Mass Communication a critical approach

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Mass Communicationa critical approach
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Definitions

• Communication (linear v. cultural) Creating
  symbols systems
• Culture Common symbols
• Mass Communication Communication to large
  audiences
• Mass Media Culture industries based on
  technology

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Development of Media

• Print (Books, Newspapers, Magazines)
• Electronic by wire (telegraph, telephone)
• Physical/Chemical ( phonograph, film)
• Electronic by electromagnetism (radio,
  television, satellite)

Convergence Cable Television Analog to
Digital Specific Industries to Conglomeration
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Digital and Converged

• Digital converts information (letters, images,
  sounds) into binary code0s and 1sthe language
  of computers.
• Once digital, information can be shared among
  different media much more easily.
• Convergence refers, in part, to the digital
  marriage of different media via computers.
• Convergence also refers to newspaper, broadcast,
  and internet outlets under one corporate roof.

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Cultural Contexts

• Cultural institutions/cultural industries
• Media (news/entertainment)
• Schools
• Art
• Law
• Politics?
• News-delivery technologies
• the new overlaps the old
• the old struggles to retain vitality

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Culture as Skyscraper--Jackson Lears p. 12

• Culture..was becoming increasingly organized
  during the twentieth century. And the model for
  that organization was the hierarchical,
  bureaucratic corporation.

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Media Ethics

• Herbert Gans
• High culture
• Low culture
• Different media for each
• But many people consume both
• Is Jerry Springer ethical?
• Is the New York Times ethical?
• Corporate truth ethics and law differ

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Shifting values

• Among the four values of the modern period
• Individuality
• Confidence in reason and science
• Working efficiently
• Rejecting tradition
• Postmodern culture (present) changes modern values

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Postmodern values

• Four features of the Postmodern
• Opposing hierarchy
• Diversifying and recycling culture
• Doubts about scientific reasoning
• Embracing paradox
• but loves technology

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The Media Storytellers

• Events must be transformed into stories.
• Stories play by rules
• beginning
• conflict
• ending
• In crisis lies chaos, and facts are hard to get.
• But reporters must tell a story
• Now!

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Media Literacy

• Critical approach, not cynical pose
• Pay close attention
• Analysis of facts, not mere counting of facts
• Interpretation and meaning
• Ethical/moral evaluation of meaning
• What does Lara Croft mean?
• Do you support what it means?