Media dominants are able to express a power in which
potentially sets and frames not only political agendas but also our cultural landscape.
As a nation we are very focused around
the concepts of global media and continuously affected by mass media. According to Stevens (2003) media companies
play important economic and symbolic roles in most modern states. This has all
to do with the flow of information and the way in which communication
technologies are central around social cultures.
What has proven to be the most leading media all over the
world is a concept that can be described as ‘Americanisation’. The United States have a very dominant affect
towards other countries and highly influence the media there. It is not hundred precent clear that all non-
American audiences are influenced but the majority of audiences are engaged
with ‘foreign’ programming.
Herman and Chomsky (1988) claim that only stories with a
strong orientation to elite interests can pass through and receive ample media
attention. This has everything to do
with which global media landscape in influenced by those with the greatest
power.
The U.S have the most dominant outlets such as Time Warner
Inc., Walt Disney Co-operation and News Incorporation as these are the driving
force behind most Hollywood films.
As an example to express how the United States shows
dominance within the media, can be clearly identified with how many Australian
movies are shown within cinemas. The way in which Australian audiences have
chosen to observe is through watching foreign films. The cinema industries are
more likely to show American films over Australian films as this represents the
dominance of American media. Australian cultures
prefer to watch and are more interested in watching these kinds of films.
As the audience we are continuously observing and choosing
what and what not to take in.
Reference:
- - Steven, P 2003, The no-nonsense guide to the
global media, New Internationalist, Oxford, pp. 37–59.
- - Herman, E & McChesney, 1989, The Political
Economy of the Mass Media, http://www.chomsky.info/onchomsky/198901--.htm
Fantastic blog Jess, really understand the differences! Keep it up :)
ReplyDeleteGreat exploration into the differences of countries and expression of media dominants. It’s interesting to understand the amount of power media dominants have through political agendas and global media. Fantastic example of the United States, explaining the power through the media and how influenced audiences can be. Its also good to see the similarities and differences of two countries and their media dominants, really good blog. Definitely keep up the good work.
DeleteA solid blog post Jess. You introduced the topic of the post well before defining the main aspect of one-way informational flows in Americanisation. The linked Herman and Chomsky source links in well with your view of the cultural acceptance of America, or more broadly, western society. The use of the American film example shows, in an understandable way, the prominence of American film across the world and the power of the media in the United States.
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