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Mass Communicationa critical approach

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Definitions

Communication (linear v. cultural)Creating symbols systems

CultureCommon symbols

Mass CommunicationCommunication to large audiences

Mass MediaCulture industries based on technology

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Development of Media

Print (Books, Newspapers, Magazines)Electronic by wire (telegraph, telephone)

Physical/Chemical ( phonograph, film)Electronic by electromagnetism (radio, television,

satellite)

Convergence:Cable TelevisionAnalog to DigitalSpecific Industries to Conglomeration

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Digital and Converged Digital converts information (letters,

images, sounds) into binary code…0’s and 1’s…the language of computers.

Once digital, information can be shared among different media much more easily.

Convergence refers, in part, to the digital marriage of different media via computers.

Convergence also refers to newspaper, broadcast, and internet outlets under one corporate roof.

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Cultural Contexts Cultural institutions/cultural industries:

Media (news/entertainment) Schools Art Law Politics?

News-delivery technologies the new overlaps the old the old struggles to retain vitality

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Culture as Skyscraper--Jackson Lears p. 12

“Culture..was becoming increasingly organized during the twentieth

century. And the model for that organization was

the hierarchical, bureaucratic corporation.

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Media Ethics

Herbert Gans: High culture Low culture Different media for each But many people consume both

Is Jerry Springer “ethical”? Is the New York Times ethical? Corporate truth: ethics and law differ

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Shifting values

Among the four values of the modern period: Individuality Confidence in reason and science Working efficiently Rejecting tradition

Postmodern culture (present) changes modern values

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Postmodern values

Four features of the Postmodern: Opposing hierarchy Diversifying and recycling culture Doubts about scientific reasoning Embracing paradox …but loves technology

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The Media Storytellers Events must be transformed into stories. Stories play by rules:

beginning conflict ending

In crisis lies chaos, and facts are hard to get.

But reporters must tell a story… Now!

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Media Literacy Critical approach, not cynical pose Pay close attention Analysis of facts, not mere counting of

facts Interpretation and meaning Ethical/moral evaluation of meaning What does Lara Croft mean? Do you support what it means?

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The Media Are American-Jeremy Tunstall

Why do they love us?Why do they hate us?

What do we mean by “they”?