On the Media and (Religious) Public(s)

Media The Media as a generator of meaning; NOT an instrument of delivery of messages No linearity in the mediation process- dominant paradigm Religion as a mediated phenomenon

Media as Culture We are First and Foremost mediated beings The media should be approached from a cultural perspective In what ways are established power structures and practices challenged within a religion through cultures of mediation?

Media as Industries This is not new: The Printing Press- Luther aligned himself with the commercial printers of his time (16th) In what ways do the economic structures and requirements of media industries require religious institutions to restructure to participate in them?

Media as Text A media text is a signifying structure that sues cultural signs and codes to convey a message, a shared meaning Audiences in this textual framework are active agents in the construction of meaning How do texts function and exercise power in the construction and mediation of religious ideas, practices, and institutional life?

Media as Technologies Technical and sensory characteristics of technology is as important as the content Innis and McLuhan: Technologies are extensions of man- new media create new sensory experiences and consciousness Exchanging religious ideas on a Website Participating in a megachurch with flashing lights and amplified music Sitting in a small rural church where voice in unamplified and singing is accompanied by a small organ

The Machine is US/ing Us

The Public Where, how and with whom you experience mediation is crucially important There are many publics or sub-publics We are all summoned as members of a public or publics through the media

Religious Publics Media technologies and properties summon different publics- CNN vs Al- Jazeera Churches and other religious organizations call upon different constituents based on their translation/popularization of religious doctrine- Al-Azhar vs Vatican New media can create new publics or at least public spaces which may or may not impact the global public But is there such a thing as a Global Public?