Mass communications: a comparative introduction

Abstract

Part 1 Communication and society: oral society literate society electronic society oral and literate communication - an overview electronic oral communication electronic audio-visual communication electronic textual-numeric communication other viewpoints. Part 2 Mass communication and modern society: an historical example a contemporary example telecommunications a revised definition of mass communication the mass media beyond a mass media audience. Part 3 Mass communications law and policy: the place of the media in society the legal and policy foundations of mass communication some specific comparisons the press in comparison with the eletronic media non-broadcasting telecommunications law and policy - the common carriers cultural industries. Part 4 The structure and role of ownership: historical background - function and ownership the public role in broadcasting private-sector media ownership - the private enterprise ethic trends in ownership form implications of commercial ownership private media ownership - cases 1 and 2 - the brilliant careers of Axel Springer and Leo Kirch. Part 5 The functions of journalists: a professional profile the ideals of journalism law and policy and the practice of journalism a survey of national law and policy libel and other laws of constraint academic research perspectives. Part 6 Technology and communication: technology defined communication technology and the organization of space some theoretical perspectives on technology the physical foundations of communication technology between physics and society technological difference, convergence and policy rationales for and realities of technological development a facilitative legal and policy framework technology and production technology and distribution technology and consumption. Part 7 Media and audiences: a theoretical synthesis - an interaction of meaning-generating systems eight approaches to the study of audiences building a picture of the audience. Part 8 Media content: communication as representation the implications of the indeterminacy of representation signification theoretical perspectives on the study of content mechanisms of media/culture binding media presentations and social and political agendas. Part 9 Information flow - the geopolitics of entertainment and information: a theoretical framework - metropolis and hinterland the international news agencies global news flows consuming exported cultural products - heartburn or health? the world information and communications order the new world information and communications order three points of debate European trade information and cultural products what does theory have to offer? Part 10 Mass communication and culture: media and society the mass media policy and ownership professionalism technology media and audiences media content geopolitics a closing note - communication and cultural identity.