SPATIALIZATION

Spatialization in Communication

  • Spatialization: The process of overcoming the constraints of space and time in social life.

    • Key context provided by COM 143: Political Economy of Communication.

Karl Marx's Insight

  • Capitalism tends to "annihilate space with time," emphasizing the transformation of spatial relationships.

    • This concept sheds light on how capital affects societal connections.

Transformation of Space

  • Instead of annihilating, capital transforms spatial relationships among people, goods, and messages (Harvey, 2006).

Time-Space Distanciation

  • Definition: Refers to how modern technology and social practices extend social relations across distances and time.

  • Changes in communication and transportation have modified the barriers of physical distance and time.

Example of Time-Space Distanciation

  • Traditional communication required face-to-face interactions.

    • Modern instances include instant connection via phone, email, or social media.

    • Highlights global interconnectedness in friendships, work relationships, and collaborations.

Time-Space Compression

  • Definition: Perception that space and time are compressed due to technological advancements.

Example of Time-Space Compression

  • The rise of the internet, smartphones, and social media facilitates instant global communication.

  • Bridges time zones and physical distances effectively.

Comparison of Time-Space Concepts

  • Time-Space Distanciation: Involves removing oneself from physical contexts (e.g., working from home, long-distance relationships).

  • Time-Space Compression: Characterized by shorter and faster interactions (e.g., bullet trains, real-time global news).

Communication and Corporate Concentration

  • The political economy of communication focuses on spatialization and the expansion of corporate power in communication.

Indicators of Corporate Power

  • Manifested through growth in media firms as measured by:

    • Assets

    • Revenues

    • Profits

    • Employees

    • Value of shares in financial markets.

Corporate Concentration Forms

  • Vertical: Control over multiple stages of production/supply chain.

  • Horizontal: Mergers or acquisitions at the same production stage within an industry.

  • Transnational: Operations across multiple countries, integrating both vertical and horizontal expansions.

Examples of Corporate Concentration

  • Vertical: ABS-CBN Entities (e.g., Star Cinema, SAP TV PATROL).

  • Horizontal: Media firms such as TV5, GMA, ABS-CBN.

  • Transnational: ABS-CBN Global TFC operations.

Impact of Ownership Concentration

  • Restricts communication flow and information diversity by limiting producer and distributor diversity.

Teaming Arrangements

  • Corporate Partnerships/Strategic Alliances: Collaboration for technology development in media (e.g., Kathryn Bernardo and ABS-CBN Entertainment).

  • Merchandising Arrangements: Partnerships between media companies and marketing/merchandising firms.

Spatial Agglomeration

  • Advances in transportation and communication facilitate firms’ distance operations, enhancing cost-effectiveness.

Transportation and Geography

  • Three Orders of Effects (Malone & Rockart, 1991):

    1. Substituting new technologies for old.

    2. Increased travel.

    3. Development of new transportation-intensive social patterns.

Regulation Types

  • Market Regulation: Rules by industry groups or market participants; flexible but lacks enforcement strength.

    • Pros: Responsive to market changes, fosters innovation and competition.

    • Cons: May lack regulatory power compared to government oversight.

Example of Market Regulation

  • Pay-per-view content and online subscriptions.

  • State Regulation: Government enforcement of economic activity rules.

    • Pros: Consistent consumer protection and framework for economic activity.

    • Cons: Less adaptable to rapid changes.

Example of State Regulation

  • Legislative media franchise rules.

Commodification and Spatialization

  • When state regulation prioritizes market interests over public service concerns.

  • Liberalization: State intervention to increase market participation.

  • Privatization: Selling off state enterprises as a form of intervention.