CMNS 130CMNS 130

Digital Democracy,Communication Rights Digital Democracy,Communication Rights and the Mediaand the Media

Rhetoric and Reality on the Rhetoric and Reality on the InternetInternet

Ideology of the InternetIdeology of the InternetThe Right to CommunicationThe Right to Communication

The Call to CitizensThe Call to Citizens

CMNS 130CMNS 130

Rhetoric and Reality of the InternetRhetoric and Reality of the Internet

A David and Goliath storyA David and Goliath storyInternet enables consumers to download Internet enables consumers to download

the music they want, to break the power the music they want, to break the power of the multinational recording labelsof the multinational recording labels

Plus: Plus: Internet opens up choice: alternative Internet opens up choice: alternative

news sources, alternative venues for news sources, alternative venues for distribution of new artistsdistribution of new artists

Minus: Minus: enables pornography to spread, rapidly enables pornography to spread, rapidly

being commercialisedbeing commercialised

CMNS 130CMNS 130

Ideology 2Ideology 2

Why have countries around the world Why have countries around the world failed to see the Internet as offering a failed to see the Internet as offering a revolutionary technology with as broad a revolutionary technology with as broad a social impact as the radio in the 20s and social impact as the radio in the 20s and the 30s? Why have they not protected and the 30s? Why have they not protected and invested in a public space?invested in a public space?

Why do they frame the Internet as a right Why do they frame the Internet as a right for consumers, and not a right for citizens?for consumers, and not a right for citizens?

CMNS 130CMNS 130

The Right to CommunicateThe Right to Communicate

Birdsall et al refrain from a full articulation.Birdsall et al refrain from a full articulation. Why? Citizens should be involved in Why? Citizens should be involved in

defining itdefining it Yet 1991 Canadian Act in Broadcasting did Yet 1991 Canadian Act in Broadcasting did

not involve Citizens….1996 US Act not involve Citizens….1996 US Act involved citizens, but the civic agenda lostinvolved citizens, but the civic agenda lost

CMNS 130CMNS 130

Communication RightsCommunication Rights

1.1. Right to inform and be informedRight to inform and be informed

2.2. Right of active participation in Right of active participation in communication processcommunication process

3.3. Right of equitable access to Right of equitable access to communication resources and communication resources and informationinformation

4.4. Right to privacy: individual and collectiveRight to privacy: individual and collective

source: Birdsall et al in courseware.source: Birdsall et al in courseware.

CMNS 130CMNS 130

Constitutional FrameworkConstitutional Framework

Stipulates “freedom of thought, belief, opinion and Stipulates “freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of speech and the expression, including freedom of speech and the press and other media”press and other media”

In legal interpretation, both a shield and a sword In legal interpretation, both a shield and a sword ( unstable history) since may be subject to ( unstable history) since may be subject to ‘reasonable limits’‘reasonable limits’

Need more affirmation of a Right to CommunicateNeed more affirmation of a Right to CommunicateA charter amendmentA charter amendmentA new judicial discourseA new judicial discourseA public internet/New Media policy( Birdsall et al)A public internet/New Media policy( Birdsall et al)Irony: In Canada, most jurisprudence brought by Irony: In Canada, most jurisprudence brought by

individuals against the laws, not groups against individuals against the laws, not groups against corporations or statecorporations or state

CMNS 130CMNS 130

Responsibilities to CommunicateResponsibilities to Communicate

Democracy thrives on creation of a Democracy thrives on creation of a culture of citizenshipculture of citizenship Individuals have to assume responsibility to keep informed, Individuals have to assume responsibility to keep informed,

participate in the political process, and direct their participate in the political process, and direct their communication rightscommunication rights

The issue: if these responsibilities honoured, does the State The issue: if these responsibilities honoured, does the State have to ensure there is non-commercial space for have to ensure there is non-commercial space for communication alternatives?communication alternatives?Intervene to ensure choiceIntervene to ensure choiceFund alternative news sourcesFund alternative news sourcesSupport the CBCSupport the CBCBut also support indie/grassroots media more fully, in But also support indie/grassroots media more fully, in

advertising, editorial development, training and media advertising, editorial development, training and media literacy programsliteracy programs

This asserts there must be a positive role of the State in This asserts there must be a positive role of the State in providing citizens with the capacity to exert their providing citizens with the capacity to exert their franchisefranchise

CMNS 130CMNS 130

ReviewReview

What is the theoretical framework for this What is the theoretical framework for this class?class?

What do people say are the effects of the What do people say are the effects of the media?media?

What are some of the central problematics What are some of the central problematics in the study of the media in Canada and in the study of the media in Canada and around the world?around the world?

CMNS 130CMNS 130

The Overall FrameworkThe Overall Framework

Cultural Model of CommunicationCultural Model of CommunicationHow do the media and communication processes How do the media and communication processes

construct a map of meaning in which people travel over construct a map of meaning in which people travel over time?time?

Explores the predominant democratic values, Explores the predominant democratic values, constitutional frameworks and ideologies about constitutional frameworks and ideologies about what the what the media ‘ought’ to domedia ‘ought’ to do

Also implies point of view in evaluating Also implies point of view in evaluating how well they dohow well they do Explores lack of ‘culture of citizenship in the media’Explores lack of ‘culture of citizenship in the media’ Introduces a ‘propaganda’ framework, in situating Introduces a ‘propaganda’ framework, in situating

communication at the centre of power in any culture at any communication at the centre of power in any culture at any time, and challenging you to find where persusasion time, and challenging you to find where persusasion becomes propaganda/ where ‘objectivity’ becomes an becomes propaganda/ where ‘objectivity’ becomes an instrument of powerinstrument of power

A critical, social responsibility perspective throughoutA critical, social responsibility perspective throughout

CMNS 130CMNS 130

Assumptions of the “Cultural Assumptions of the “Cultural Model”Model”

Both market , state and citizen decisions about the media Both market , state and citizen decisions about the media create our cultural worldscreate our cultural worlds

Systems and structures of ownership and control create Systems and structures of ownership and control create professional environments and values which promote a professional environments and values which promote a certain capitalist world viewcertain capitalist world view ““cultivation” of world views, consequences on social stability, cultivation” of world views, consequences on social stability,

political cohesion and democracy are profoundpolitical cohesion and democracy are profound The effects are cumulative: long term: still only in second The effects are cumulative: long term: still only in second

generation of their effectsgeneration of their effects If you are a liberal/pro democracy, this is not fundamentally If you are a liberal/pro democracy, this is not fundamentally

disturbingdisturbing If you are critical of capitalism or seeking to restrain its If you are critical of capitalism or seeking to restrain its

rapacious excesses, you explore the operation of hegemony rapacious excesses, you explore the operation of hegemony working to suppress minorities, workers and the working to suppress minorities, workers and the dispossessed.dispossessed.

CMNS 130CMNS 130

The Impact of Television: A Canadian Natural The Impact of Television: A Canadian Natural ExperimentExperiment

Communities like Igloolik twice voted Communities like Igloolik twice voted against having TV in the Northagainst having TV in the North

Eventually concededEventually conceded A study by Tannis McBeth Williams looked A study by Tannis McBeth Williams looked

at a natural experiment: before and after at a natural experiment: before and after introduction in 1970s. There was ‘notel’ introduction in 1970s. There was ‘notel’ ‘mulitel’ and a control‘mulitel’ and a control

A multi part studyA multi part study

CMNS 130CMNS 130

Impact of TV on Creativity ( Key to Culture of Impact of TV on Creativity ( Key to Culture of Citizenship)Citizenship)

Does TV facilitate or inhibit creative Does TV facilitate or inhibit creative thinking or imagination?thinking or imagination?Looked at the alternate uses taskLooked at the alternate uses task

(e.g. tell me the different ways you (e.g. tell me the different ways you can use a newspaper)can use a newspaper)

Total number and originality scoredTotal number and originality scored

CMNS 130CMNS 130

Findings: CreativityFindings: Creativity

Notel scored higher before TVNotel scored higher before TV A drop in length people would try to solve A drop in length people would try to solve

problemsproblems Other dimensions: vocabulary use, spatial Other dimensions: vocabulary use, spatial

ability, reading IQ followed similar trendsability, reading IQ followed similar trends Particularly marked among childrenParticularly marked among children Why?Why?

TV displaced other activities where TV displaced other activities where creativity is valued: displaced deeper creativity is valued: displaced deeper information processing, encouraged information processing, encouraged convergent, not divergent thinkingconvergent, not divergent thinking

TV suppresses a culture of creativity, TV suppresses a culture of creativity, intrinsic to a culture of citizenshipintrinsic to a culture of citizenship

CMNS 130CMNS 130

Findings: Aggression/Civility ( Key to Culture Findings: Aggression/Civility ( Key to Culture of Citizenship)of Citizenship)

Looked at patterns of children’s playLooked at patterns of children’s play Aggression used in place of a social solution more Aggression used in place of a social solution more

oftenoften Stereotyping and other expectations more Stereotyping and other expectations more

prevalent.prevalent. Emotion, not Rational problem solving during Emotion, not Rational problem solving during

conflict promotedconflict promoted Rejection of any effects not logically tenableRejection of any effects not logically tenable TV cultivates a ‘mean world’ syndrome which TV cultivates a ‘mean world’ syndrome which

saps a culture of citizenship, a sense of saps a culture of citizenship, a sense of community empowermentcommunity empowerment

Clearly, proven to displace other leisure pursuitsClearly, proven to displace other leisure pursuits

CMNS 130CMNS 130

What are the Cultural Effects?What are the Cultural Effects?

Media now predominantly commercially driven ( less Media now predominantly commercially driven ( less than 3% of TV viewing is now non commercial)than 3% of TV viewing is now non commercial)Exist to sell ideas, products valuesExist to sell ideas, products valuesPromote consumerism, individualism, will to gratify Promote consumerism, individualism, will to gratify

individual choiceindividual choice Promote ‘lifestyle’ politics: branding of self and identitiesPromote ‘lifestyle’ politics: branding of self and identities

““post” modern valorization of choice, diversity, post” modern valorization of choice, diversity, differencedifference

All as superficial styleAll as superficial style Promote an ethical relativism:Promote an ethical relativism:

its all a matter of taste, if you don’t like it, switch it offits all a matter of taste, if you don’t like it, switch it off TV commodifies politics, creates a culture of consumers, TV commodifies politics, creates a culture of consumers,

not citizens ( See Fletcher and McGrath)not citizens ( See Fletcher and McGrath)

CMNS 130CMNS 130

What are the Political Effects?What are the Political Effects?

Media set the agenda for what the public thinks is importantMedia set the agenda for what the public thinks is importantPublic opinion polls repeatedly find what people say is the top problem facing Public opinion polls repeatedly find what people say is the top problem facing

the nation is what the media are coveringthe nation is what the media are covering ‘‘Frame’ news in a certain wayFrame’ news in a certain way

So that elections are about the “horserace” and not the issues : Mayor DaVinciSo that elections are about the “horserace” and not the issues : Mayor DaVinciSo that there is a “war on terrorism” which legitimates almost total suspension So that there is a “war on terrorism” which legitimates almost total suspension

of civil libertiesof civil libertiesGuilty of war, not peacemongering?Guilty of war, not peacemongering?

Annenberg: cultivate a “mainstream world view” heavy TV viewers, lack Annenberg: cultivate a “mainstream world view” heavy TV viewers, lack of tolerance for diversity or complexityof tolerance for diversity or complexity

Historically: media focus on “ the now”:Historically: media focus on “ the now”: do not provide the past or contrary do not provide the past or contrary interpretations of the past and present interpretations of the past and present

Indirectly,Indirectly, send the political system into disreputesend the political system into disreputemay be contributing to the decline of party loyalty, rise of swing voters, or may be contributing to the decline of party loyalty, rise of swing voters, or

decline of voting levels ( Taras, Fletcher and McGrathdecline of voting levels ( Taras, Fletcher and McGrath Structural view: Key agent of socialization into values of democratic Structural view: Key agent of socialization into values of democratic

capitalismcapitalism Critical View: Key agent of hegemony: maintenance of power and Critical View: Key agent of hegemony: maintenance of power and

exploitation of weakexploitation of weak

CMNS 130CMNS 130

The Conflict of Values in News Manufacture: The Conflict of Values in News Manufacture: Democracy’s OxygenDemocracy’s Oxygen

What sellsWhat sells

What is ‘hot’ recentWhat is ‘hot’ recent What is close and What is close and

relevantrelevant Reports starsReports stars

Involves conflictInvolves conflict

Easily labels: Easily labels: reductionistreductionist

Unexpected, novelUnexpected, novel

What the society thinks What the society thinks it valuesit values

What matters: What matters: What is not ambulance What is not ambulance

chasingchasing Reports broad Reports broad

newsmakers and NGOsnewsmakers and NGOs Features conflict Features conflict

resolutionresolution ComplexComplex Context: history, a map Context: history, a map

to interpreting to interpreting complexitycomplexity

CMNS 130CMNS 130

What are the social effects?What are the social effects?

Fleras: media express dominant culture, Fleras: media express dominant culture, contain minority cultures, establish hierarchy, contain minority cultures, establish hierarchy, exclusion or inclusionexclusion or inclusion

Promote social tolerance/intolerance or Promote social tolerance/intolerance or empathy/ indifference to ethnocultural or empathy/ indifference to ethnocultural or other differenceother difference

Now, media interaction requires higher and Now, media interaction requires higher and higher access to money for the technology and higher access to money for the technology and literacy: creating a wider digital divide: a literacy: creating a wider digital divide: a middle class gated community?middle class gated community?

The sociology of community is white, middle The sociology of community is white, middle class and gatedclass and gated

CMNS 130CMNS 130

Several Core Dichotomies to 130Several Core Dichotomies to 130

Citizen versus consumerCitizen versus consumer Market versus stateMarket versus state Regulation versus deregulationRegulation versus deregulation Censorship versus freedom of Censorship versus freedom of

expressionexpression Liberal versus reform responsibility Liberal versus reform responsibility Democracy versus PropagandaDemocracy versus Propaganda Cultural Democracy versus Cultural Cultural Democracy versus Cultural

IndustriesIndustries

CMNS 130CMNS 130

Citizen versus ConsumerCitizen versus Consumer

The audience is the commodity in commercial media: The audience is the commodity in commercial media: access to them is bought and sold to advertisersaccess to them is bought and sold to advertisers

Their individual purchase/protest/switch off power is limitedTheir individual purchase/protest/switch off power is limitedConsumer can veto in the marketplace ( Napster) and win Consumer can veto in the marketplace ( Napster) and win

partial victorypartial victory Teeth of the self-regulatory bodies are weakTeeth of the self-regulatory bodies are weak Consumer Sovereignty not all that is supposedConsumer Sovereignty not all that is supposed As citizens, they control the lawmakersAs citizens, they control the lawmakers Are shareholders in the CBC: their only non commercial Are shareholders in the CBC: their only non commercial

( and largest news source outside of Canada and in Canada)( and largest news source outside of Canada and in Canada) Can complain/mobilize against offensive mediaCan complain/mobilize against offensive media

BUT fewer than 10% do so( MediaWatch Survey): most BUT fewer than 10% do so( MediaWatch Survey): most just think they can turn off/ not turn to an alternative/or just think they can turn off/ not turn to an alternative/or formulate community standardsformulate community standards

Can argue for ownership laws: is a social movement Can argue for ownership laws: is a social movement arising in the US?arising in the US?

CMNS 130CMNS 130

Citizen versus ConsumerCitizen versus Consumer

CITIZENSCITIZENSSee a right to See a right to

communicate is centralcommunicate is centralMaximize collective Maximize collective

public goodspublic goodsConcerned about digital Concerned about digital

divide and growing gap divide and growing gap rich and poorrich and poor

Focus on public Focus on public interest, social interest, social responsibility viewsresponsibility views

Positive rightsPositive rights

CONSUMERSCONSUMERS See freedom of choiceSee freedom of choice

Maximize individual wantsMaximize individual wants

See media as mostly See media as mostly entertainment, and a entertainment, and a luxury, for those who can luxury, for those who can affordafford

Focus on right to Focus on right to make/spend money, neo-make/spend money, neo-liberal viewsliberal views

Negative rights onlyNegative rights only

CMNS 130CMNS 130

Censorship versus Freedom of ExpressionCensorship versus Freedom of Expression

There is no absolute right to freedom of expression There is no absolute right to freedom of expression in the Canadian constitutionin the Canadian constitution

There are unique protections for minority expression, There are unique protections for minority expression, the consideration of when, in certain cases, social the consideration of when, in certain cases, social good may outweigh individual or corporate freedom good may outweigh individual or corporate freedom of expressionof expression

Canada has some of the most progressive standards Canada has some of the most progressive standards in the world ( Gendersetting, Violence in Media etc)in the world ( Gendersetting, Violence in Media etc)

But every case is different: there is a superordinate But every case is different: there is a superordinate freedom of expression, and some communities value freedom of expression, and some communities value it more highly than others: but citizens must be it more highly than others: but citizens must be aware of how to influence community standards in aware of how to influence community standards in its interpretation and what are the main tests for its interpretation and what are the main tests for evaluating media contentsevaluating media contents

CMNS 130CMNS 130

Censorship Versus Freedom of ExpressionCensorship Versus Freedom of Expression

CensorshipCensorshipMay override basic May override basic

freedoms when limits are freedoms when limits are ‘reasonable’, ‘reasonable’, ‘democratic’( that is, ‘democratic’( that is, prescribed by law) and prescribed by law) and demonstrably justified in a demonstrably justified in a free, democratic and free, democratic and multicultural societymulticultural society

Censorship is social control Censorship is social control by the majority, necessary by the majority, necessary and normaland normal

Censorship may be Censorship may be enacted to protect the enacted to protect the minority from the majority( minority from the majority( hate)hate)

Censorship can have Censorship can have effect: that is, reduce risk effect: that is, reduce risk or change behavioror change behavior

Freedom of ExpressionFreedom of ExpressionFundamental to the Fundamental to the

individual, includes the individual, includes the mediamedia

Should therefore be Should therefore be absoluteabsolute

Censorship is by an Censorship is by an elite/control oriented and elite/control oriented and often misdirected at often misdirected at symptom, not underlying symptom, not underlying cause of social problemscause of social problems

Censorship is ineffective in Censorship is ineffective in changing behavior: thwarts changing behavior: thwarts rather than advances rather than advances democracy by hiding the democracy by hiding the unpleasant or drawing unpleasant or drawing more attention to itmore attention to it

( see page 96: Fleras)( see page 96: Fleras)

CMNS 130CMNS 130

Democracy Versus PropagandaDemocracy Versus Propaganda

Historically, State’s have used propaganda against their Historically, State’s have used propaganda against their enemies in war, and certain techniques on their own enemies in war, and certain techniques on their own troops/citizens to mobilize in a ‘just’, democratically troops/citizens to mobilize in a ‘just’, democratically constituted warconstituted war

Propaganda involves censorship: it requires it to workPropaganda involves censorship: it requires it to work Traditional propaganda during war has now expanded into Traditional propaganda during war has now expanded into

‘war on terrorism’ with no clear time horizon or clear ‘war on terrorism’ with no clear time horizon or clear enemyenemy

Democratic regimes now use political marketing, Democratic regimes now use political marketing, techniques of persuasion widelytechniques of persuasion widelySole protections: Ethics Commissioner, Access to Sole protections: Ethics Commissioner, Access to

Information Acts, vigilant public press and vigilant publicInformation Acts, vigilant public press and vigilant public Various Homeland Security Acts/ covenants on Terrorism Various Homeland Security Acts/ covenants on Terrorism

pose a real threat to press freedoms and public’s rights to pose a real threat to press freedoms and public’s rights to privacy and to know…especially raise the issue of racial privacy and to know…especially raise the issue of racial profiling, new forms of State oppressionprofiling, new forms of State oppression

( See Fleras, pp. 53-57)( See Fleras, pp. 53-57)

CMNS 130CMNS 130

Traditional Theories of PersuasionTraditional Theories of Persuasion

Appeals based on ethos ( character and Appeals based on ethos ( character and credibility)credibility)

Pathos ( emotion or feeling)Pathos ( emotion or feeling)Logos ( argument)Logos ( argument)

The psychosocial dimension:The psychosocial dimension:Totalitarian propaganda plays on fear of other, Totalitarian propaganda plays on fear of other,

will to security, uncertainty, tendency to will to security, uncertainty, tendency to conformityconformity

Democratic Propaganda plays on desire for Democratic Propaganda plays on desire for well being, happiness. Sense of well being, happiness. Sense of belongingnessbelongingness

CMNS 130CMNS 130

Democracy Versus PropagandaDemocracy Versus Propaganda

DemocracyDemocracy Appeals to Ethos: Appeals to Ethos:

egalltarianism, egalltarianism, individualismindividualism

We-nessWe-ness DecentralisedDecentralised Lives on myth of Lives on myth of

rule of the peoplerule of the people Indirect censorshipIndirect censorship

PropagandaPropaganda Appeal to Pathos: Appeal to Pathos:

fearfear

OtherOther CentralisedCentralised Lives on myth of Lives on myth of

rulerruler

Direct censorshipDirect censorship

CMNS 130CMNS 130

Democratic PropagandaDemocratic Propaganda

We are taught this is an oxymoronWe are taught this is an oxymoron Since it is in aid of the ‘good’ it is not propagandaSince it is in aid of the ‘good’ it is not propaganda But it is not: democracies have become markets But it is not: democracies have become markets

based on persuasionbased on persuasion When is the continuum of persuasion antithetical When is the continuum of persuasion antithetical

to democracy, to civil rights and to justice?to democracy, to civil rights and to justice?When it perpetuates hateWhen it perpetuates hateLeads to Subjugation, dehumanizationLeads to Subjugation, dehumanizationWhen it uses the big lieWhen it uses the big lieWhen it censors, before after and duringWhen it censors, before after and duringWhen it suppresses dissent When it suppresses dissent When it thrives on secrecyWhen it thrives on secrecy

CMNS 130CMNS 130

Democratic PropagandaDemocratic Propaganda

See the Fleras piece in the courseware(53-54)See the Fleras piece in the courseware(53-54) How does he define it? How does he define it?

Central argument: media work as discourses in defence Central argument: media work as discourses in defence of ideologyof ideology

Reference to media as democratic propaganda provides Reference to media as democratic propaganda provides a fresh and unconventional way of understanding a fresh and unconventional way of understanding mainstream media in terms of what they do and howmainstream media in terms of what they do and how

But:But:Do not underestimate the gap between Do not underestimate the gap between

authoritarianism and democracyauthoritarianism and democracyIn Western Democracies: the biggest restraint on In Western Democracies: the biggest restraint on

propaganda is the people and their power over propaganda is the people and their power over election; over private sectorelection; over private sector

CMNS 130CMNS 130

Propaganda MethodsPropaganda Methods

Black artBlack art: : Name callingName calling and demonization of the other and demonization of the other Glittering GeneralityGlittering Generality Transference:Transference: TestimonialsTestimonials Card Stacking:Card Stacking: Lie by omission: Lie by omission: Quote out of contextQuote out of context Bold assertionBold assertion Twisting or DistortionTwisting or Distortion Logical FallaciesLogical Fallacies- Manipulation of LanguageManipulation of Language

- Delete the agent of a sentenceDelete the agent of a sentence – obscures responsibility. – obscures responsibility. Instead of US declared war, War was declared.Instead of US declared war, War was declared.

- Delete experiencerDelete experiencer—imputes a harder fact. Instead of —imputes a harder fact. Instead of journalists estimated 10,000 at the demonstration, say 10,000 hit journalists estimated 10,000 at the demonstration, say 10,000 hit the streets.the streets.

- Control Naming: Orwell: Ministry of Truth. Operation Desert Storm.Control Naming: Orwell: Ministry of Truth. Operation Desert Storm.

CMNS 130CMNS 130

Media in a Time of CrisisMedia in a Time of Crisis

Aftermath of 9-11 proves civil liberties are Aftermath of 9-11 proves civil liberties are vulnerablevulnerable

State control of military intelligence State control of military intelligence information is now very tightinformation is now very tight

Press not able to find out: about interned Press not able to find out: about interned prisoners ( importance of Arar case)prisoners ( importance of Arar case)

Canada not able to challenge US military Canada not able to challenge US military intelligence or find out about detained intelligence or find out about detained citizenscitizens

CMNS 130CMNS 130

Crisis Cont’dCrisis Cont’d

US now threatening video surveillance US now threatening video surveillance cameras at the border: ‘dictating’ 3 fold cameras at the border: ‘dictating’ 3 fold increase in military expenditures increase in military expenditures ( Rumsfeld); a new Canadian identity card; ( Rumsfeld); a new Canadian identity card; “surveillance society” of George Orwell’s “surveillance society” of George Orwell’s 1984 that threatens spillover1984 that threatens spillover

In the US, dissent is unpatriotic, “soft” or In the US, dissent is unpatriotic, “soft” or worse, terroristworse, terrorist

A return to propaganda, racial profiling, risk A return to propaganda, racial profiling, risk of McCarthy era in Cold War: and which of McCarthy era in Cold War: and which press is writing about this? The story is only press is writing about this? The story is only beginningbeginning

CMNS 130CMNS 130

The Media, Politics, Marketplace and The Media, Politics, Marketplace and DemocracyDemocracy

We have been and will continue to be We have been and will continue to be involved in major global transformations of involved in major global transformations of economies, democracies, cultures and economies, democracies, cultures and societiessocieties

The best way to monitor the impact of The best way to monitor the impact of such change is through a vigorous news such change is through a vigorous news media, committed artistic community, and media, committed artistic community, and impassioned debates over ethical and impassioned debates over ethical and democratic issuesdemocratic issues

CMNS 130CMNS 130

Media Reform Movements in CanadaMedia Reform Movements in Canada

Social movements emerging ( Mediawatch, CRARR, Social movements emerging ( Mediawatch, CRARR, Impacs, Fraser Institute)Impacs, Fraser Institute)

Observatories: global media monitoring labObservatories: global media monitoring lab Anti war,and pro citizen and pro privacyAnti war,and pro citizen and pro privacy Calls for increasing support for CBC: Calls for increasing support for CBC: Increasing $ to alternative mediaIncreasing $ to alternative media Federal investigation into mainstream oligopolies: a Federal investigation into mainstream oligopolies: a

pressure which is rising now that Minister Rock wants pressure which is rising now that Minister Rock wants to deregulate the restriction on 20% foreign ownershipto deregulate the restriction on 20% foreign ownership

More teeth– and supreme court challenges—on More teeth– and supreme court challenges—on complaints on the quality of media coverage to do complaints on the quality of media coverage to do with equity, or fairnesswith equity, or fairness

More studies of the content of the media: is it good or More studies of the content of the media: is it good or bad or whybad or why

CMNS 130CMNS 130

The Public OpportunityThe Public Opportunity

Venues like the World Information Summit Venues like the World Information Summit ( sponsored by the UN)( sponsored by the UN)

The International Cultural Accord which calls The International Cultural Accord which calls for fair trade in Culture ( UNESCO) led by for fair trade in Culture ( UNESCO) led by Canada and supported by over 50 countriesCanada and supported by over 50 countries

WTO: challenging again and again the WTO: challenging again and again the economism of their world vieweconomism of their world view

In Canada: Senate Inquiry, Next Election, In Canada: Senate Inquiry, Next Election, Child Pornography Bill, Proposed change to Child Pornography Bill, Proposed change to Foreign Investment laws etc. a Big AgendaForeign Investment laws etc. a Big Agenda

CMNS 130CMNS 130

Recommendations for Democratic Recommendations for Democratic CommunicationCommunication

CULTURAL DEMOCRACYCULTURAL DEMOCRACY Support public, Support public,

alternative, non-alternative, non-commercial space for commercial space for the mediathe media

Build media literacy Build media literacy and awarenessand awareness

Monitor and critique Monitor and critique mainstream mediamainstream media

Increase the quality Increase the quality and coordination of and coordination of self-regulationself-regulation

CULTURAL INDUSTRIESCULTURAL INDUSTRIES Protect the Freedom of Protect the Freedom of

the Pressthe Press Support private media Support private media

outlets against unfair outlets against unfair competition from the UScompetition from the US

Build audiences for Build audiences for Canadian mediaCanadian media

Monitor and critique Monitor and critique alternative mediaalternative media

De regulation: there is De regulation: there is sufficient competition to sufficient competition to let the market decidelet the market decide

CMNS 130CMNS 130

CMNS 130 Bottom LineCMNS 130 Bottom Line

Media Politics MatterMedia Politics Matter Citizens must be aware of the democratic Citizens must be aware of the democratic

consequences of the media worlds they consequences of the media worlds they swim inswim in

The best counsel for media tyranny is The best counsel for media tyranny is indifference: beware of the Brave New indifference: beware of the Brave New WorldWorld