Media Situation Research Articles

Einleitung

The current situation of media and communication practice and the academic disciplines concerned with these domains is characterized by a multiplicity of approaches specific to individual disciplines and schools. The methodological scope corresponds to the dynamics of transformation processes in media industry, society and in those fields of research engaged with these changes. The institutional establishment of media studies and media-oriented higher education curricula, and the extension or reorganization of philology and literature departments, as well as institutes for theatre, film and television studies into larger teaching and research departments under the heading of communication or media studies is currently in rapid progression. There is no doubt that the tendency of media studies to transgress disciplinary boundaries and to constitute itself as an autonomous field of studies has to be seen in the context of overarching developmental trajectories in media politics and media technology, and the respective social responses they provoke. On the other hand, this tendency demarcates a stage or an episode in the transformation process of the humanities, in particular their media-oriented branches which draw increasingly closer to the social sciences, adapting theories, methods and results from communication studies, psychology, sociology, education studies, or market research. These developments establish not only a significantly increased demand for academic research and data on specific media from the perspectives of all disciplines concerned but also a demand for research and data made available in a problem-oriented way, that is with relevance for both practice and application. These demands cannot be met by literary, television or music studies only, nor by (media-) psychology, media sociology or any other ›hyphenated discipline‹ because in view of the current omnipresence and growing convergence of media as well as increasingly media-based constructions of reality, multimediality and multidimensionality are already inherent to the issues in question. This outline of the subject has been the guiding perspective of a conference titled ›Conceptions of Media Studies‹, held at University of Siegen from November 22nd to November 23rd, 2002, by the Institut für Medienforschung (Institute for Media Research), and sponsored by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG). Conceived as a contribution towards clarifying problematic issues and encouraging communication between the different fields of research, the conference offered a platform for presenting and debating different conceptions of media studies as already established in recent years at German universities. Since media-oriented approaches belong to different disciplines, the agenda was structured around existing research priorities and disciplines. The aim of the conference was to elucidate the conceptual frameworks of various forms of media research institutionalisation from the points of view of and informed by the interests of the respective disciplines and fields of practical application, and to show trajectories in the context of further transdisciplinary research and teaching. This volume documents the proceedings of the conference. The individual referents’ contributions represent, in their respective degrees of elaboration, positions and precise perceptions of those disciplines involved in the symposium. Each of the four panels — cultural studies, film and television studies, communication studies / social sciences (LiLi 132), informatics / design (LiLi 133) — is introduced briefly by the panel chairs and the discussion leader, and supplemented by the main points of the subsequent discussions. Gebhard Rusch’s concluding essay summarizes the conference results.

The Present Situation of Media and a Public Concept

The Present Situation of Media and a Public Concept

Einleitung

The current situation of media and communication practice and the academic disciplines concerned with these domains is characterized by a multiplicity of approaches specific to individual disciplines and schools. The methodological scope corresponds to the dynamics of transformation processes in media industry, society and in those fields of research engaged with these changes. The institutional establishment of media studies and media-oriented higher education curricula, and the extension or reorganization of philology and literature departments, as well as institutes for theatre, film and television studies into larger teaching and research departments under the heading of communication or media studies is currently in rapid progression. There is no doubt that the tendency of media studies to transgress disciplinary boundaries and to constitute itself as an autonomous field of studies has to be seen in the context of overarching developmental trajectories in media politics and media technology, and the respective social responses they provoke. On the other hand, this tendency demarcates a stage or an episode in the transformation process of the humanities, in particular their media-oriented branches which draw increasingly closer to the social sciences, adapting theories, methods and results from communication studies, psychology, sociology, education studies, or market research. These developments establish not only a significantly increased demand for academic research and data on specific media from the perspectives of all disciplines concerned but also a demand for research and data made available in a problem-oriented way, that is with relevance for both practice and application. These demands cannot be met by literary, television or music studies only, nor by (media-)psychology, (media-)sociology or any other ›hyphenated discipline‹ because in view of the current omnipresence and growing convergence of media as well as increasingly media-based constructions of reality, multimediality and multidimensionality are already inherent to the issues in question. This outline of the subject has been the guiding perspective of a conference titled ›Conceptions of Media Studies‹, held at University of Siegen from November 22nd to November 23rd, 2002, by the Institut für Medienforschung (Institute for Media Research), and sponsored by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG). Conceived as a contribution towards clarifying problematic issues and encouraging communication between the different fields of research, the conference offered a platform for presenting and debating different conceptions of media studies as already established in recent years at German universities. Since media-oriented approaches belong to different disciplines, the agenda was structured around existing research priorities and disciplines. The aim of the conference was to elucidate the conceptual frameworks of various forms of media research institutionalisation from the points of view of and informed by the interests of the respective disciplines and fields of practical application, and to show trajectories in the context of further transdisciplinary research and teaching. This volume documents the proceedings of the conference. The individual referents’ contributions represent, in their respective degrees of elaboration, positions and precise perceptions of those disciplines involved in the symposium. Each of the four panels — cultural studies, film and television studies, communication studies / social sciences, informatics / design — is introduced briefly by the panel chairs and the discussion leader, and supplemented by the main points of the subsequent discussions. Gebhard Rusch’s concluding essay summarizes the conference results.

The penetration, diffusion and energy deposition of high-energy photon

This paper presents a new theory for calculating the transport of high-energy photons and their secondary charged particles. We call this new algorithm characteristic line method, which is completely analytic. Using this new method we cannot only accurately calculate the transport behaviour of energetic photons, but also precisely describes the transport behaviour and energy deposition of secondary electrons, photoelectrons, Compton recoil electrons and positron-electron pairs. Its calculation efficiency is much higher than that of the Monte Carlo method. The theory can be directly applied to layered media situation and obtain a pencil-beam-modelled solution. Therefore, it may be applied to clinical applications for radiation therapy.

Language change via satellite

This article is concerned with media-induced language change in Austrian German (AG) which is caused by language contact with German German (GG) as presented in television programs broadcast via satellite. A detailed overview of the media situation and its impact on a number of linguistic features of AG is given. It is shown that the impact of this language contact is increasing and that it can be directly linked to the amount of TV-viewing time, especially of children. Examples of this are the emergence of the particle mal and other colloquial lexical items in informal AG, as well as the replacement of traditional items of core AG lexicon with their GG equivalents. Finally, factors which contribute to the ongoing process of language shift are considered: the relative powerlessness of a small language culture in permanent contact with a powerful one, the prestige of new media and their associated language usages which frequently symbolise modernity and worldliness, and lack of linguistic pride, such that the native variety is considered outmoded and provincial.

Media and Conflict in Sri Lanka

This paper looks at Sri Lanka’s media situation against the backdrop of the ceasefire following decades of violence. It explores the detrimental effects of the partisan media, and advocates conflict-sensitive journalism to mitigate against them.

The people, press, and politics of Croatia

Introduction The Media Situation under Tudjman Victory for Democracy--A Dream Fulfilled of A False Hope? Theory of Free Press/Open Societies The Croatian Government's View of The Media The Press and Self-censorship Rise of the Press, Fall of the Secret Services Case Study: Forty Days Which Changed the Country The Transition and the First Elections The Media Role in the Croatian-Serbian War The Post-War Years Professionalism and Ethics of Croatian Journalists The Public View of Democracy and the Press Role of the International Community Technology: Catalyst for Change Appendix

India: Makings of Little Cultural/Media Imperialism?

An efflorescence of the media in India during the 1990s, mainly in television, has revolutionized the South Asian mediascape. After the novelty of foreign channels wore off in the early 1990s, Indian channels consolidated their position, recorded the highest audience ratings and forced foreign channels to adopt local programming in a big way. The late 1990s added a new dimension with language-/region-specific channels displacing pan-Indian networks in localized markets, and also reaching out to the large diaspora across continents. Besides, Indian media products are increasingly being viewed in terms of cultural imperialism within South Asia along the same lines that western products were during the 1960s-70s. India's media strengths and vibrancy appear to pose some challenge to the trope of media imperialism. This article argues that the Indian media situation has the makings of `little cultural/media imperialism', and calls for a multi-centric perspective, as opposed to a linear West-centric perspective, to register the rapidity of changes in this age of globalization.

Contributions of Media Use and Media Literacy Education to School Innovation

Abstract This study will investigate the question as to what contributions media use and media literacy education can make to innovations in primary and secondary school education. In this context, media use and media literacy education are interpreted as being two interconnected facets of media education in school. To begin with, the media scene and the educational structure in the Federal Republic of Germany arc presented as reference points. This will be followed by an investigation of the functions of education and its relevance to the media. Bearing in mind the media situation, a future‐oriented view of education is presented. Such a view of education and its interaction with media issues will be discussed on three levels: the level of the objectives, the level of the forms of learning and working as well as the level of the subjects and the forms of organization.

New forms of cultural identity in an African society: Comment to the paper by Ullamaija Kivikuru

Abstract The article argues that it is hard to see that media development so far has contributed neither to economic development or to political liberation in African states. The media situation and the literacy problems is connected to social differences and tensions between elite vs. local populations and the urban culture vs. the village. Media transmits stereotypes of modernity and urban life that are conflicting with rural and traditional cultural identities. It is being argued that media changes in the future will make things even worse. African countries are confronted with globalized media trespassing into rural culture and establishing themselves in local consumption patterns, before local media structures have had the possibility to develop. This means a severe threat to local culture and to the possibility of developing civil society at the local level.

Hong Kong media system in transition: A socio‐cultural analysis

This paper examines the media system of Hong Kong from a socio‐cultural perspective. It proposes to analyse five major factors that determine a media system, namely, political structure, economic structure, media proprietors’ culture, media practitioners’ culture, and audience's culture. Interactions of these five factors result in four ideal‐type media systems. They are: Type I, Free System; Type II, Relatively Free System; Type III, Relatively Repressive System; and Type IV, Repressive System. Analysed in this context, the present media situation in Hong Kong can be considered to be a relatively free system. However, it is also observed that the media system in Hong Kong is likely to become a relatively repressive system after 1997. The paper further suggests that the socio‐cultural model developed here can be used for cross‐cultural comparison.

Medios de comunicación: Efectos, Teorías, Intermediación

Revisando las distintas teorías que se han dado para comprender los efectos de los medios masivos, el articulo se centra en explicar éstos como una interacción entre los medios, la cognición y el aprendizaje. La síntesis de los aspectos de intermediación son descritos, así como el rol parental y de los maestros en dicho proceso. La situación en nuestro medio de los medios masivos es también brevemente expuesta.

Trends in magnetic recording media

The fifth M.R.M. Conference in Perugia presents an opportunity to analyse the market situation of magnetic recording media, the trend in future recording systems and the potential of present contenders for flexible media to meet future requirements. The main products in quantity and value are either in their zenith of product cycle or near to it. Highly innovative systems are needed in order to stimulate new applications or markets. The most challenging application is digital recording of HDTV for which particle in polymer binder technology is not yet fully ruled out by thin film ME technology. Improvements are expected from magnetic particles and binder, dispersion as well as coating technology.

Home Satellite TV Reception in Bulgaria

This article examines recent changes in the media situation in Bulgaria, particularly in the field of television supply and consumption. It focuses on the problem of how changed social conditions have influenced the adoption of home satellite TV reception equipment. The growing pluralization of Bulgarian society and the increasing differentiation of personal information and entertainment needs are indicated as major prerequisites for the diffusion of the new communication medium. The results of an in-depth study of the motivation of early adopters are reported. An attempt at a typology of satellite television use patterns is made.

A Summary of the media situation in Austria

A Summary of the media situation in Austria

Media, Ethnicity and National Unity

AbstractThis paper analyses the role of the media in Malaysian society and addresses questions surrounding ethnic conflicts and national unity. The authors begin by giving a brief background of the media situation in the country and point out the multitude of pressures faced by the media in a multi-racial country.

Situation of Media in the Satellite Communication Age : How Does the Information Environment Change in Japan?

Situation of Media in the Satellite Communication Age : How Does the Information Environment Change in Japan?

Die rol van die SAUK as nuus-inligtingsmedium/ (The role of the SABC as a medium for newsinformation)

Like the other news media, and possibly more so, radio and television are used worldwide as instruments for debate, on national and international level. Each of these media is shaped according to its needs and circumstances. The same situation applies to the broadcasting media in South Africa, which have developed a nature and character uniquely their own. The broadcasting media in South Africa strive for healthy relations amongst population groups; to maintain public order, peace, and law enforcement; for the maintenance of the safety of the country; and to promote honesty, decency and good taste. Within these parameters it is the task of the SABC Council to determine codes and rules to establish a particular programme culture, which respects the property rights of the different groups in the country and which provides information, entertainment and education in an acceptable and uplifting manner. The Corporation is fully aware of its place in the South African Media situation and its responsibility to keep pace with the Society it serves, with the help of extensive communication.

A look at the mass media situation in the Philippines: implications in education and research

Martial law in the Philippines appears to have rationalised the communication sector in the country. The closure of some radio and television stations seemed to be offset by an increase in the number of publications circulating in the country. By the same token, research and training in communication skills have burgeoned in the last few years in response to increased career opportunities in fields other than broadcasting and journalism. Reynaldo Guioguio takes a closer look at the trends.

Mass media and state in Sri Lanka – the uncomfortable juxtaposition

abstractFor some years now, there has been an increasing tendency for polarisation between the states and mass media, especially newspapers, in most Asian countries. Despite the polarisation of interests and attitudes, there has however been a great deal of effort by both parties to strike a tolerable level of co-existence, and to whatever measure possible, cooperation. The uncomfortable issue of state-media has often been viewed and argued from the angles of rights and responsibilities and rarely from an indepth viewpoint that may surface some of the hidden but salient factors for the existing rifts between state and media. Neville Jayaweera probes the media situation in Sri Lanka to find answers that may perhaps reflect, if not generally,the situation in Asia. His article is a modified version of a paper he presented at a seminar organised by the Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex, Brighton, England in October 1977.