Theories of mass communication and new media paradigms

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Digital media:

hypertexuality

non-linear

customisation and personalisation

interactive

multimedia

New media = old theories

paradigms

theoratical

traditional

3 paradigms:

1. Critical paradigm:

a) Focuses on cultural industry and domination of modern capitalistic societies

b) European

c) Critiques ownership and control, ideolgies

2. Empiricle paradigm

a) Counterpoint to critical paradigm

b) Based on mass communication research

c) North american in approach

3. Interactive paradigm:

a) Influenced by Anthropoply (ethnography and semiology)

b) Believe mass communication 1) a social construction and b) meaning is socially constructed.

c) Analyses social discourse and newsmaking

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Theories of Mass Communication applied to new media

1. Rhetoric of newness in the beggining

2. Cricis argued: there hasnt been any substantial change in media or culture.

3. Supporters say: we're moving to a digital world

The cyber revolution:

theories of mass communication become obsolete by the 1980's

there is a call for models to accomadate interactivity

Cyber Revolution calls on New theories for New media:

Cyberculture

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Habermas definition of public sphere:

line between the state and private individuals

the public sphere characteristics:

- inclusive however he left out women and the lower class

- place for rational debate

- common concerns however he never fully describe the common concern

- disregard for status

3 things a modern society needs to be modern:

1. economy = a market for people to take part in

2. democratic self rule = freedom of expression in a country where private ownership is welcomed

3. public sphere = where private citizens meet to discuss, engage and debate in ecconomic and political matters

Media acts as the fourth estate in the public sphere: there to inform.

Definition of a modern public sphere by Thompson

1. force of legitimacy

2. free of political structers

3.