I learned that in mass communications, there are three important things to remember:
1. the mass media are profit centered businesses-- in other words, do not expect the media to have your best interest at heart.
2. technological developments change the way mass media are delivered and consumed-- for instance, the internet was not created back in colonial times so their form of media was either word of mouth or small, town-focused newspapers.
3. mass media both reflect and affect politics, society, and culture-- nowadays, Facebook and Twitter are leaders in influencing trends and social awareness.
Also, I learned that many of the television stations we watch are controlled by a small number of large corporations. This leads us to question who is really controlling what we watch and how much control is too much control? At what point will the government say enough is enough and reevaluate our monopoly laws? Our professor did a wonderful job explaining the situations to us, even taking a bit of time out to go on a small rant about it. The class was enlightening and gave me food for thought. Overall, I think the class is headed in a positive direction.
This analysis is spot on Shallmen! You captured the importance of media consolidation as a real issue in terms of free speech, privacy rights and thought control by media conglomerates. Try reading things like the EFF, the Electronic Frontier Foundation and other privacy organizations and you will find that many of your thoughts echo their thoughts.
ReplyDeleteDr. Chris