Topic 2: New media, globalisation & popular culture Key Issues: What is the ‘new media’? Characteristics of the ‘new media’ Who is using the ‘new media’? Neophiliacs & Cultural Pessimists perspective Postmodernism Globalisation of the media Essay Title Assess the impact of the media & globalisation on popular culture.

New media refers to the evolution of existing media delivery systems and the development of new digital communication technologies. New Media 1. Convergence-combining different technologies 2. Compression-signals are digitals so can be sent down the same cable 3. Interactivity-where the audience can interact with the media 3 Characteristics of the New Media

Convergence Read page )How does Boyle (2005) define convergence? 2)Can you provide and explain 3 contemporary examples. 3)According to Jenkins (2008) why is the mobile phone a perfect example of convergence? Explain.

Who uses the new media? Age: use most – old people the least Used for: contact – work – gaming – shopping Different ages use for different reasons Location: western world use it most Poorest countries Unable to access it due to poverty, availability & language barrier as it is predominately in English The USA & Western Europe generate most of the content of the web. Gender: Girls more likely to have mobile phone, use internet, listen to radio & read papers & mags than boys. Women are less confident with using PCs Boys & men are more likely to playing on their games consoles Social Class: middle & upper classes more likely to use it as they can afford it. Used for: contact – work – gaming – shopping – feel like they can’t live without it WC: have mobiles but no contract

Increased consumer choice-more T.V channels and increase in media output systems An e-commerce revolution-shopping online quick and easy. Retailers offer exclusive internet deals Revitalizing democracy- people can seek alternative views than the ones presented in mainstream media Neo-philiacs Like the new media Cultural pessimists Believes that the revolution of the new media has been exaggerated by the neophiliacs Commercialisation- increase in the commercial use of the net. Domination by media conglomerates- internet is dominated by small amount of companies and they can direct you to what they want. Decline in quality -not more choice, they are just full of repeats and trashy TV. Reinforcing elite power-major corporations dominates the web with sites that ensure their view dominates.

Postmodernism The media has become more influential in shaping our identity. The media also defines our lifestyle, for example what we wear and eat. We buy labels not clothes. Not part of real communities but proto- communities. (facebook, soaps) Criticisms- Exaggerate the degree of social change - Media does influence people but it is not the only thing - It ignores the fact that some people can’t access the internet or TV. We no longer look at grand theories such as science or Marxism to explain the world

Globalisation is the shrinking of the world! Consequences of globalisation of the media: Increased choice - Helps develop societies - Promotes different cultural styles around the world Examples of globalization of the media Satellite TV – opened up the worlds of TV – now view your favorite programs all over the world. Ownership of mass media – large organization own media across the world & in different formats Entertainment – we watch the same films, TV programs, listen to the same music & support the same sporting events. Advertising – certain brands are internationally recognizable – Coco-cola, Mc Donalds, Levis The internet – allows us access to the world from where ever we are.

Disneyfication The influence of American entertainment culture on the rest of the world We all watch American sit coms Listen to celebrity gossip Creates consumerism Which is creating a world of sameness rather than diversity. Marxists view of globalisation of the media They argue that it restricts choice Local media & culture is being replaced by global culture Which is dominated by a powerful few. Postmodernist view of globalisation of the media Disagree with Marxists -it offers more choices & opportunities Local cultures are not swallowed up they adapt to global culture They take elements of it & match it to their own culture.