Immer wieder wird behauptet, dass unter dem Einfluss der weltweiten Globalisierung, die Inhalte der Informations- und Kommunikationsmedien nicht länger im Ermessen einzelner Anbieter liegen, sondern sich - synchron zur Verschiebung der Besitzverhältnisse von einzelnen Unternehmen zu einem globalen Netzwerk - verstricken zu einem eindimensionalen Produkt, in einer Branche, die von wenigen Medienkonglomeraten geleitet und beherrscht wird.
Die vorliegende Arbeit überprüft und diskutiert die Behauptung, dass der zeitgenössische medial gesteuerte Informationsaustausch sich auf eine allgemeine Medienideologie konzentriert. Dabei wird der besondere Fokus auf die wirtschaftlichen Interessen der Medienunternehmen gelegt. Die Frage, die sich in diesem Kontext stellt, lautet, ob Medienkonzentration, sofern sie existiert, auch einen gewissen Nutzen hat oder ob sie schlichtweg eine Bedrohung der modernen Gesellschaft darstellt, indem sie demokratische Grundprinzipien einschränkt und unterdrückt.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1 Main expression and their definitions and explanations
1.2 What are corporate interests?
2. Opposing views on the matter
2.1 Robert McChesney and the theory of neoliberalism
2.2 The counterpart: Benjamin Compaine
2.3 A compromise as the conclusion?
3. Case discussion: public service broadcasting vs. commercial television of media giants (in the United Kingdom)
4. Conclusion
5. List of literature
Research Objectives and Themes
The work examines the phenomenon of "corporate media ideology" to determine whether the concentration of media ownership under global conglomerates threatens contemporary journalism and democratic values. It aims to evaluate the tension between economic profit-seeking by media giants and the traditional duty of the press to inform the public, ultimately questioning if global concentration leads to the destruction of domestic and national values.
- Globalization and media ownership concentration
- Neoliberalism as a driver of media consolidation
- Economic versus democratic interests in media management
- Comparison of opposing academic perspectives (McChesney vs. Compaine)
- Public service versus commercial television case study in the UK
Excerpt from the Book
1.1 Main expressions and their definitions and explanations
Of course, the understanding of globalization and concentration varies depending on the position you are watching on it. Michele Cini, for example, defines globalization in a quite formal way out of the view of a political scientist: Globalization [is] a contested concept, which usually refers to the growing economic independence of state and non-state actors worldwide. Often associated with increased capital mobility and the spread of neo-liberal ideas, for example. It implies that market authority is enhanced at the cost of formal political authority. (2003, p. 419)
In contrast to this Allan Cochrane and Kathy Pain set their definition in relation to what is called the big debates on globalization meaning that the definition of globalization depends on neither a so-called positive or pessimistic globalist, an inter-nationalist or a transformationalist is asked.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter introduces the concept of global media concentration and defines key terms like globalization and corporate interests to frame the subsequent discussion.
1.1 Main expression and their definitions and explanations: This section details various academic definitions of globalization and media concentration, highlighting how different theoretical perspectives interpret these shifts.
1.2 What are corporate interests?: This part explores the motivations behind media giants, contrasting the ideal of democratic information service with the reality of economic profit maximization.
2. Opposing views on the matter: This chapter sets the stage for a debate between conflicting academic viewpoints regarding the democratic impact of global media companies.
2.1 Robert McChesney and the theory of neoliberalism: This section presents the pessimistic view, analyzing how neoliberal policies and vertical integration create a global oligopoly that threatens democracy.
2.2 The counterpart: Benjamin Compaine: This section outlines the optimistic perspective, arguing that media concentration is overstated and that market competition remains diverse and democratic.
2.3 A compromise as the conclusion?: This section reviews alternative scholarly voices that seek a middle ground, suggesting a more flexible understanding of media ownership and its effects.
3. Case discussion: public service broadcasting vs. commercial television of media giants (in the United Kingdom): This chapter applies the previously discussed theories to the UK media landscape, comparing the BBC with commercial giants like BSkyB.
4. Conclusion: This chapter synthesizes the arguments and suggests that while media concentration poses challenges, the solution lies in greater corporate transparency and an enlightened consumer base.
5. List of literature: This section provides a comprehensive bibliography of all academic sources used throughout the paper.
Keywords
Globalization, Media Concentration, Corporate Media Ideology, Neoliberalism, Robert McChesney, Benjamin Compaine, Public Service Broadcasting, BBC, Media Ownership, Political Economy, Democracy, Global Oligopoly, Market Competition, Commercial Television, Media Transparency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper investigates the influence of global media giants on contemporary journalism and whether this leads to a "corporate media ideology" that impacts democratic standards.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The study centers on media ownership, globalization theories, the role of neoliberalism, the tension between economic profit and public interest, and the comparative structural analysis of public versus private broadcasting.
What is the central research question?
The research asks if contemporary journalism is becoming dominated by a corporate media ideology that threatens democracy, and whether the impacts of media concentration are predominantly negative or manageable.
Which scientific methodology is employed?
The paper uses a qualitative, comparative theoretical approach, analyzing the arguments of prominent communication scientists and applying them to a practical case study of the United Kingdom’s media market.
What topics are addressed in the main body?
The main body treats theoretical frameworks of neoliberalism versus open-market views, detailed critiques of media ownership, and an empirical case study comparing the BBC with commercial media competitors.
Which keywords best describe the paper?
The most important keywords include Globalization, Media Concentration, Corporate Media Ideology, Neoliberalism, and Media Ownership.
How does Robert McChesney view global media systems?
McChesney characterizes the current system as a "global oligopoly" driven by neoliberal policies, which he argues fundamentally violates the notion of a free press and harms democratic values.
What is Benjamin Compaine’s counter-argument to the fear of media concentration?
Compaine suggests that fears of media power are overstated, arguing that the market remains competitive and that media companies are primarily profit-seekers responding to audience demand rather than ideological actors.
What role does the BBC play in this discussion?
The BBC serves as a case study to demonstrate how public service broadcasting exists within a market alongside commercial giants, showing that both types of broadcasters are under pressure to satisfy consumer demand while maintaining distinct structural goals.
- Quote paper
- Katharina Jacobs (Author), 2004, Corporate media industries - Threat or chance?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/56708
