Medienwissenschaften. Diagnose einer gescheiterten Fusion

Abstract

This manifesto argues that humanities-based 'media studies' never had a grip on new media and internet education: The term 'media' is well under way of becoming an empty signifier. In times of budget cuts, creative industries, and intellectual poverty, we have to push aside wishy-washy convergence approaches and go for specialized in-depth studies of networks and digital culture. It is time for new media to claim autonomy and resources in order to leave, finally, the institutional margins and catch up with society.