: Concerns about cultural identity and representation in the media.

  • Socio-Political Dimension: Influences of communication on democracy and public discourse.

  • Economic Dimension: Market forces and corporate interests shaping media landscape.

Challenges in Global Communication Governance

  • Idealism vs Reality: Skepticism about the commitment of governments/corporations to inclusive and equitable policies; questions of accountability in decision-making processes.

LO 6: The Concept of Information and Myths of the Information Society

  • Common Myths:

    1. More information is always beneficial.

    2. Information leads directly to knowledge.

    3. Open information prevents conflict.

    4. More information reduces uncertainty.

    5. Informed individuals act to create change.

    6. Information equals power.

  • Flawed Models: Overestimate the impact of information; communication processes are complex.

  • Shift from Information to Communication: Need for meaningful dialogue, not just information exchange.

LO 7: Comparing Global Communication to a Steeplechase

  • Challenges in Research:

    1. Disciplinary Boundaries: Limits understanding due to rigid academic separations.

    2. Obsession with Causality: Oversimplification of cause-and-effect in media effects.

    3. National Bias: Misunderstanding communication dynamics beyond national borders.

LO 8: Socially Oriented Media Theory

  • Key Aspects:

  1. Media as social institutions shaping public opinion and cultural identities.

  2. Connection between media and power structures.

  3. Media empowering marginalized groups and promoting activism.

  4. Cultural interactions and hybrid media cultures emerging.

  5. Beyond technological determinism; focus on societal shaping of media.

LO 9: Perspectives in Global Communication Study

  1. Evolutionary Perspective: Communication as an adaptive response to social and environmental challenges.

  2. Complexity Perspective: Interconnected and dynamic nature of global communication.

  3. Egalitarian Perspective: Importance of equality in access and participation within global communication systems.