Media and Power

This module will provide : .1) An introduction to major concepts and theories concerning the relations between the media of public communication and the crucial forms of power in contemporary societies (e.g. manifest and latent power; coercion versus consent; political, symbolic and economic forms of power; power as dispersed or concentrated). Here, and throughout the module, there is a strong emphasis on news, current affairs and related ‘informational’ media genres. .2) Selective review of competing theories/perspectives on : .a) The major institutions or sources of social, political economic, cultural or ideological power; .b) How major forms or layers of institutionalized power may influence the operations and content of public communication media (e.g. role of political-economic, organizational, professional/journalistic, ideological and symbolic forms of power); .c) Role and influence of different ‘media systems’; ownership and management forms; funding and financial influences (advertising, sponsorship, subsidies); state policies and regulation; industry self-regulation.