The Reality of the Mass Media
01 Jan 2002-Journal of Communication Inquiry (Sage PublicationsSage CA: Thousand Oaks, CA)-Vol. 26, Iss: 1, pp 96-97
About: This article is published in Journal of Communication Inquiry.The article was published on 2002-01-01. It has received 292 citations till now. The article focuses on the topics: Mass media.
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Book•
18 Jul 2003
TL;DR: Part 1: Social Analysis, Discourse Analysis, Text Analysis 1. Introduction 2. Texts, Social Events, and Social Practices 3. Intertextuality and Assumptions Part 2: Genres and Action 4. Genres 5. Meaning Relations between Sentences and Clauses 6. Discourses 8. Representations of Social Events Part 4: Styles and Identities 9. Modality and Evaluation 11. Conclusion
Abstract: Part 1: Social Analysis, Discourse Analysis, Text Analysis 1. Introduction 2. Texts, Social Events, and Social Practices 3. Intertextuality and Assumptions Part 2: Genres and Action 4. Genres 5. Meaning Relations between Sentences and Clauses 6. Types of Exchange, Speech Functions, and Grammatical Mood Part 3: Discourses and Representations 7. Discourses 8. Representations of Social Events Part 4: Styles and Identities 9. Styles 10. Modality and Evaluation 11. Conclusion
6,407 citations
Cites background from "The Reality of the Mass Media"
...institutions which ‘make use of copying technologies to disseminate communication’ (Luhmann 2000). They involve media such as print, telephone, radio, television, the Internet. In some cases – most obviously the telephone – people are co-present in time but distant in space, and the interaction is one-to-one. These are closest to ordinary conversation. Others are very different from ordinary conversation – for instance, a printed book is written by one or a small number of authors but read by indefinitely many people who may be widely dispersed in time and space. In this case, the text connects different social events – the writing of a book on the one hand, and the many and various social events which include reading (glancing at, referring to, etc.) the book – a train journey, a class in a school, a visit to a bookshop, and so forth. Mediation according to Silverstone (1999) involves the ‘movement of meaning’ – from one social practice to another, from one event to another, from one text to another....
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...institutions which ‘make use of copying technologies to disseminate communication’ (Luhmann 2000)....
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Book•
15 May 2000
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors focus on the issues in mass communication, and propose a framework for connecting media with society through a social theory of media and society, as well as four models of communication: power and inequality, social integration and identity, social change and development, space and time, and accountability.
Abstract: PART ONE: PRELIMINARIES 1. Introduction to the Book Our object of study The structure of the book Themes and issues in mass communication Manner of treatment How to use the book Limitations of coverage and perspective Different kinds of theory Communication science and the study of mass communication Alternative traditions of analysis: structural, behavioural and cultural Conclusion 2. The Rise of Mass Media From the beginning to mass media Print media: the book Print media: the newspaper Other print media Film as a mass medium Broadcasting Recorded music The communications revolution: new media versus old Differences between media Conclusion PART TWO: THEORIES 3. Concepts and Models for Mass Communication Early perspectives on media and society The 'mass' concept The mass communication process The mass audience The mass media as an institution of society Mass culture and popular culture The rise of a dominant paradigm for theory and research An alternative, critical paradigm Four models of communication Conclusion 4. Theory of Media and Society Media, society and culture: connections and conflicts Mass communication as a society-wide process: the mediation of social relations and experience A frame of reference for connecting media with society Theme I: power and inequality Theme II: social integration and identity Theme III: social change and development Theme IV: space and time Media-society theory I: the mass society Media-society theory II: Marxism and political economy Media-society theory III: functionalism Media-society theory IV: social constructionism Media-society theory V: communication technology determinism Media-society theory VI: the information society Conclusion 5. Mass Communication and Culture Communication and culture The beginnings: the Frankfurt School and critical cultural theory The redemption of the popular Gender and the mass media Commercialization Communication technology and culture Mass media and postmodern culture Conclusion 6. New Media - New Theory? New media and mass communication What is new about the new media? The main themes of new media theory Applying medium theory to the new media New patterns of information traffic Computer-mediated community formation Political participation, new media and democracy Technologies of freedom? New equalizer or divider? Conclusion 7. Normative Theory of Media and Society Sources of normative obligation The media and the public interest Main issues for social theory of the media Early approaches to theory: the press as 'fourth estate' The 1947 Commission on Freedom of the Press and the social theory of responsibility Professionalism and media ethics Four Theories of the Press and beyond The public service broadcasting alternative Mass media, civil society and the public sphere Response to the discontents of the public sphere Alternative visions Normative media theory: four models Conclusion PART THREE: STRUCTURES 8. Media Structure and Performance: Principles and Accountability Media freedom as a principle Media equality as a principle Media diversity as a principle Truth and information quality Social order and solidarity Cultural order The meaning of accountability Two alternative models of accountability Lines and relations of accountability Frames of accountability Conclusion 9. Media Economics and Governance Media 'not just any other business' The basics of media structure and levels of analysis Some economic principles of media structure Ownership and control Competition and concentration Mass media governance The regulation of mass media: alternative models Media policy paradigm shifts Media systems and political systems Conclusion 10. Global Mass Communication Origins of globalization Driving forces: technology and money Global media structure Multinational media ownership and control Varieties of global mass media International media dependency Cultural imperialism and beyond The media transnationalization process International news flow The global trade in media culture Towards a global media culture? Global media governance Conclusion PART FOUR: ORGANIZATIONS 11. The Media Organization: Pressures and Demands Research methods and perspectives The main issues Levels of analysis The media organization in a field of social forces Relations with society Relations with pressure and interest groups Relations with owners and clients Relations with the audience Aspects of internal structure and dynamics The influence of personal characteristics of mass communicators Role conflicts and dilemmas Conclusion 12. The Production of Media Culture Media-organizational activities: gatekeeping and selection Influences on news selection The struggle over access between media and society The influence of sources on news Media-organizational activity: processing and presentation The logic of media culture Alternative models of decision-making The coming of convergence culture: consumers as producers Conclusion PART FIVE: CONTENT 13. Media Content: Issues, Concepts and Methods of Analysis Why study media content? Critical perspectives on content Structuralism and semiology Media content as information Media performance discourse Objectivity and its measurement Questions of research method Traditional content analysis Quantitative and qualitative analysis compared Conclusion 14. Media Genres and Texts Questions of genre Genre and the internet The news genre The structure of news: bias and framing News as narrative Television violence The cultural text and its meanings Conclusion PART SIX: AUDIENCES 15. Audience Theory and Research Traditions The audience concept The original audience From mass to market Goals of audience research Alternative traditions of research Audience issues of public concern Types of audience The audience as a group or public The gratifi cation set as audience The medium audience Audience as defi ned by channel or content Questions of audience reach Activity and selectivity Conclusion 16. Audience Formation and Experience The 'why' of media use A structural approach to audience formation The uses and gratifi cations approach An integrated model of audience choice Public and private spheres of media use Subculture and audience Lifestyle Gendered audiences Sociability and uses of the media Normative framing of media use Audience norms for content The view from the audience Media fandom The end of the audience? The 'escape' of the audience The future of the audience The audience concept again Conclusion PART SEVEN: EFFECTS 17. Processes and Models of Media Effects The premise of media effect The natural history of media effect research and theory: four phases Types of communicative power Levels and kinds of effects Processes of media effect: a typology Individual response and reaction: the stimulus-response model Mediating conditions of effect Source-receiver relations and effect The campaign Conclusion 18. Social-Cultural Effects A model of behavioural effect The media, violence and crime Media, children and young people Collective reaction effects Diffusion of innovation and development The social distribution of knowledge Social learning theory Socialization Social control and consciousness formation Cultivation Media and long-term social and cultural change Entertainment effects Conclusion 19. News, Public Opinion and Political Communication Learning from news News diffusion Framing effects Agenda-setting Effects on public opinion and attitudes The elaboration-likelihood model of infl uence The spiral of silence: the formation of climates of opinion Structuring reality and unwitting bias The communication of risk Political communication effects in democracies Effects on the political institution and process Media influence on event outcomes Propaganda and war Internet news effects Conclusion EPILOGUE 20. The Future of Mass Communication Origins of the mass communication idea The end of mass communication? The survival of mass communication The consequences of new media for mass communication Conclusion
2,040 citations
TL;DR: The authors examines the point of journalistic production in one major news organization and shows how reporters and editors manage constraints of time, space, and market pressure under regimes of convergence news making, drawing connections between the political economy of the journalistic field, the organizational structure of multimedia firms, new communications technologies, and the qualities of content created by med...
Abstract: A paradox of contemporary sociology is that the discipline has largely abandoned the empirical study of journalistic organizations and news institutions at the moment when the media has gained visibility in political, economic, and cultural spheres; when other academic fields have embraced the study of media and society; and when leading sociological theorists have broken from the disciplinary cannon to argue that the media are key actors in modern life. This article examines the point of journalistic production in one major news organization and shows how reportersand editors manage constraints of time, space, and market pressure under regimes of convergence news making. It considers the implications of these conditions for the particular forms of intellectual and cultural labor that journalists produce, drawing connections between the political economy of the journalistic field, the organizational structure of multimedia firms, new communications technologies, and the qualities of content created by med...
273 citations
01 Jan 2016
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors proposed a method to compute the probability of a given node having a negative value for a given value of 0, i.e., a node having no negative value is 0.
Abstract: Для числа ε > 0 и вещественной функции f на отрезке [a, b] обозначим через N(ε, f, [a, b]) супремум множества тех номеров n, для которых в [a, b] существует набор неналегающих отрезков [ai, bi], i = 1, . . . , n, таких, что |f(ai)− f(bi)| > ε для всех i = 1, . . . , n (sup ∅ = 0). Доказана следующая теорема: если {fj} – поточечно ограниченная последовательность вещественных функций на отрезке [a, b] такая, что n(ε) ≡ lim supj→∞N(ε, fj , [a, b]) < ∞ для любого ε > 0, то {fj} содержит подпоследовательность, которая всюду на [a, b] сходится к некоторой функции f такой, что N(ε, f, [a, b]) 6 n(ε) при любом ε > 0. Показано, что основное условие в этой теореме, связанное с верхним пределом, необходимо для равномерно сходящейся последовательности {fj} и “почти” необходимо для всюду сходящейся последовательности измеримых функций и что многие поточечные принципы выбора, обобщающие классическую теорему Хелли, вытекают из этой теоремы, а также приводятся примеры, иллюстрирующие ее точность. Библиография: 16 названий.
188 citations
TL;DR: Several recent studies document the rapid growth and success of ethnic or minority media in, for example, North America and Western Europe as mentioned in this paper, and scholars in the field tend to attribute this trend as an...
Abstract: Several recent studies document the rapid growth and success of ethnic or minority media in, for example, North America and Western Europe. Scholars in the field tend to attribute this trend as an ...
185 citations
References
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01 Jan 2012
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors study the origins of institutional change through the dichotomy of cognitive versus material and argue that changes in materiality affect our habitualized activities depending on how these changes are produced.
Abstract: In this dissertation, I study the origins of institutional change. In organizational institutionalism institutional change is seen as being triggered either by exogenous shocks or by endogenous factors. I propose to see the origins of change instead through the dichotomy of cognitive versus material. One rationale for this is that, when addressing more broadly dispersed societal practices, the distinction between endogenous and exogenous loses its meaning. Another reason is that without taking materiality into account in a more comprehensive manner, institutional theory is toothless against the vast material fluxes that human activity, patterned as established practices, produces and consumes. Human activity is transforming the very basis of its foundation: raw material sources, ecosystems and even the climate of the planet. Not only does human activity have an impact on the planet, but the materiality in which we live, has its impact on our activity. I argue that changes in materiality affect our habitualized activities depending on how these changes are produced. This setting requires a more comprehensive relating of material and cognitive processes, something that I attempt to elucidate in this dissertation. I ground my conceptual development in the German sociology of knowledge, foremost in the writings of Alfred Schutz and Thomas Luckmann.
Established practices related to fossil fuels are central with regard to the adverse impacts of human activity. I study arguably the most successful attempt to deviate from these patterns: Proalcool. This ambitious Brazilian biofuel program was launched in 1975. Although alcohol was generally argued to be the definitive Brazilian solution and alcohol cars dominated the scene in the 1980s, by the end of the 1990s the program had lost its legitimacy and was seen as baggage to be done away with. I reconstruct the evolution of the program from 1975 to 2000 as a detailed narrative based on some 4000 news articles published in a major newspaper in Brazil, Folha de Sao Paulo. I analyze the reasons behind the major transformations and the attempts to transform the program. As a result of the empirical analysis, I propose a new concept, a new type of disruption. This “accumulative disruption” will help us to better understand our societies. In my view, the bulk of material changes in our contemporary world is, by nature, accumulative, as it is a result of established practices consuming and producing materiality in various forms. As established practices gain legitimacy through the process of being reproduced, so too do the material fluxes that these practices beget gain legitimacy. For this, even though accumulation transforms our material environment, it is apperceived as being natural rather than disruptive. Overall, institutionalization should be seen not only as a ubiquitous process by which meanings become reified, but also as a process in which material fluxes and material accumulation are inherent.; Tassa vaitoskirjassa tutkin institutionaalisen muutoksen alkulahteita.…
12 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a theoretical analysis of these aspects needs a framework in terms of social theory: Luhmann's concept of a functionally differentiated society and the mechanisms of structural couplings could help to understand the relations and interplay of these systems in the climate-debate.
Abstract: Mass media and its mechanisms of production and selection play a crucial role in the definition of climate change risks. Different form of logic in the political, scientific and media systems are vital aspects in the public debate on this issue. A theoretical analysis of these aspects needs a framework in terms of social theory: Luhmann’s concept of a functionally-differentiated society and the mechanisms of structural couplings could help to understand the relations and interplay of these systems in the climate-debate. Based on this framework and various empirical studies, this paper suggests: different logics lead to different climate-definitions in science, politics and mass media. Climate change became interesting, but not until it was located in the political decision-making process. Climate issues become publicly interesting, when they are clear, contentious and can be linked to Elite-Persons. In contrast to scientific communication, news media make great efforts to be clear and definite in their communications.
12 citations
Dissertation•
25 May 2015
TL;DR: In this article, a macroeconomic model of regional integration (IRMALAB) based on the classical assumptions of neo-functionalism classical and intergovernmentalism and incorporating a broader view of social systems is proposed, which introduces new ways to explain the cited phenomenon.
Abstract: This research aims to theoretically contribute to enrich the current debate about the intense contemporary phenomenon of Preferential Trade Agreements, which have become the most prominent feature of the multilateral trading system. By January 15, 2012 some 511 Regional Integration Agreements (RIAs) were reported in the areas of goods, services, accessories, among others; out of these 319 are active and almost all members of the World Trade Organization have joined a trade bloc. It is well known that the process of development of RIAs, as global trend, has been of an inclusive type between developed and developing countries, has prompted intense trade liberalization and the complexity of the rules of the economic game, for all countries in the same manner. Identified inaccuracies, gaps and contradictions in the conceptualization of traditional theories that attempt to explain the phenomenon of RIAs, whether economic or political, and the estimate of the divergence between the expected and actual benefits as a result of the accession of one country to a RIAs, are the central questions of this work. The research examines, from a theoretical point of view, the dynamic economic and social policies that come together in the framework of Regional Integration Agreements including the merits and criticisms of current theoretical approaches. Based on the analysis of the classical assumptions of neo-functionalism classical and intergovernmentalism and incorporating a broader view of social systems, we propose a first approach to an Integration System, which introduces new ways to explain the cited phenomenon based on the differentiation between the system and its environment and the role of actors and the interaction of economic, political and social subsystems and their feedback. The empirical analysis is performed on the premises of the interdependence and causality by applying system dynamics models (DS). It starts with the theoretical assumptions of modern economics, and the knowledge derived from RI agreements to structure a Macroeconomic Model of Regional Integration (IRMALAB), which
12 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a full-season comparative study of live tweeting practices generated around a political talk show and a talent show was presented. But the study focused on the following research questions: RQ1. What triggers active audience engagement in the two formats? RQ2. Do people tend to delegate or cover up the expression of opinion when the show deals with politics rather than entertainment?
Abstract: The practice of watching TV while using a secondary device is becoming a widespread social phenomenon. At the same time, a growing amount of studies, focus on users’ communicative behaviors while consuming specific TV programs or genres. Despite a diffuse scholarly interest on this issue, few studies compare different forms of online audience participation generated around different TV genres. This paper presents a full-season comparative study of live tweeting practices generated around a political talk show and a talent show. We focused on the following research questions: RQ1. What triggers active audience engagement in the two formats? RQ2. Do people tend to delegate or cover up the expression of opinion when the show deals with politics rather than entertainment? To answer these questions, from August 30 2012 to June 30 2013, we collected all tweets containing either the official hashtag of the political talk show Servizio Pubblico or the sixth Italian edition of X-Factor for a total amount of about 1 million tweets. For each episode (37), we identified peaks of Twitter engagement and observed the corresponding TV scene. We found that surprise and suspense play a different role in enacting online audience engagement. Further content analysis on a sample of eight peaks (13,189 coded tweets) confirmed the substantial difference in the way opinions are expressed when commenting on politics and entertainment.
12 citations
24 Jan 2017
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the climate change discourse in the German networked public sphere with a focus on the climate skeptic counterpublic and the hypothesis that a polarizing discourse might lead to a fragmentation of the public sphere and the formation of echo chambers.
Abstract: This thesis is an investigation into the climate change discourse in the German networked public sphere with a focus on the climate skeptic counterpublic. It focuses in particular on the hypothesis that a polarizing discourse might lead to a fragmentation of the public sphere and the formation of echo chambers. This overarching research question of this thesis, then, asks how the climate skeptic counterpublic can potentially be integrated in the German networked public sphere and to what extent. The climate change discourse in Germany serves as a suitable example since it is heavily polarized with the mainstream being convinced that dangerous anthropogenic climate change is happening while the skeptic minority rejects the idea of a global warming and / or mankind’s responsibility. In order to understand the possible integration of the skeptic counterpublic in the networked public sphere, three studies were conducted based on the integration dimensions of similarity of discourse, connectivity and collective identity.
In the first study, the German-language climate networked public sphere was mapped with a hyperlink network analysis of over 10,000 climate websites. The results show a highly polarized, almost unconnected discourse and suggest that climate skeptics could even be considered to form an echo chamber in which only climate skeptic and antagonistic messages are being shared. The second study, then, identifies several skeptic frames in the German news medias’ reporting on COP17. However, it can be concluded that climate skeptic messages are barely being included in the media coverage thus showing that skeptics are also excluded in the mass media. In the third study, 10,262 online comments of ten comment sections (four news sites, two climate skeptic blogs, two climate activist blogs, two climate science blogs) were analyzed to look at if and how connected skeptics are on the different sites. The results show that skeptics are highly active in the comment sections and account for over 40 % of the relevant comments. It is further shown that even though there is discussion between mainstream and counterpublic, users from the mainstream react highly critical to skeptic messages.
In sum, this thesis shows that albeit the climate skeptic counterpublic is structurally only barely connected to the mainstream as well as excluded from the mass media, skeptics are very vocal and foster discussions over climate change and climate science. These discussions, even though characterized by the clash of two opposing beliefs, are a sign of integration and show that the fear of an echo chamber that is disconnected from other opinions and, indeed, society is premature.
12 citations