1. Mass Communication a critical approach
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2. 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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3. 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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4. Digital and Converged
Digital converts information (letters, images, sounds) into binary code…0’s and 1’s…the 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.
Campbell Chapter 1

5. Campbell Chapter 1

6. 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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7. 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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8. Media Ethics Herbert Gans: Is Jerry Springer “ethical”?
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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9. 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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10. 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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11. 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!
Campbell Chapter 1

12. 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?
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13. The Media Are American -Jeremy Tunstall
Why do they love us?
Why do they hate us?
What do we mean by “they”?
Campbell Chapter 1