Globalization Are you an optimist or a pessimist? Can we change the world? Does there need to be a change? What role does the media play in promoting globalization? Is this a force for good, or does it make the world more violent or disengaged?

FORCES OF GLOBALIZATION Forces are things that promote change

Force One: TRADE People have always traded with others for the goods they need People trade: - to get goods and services unavailable at home - to get better quality or less expensive goods

Transnational corporations Definition: A company that is based in one country while developing, manufacturing and selling its products in more than one country PROS – provide training and jobs and needed products CONS – jobs are often low level and unskilled – “McJobs”, profits only benefit the country where the company is headquartered

Force Two: TRANSPORTATION Essential for trade Revolutions in transportation: Locomotives (esp. refrigerated cars) Container shipping About 40% of goods move in containers Reduces cost Increases speed Allows long distance trade Jet travel allows people to also move quickly = increases the pace of globalization

Force Three: COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY Computers have revolutionized the way information moves The Internet has allowed businesses and customers to communicate anywhere in the world, at all times.

Computers and the Internet Facebook – friends all over the world International social networking Sharing of ideas Fusion of information Instant messaging How often do you text? Could you go a day without texting? Cellular / Satellite phones Online retail

Media Globalization has allowed access to media from around the world News and events can be seen by everyone at the same time and we have instant access to information from other countries

Media Concentration – concentrating ownership of media in the hands of a small number of corporations ex. CTVglobemedia owns TV stations and newspapers Media Convergence – the use of technology to integrate media (newspapers, TV, books, magazines, Internet). They can work together to share stories.

Impact of Communication and Media Americanization Their commentators, their point of view Media giants: Own most of the major networks Biases coverage Homogenizes commentary and coverage Can you think of some news events that have taken on a global scale because of modern communications technology? Can you recognize the following events from international news?

Do you think the election of Stephen Harper was seen in global news coverage?

Do we have an obligation as global citizens to watch world news events Do we have an obligation as global citizens to watch world news events? Is watching the local Calgary news each night enough?