Globalisation of Media

This week's issue was globalisation and homgenisation of media content, and whether or not this is a desirable future for the industry. The arguments in the presentation by Natasha and Rebecca centered around the way global media promotes a universal understanding of issues and spreads cultural values and ideals. On the other hand it reduces the prominence of local news and reduces people's access to information that directly affects them and their local area.

A major issue with globalised reporting is that nations and cultures can be misrepresented due to implicit bias on the part of the dominant media source. Their focus can often set an agenda which may be misleading with regards to events in question. "Mass media reporting of foreign affairs very often governs what kind of image of a country or a culture predominates. 7 Day-topical media concentrate on short-lived events relevant to a given circle of recipients making locally or ethnocentristically oriented news choices of events, publishable with minimum delay" (Kunczik, 2001).

A positive outcome of global media is that information can be disseminated more widely and quickly than ever before. Breaking news in London can be accessed instantly here in Australia through new media technologies and outlets such as online news. "Not only is traditional media being transformed, but the role of national media has completely changed," explains Associate Professor Volkmer. "With instant 24/7 digital communication, Australian media outlets are available worldwide, and a local newspaper can be accessed from around the world. This is not trivial as it has consequences for covering stories, particularly in times of crisis" (newsroom.melbourne.edu).

While global media has its benefits, it is integral to retain local news sources to keep regions informed about that which affects them most directly, as well as providing access to more global issues.

Sources

Kunczik, M (2001). "Globalization: News media, images of nations and the flow of international capital with special reference to the role of rating agencies", DEUTSCHES ÜBERSEE-INSTITUT, Paper presented at the IAMCR Conference, Singapure, July 17-July 20 2000.

The Melbourne Newsroom (2009), "Journalism conference to explore globalisation of media", http://newsroom.melbourne.edu/news/n-85