Mass Media And Media Policy In Western Europe

This comparative, textbook analysis explores how television and press systems across Europe have been shaped by technology, economics and politics. The author explores the implications of the commercialisation of national broadcasting systems, and the media policies of the European Union in the age of transfrontier media operations.

For 25 years, members of the Euromedia Research Group have analyzed the connection between mass media, the public, and politics. On the basis of established and new theoretical approaches, this collection of papers by members of the Group examines the changes in the European media. It also looks at the European trends of central media-political concepts, such as media diversity, journalistic responsibility, and media governance.

Market and Myths: Forces for Change in the European Media is the first introductory text to provide a detailed analysis of the European Media in five major Western European countries within the context of a theoretical framework. All forms of the mass media are covered and the impact of media policy on the political, social and cultural life of the countries concerned - Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Spain. Issues such as the continuing role of public service broadcasting and the extent to which a process of Europeanisation has occurred within the Media are examined in a clear accessible style which will make this book essential reading for all those with an interest in the European Media.

The European media landscape is changing profoundly. In this wide-ranging and timely text, members of the Euromedia Research Group examine the ways in which national and supranational policy is reacting to these changes. The contributors consider: the consequences for broadcasting systems of satellite and cable delivery; the fate of public broadcasting under deregulation; the changes currently affecting print media and newspapers; the impact of media changes for political and social cultural life; and the significance of the Internet, the first true fruit of the telematic revolution in communication. The main themes of media policy analysis today are convergence, concentration and commercialization, and abundance through digitalization. Although media policy has changed drastically in its concerns and forms, the authors here argue that the need for an effective public communication policy in our `information society′ is as pressing now as it ever was.

Completely rewritten, the Third Edition of this successful guide to European media systems has also been expanded to include Central and Eastern Europe as well as Western Europe. Covering 23 countries, the volume highlights and explains key issues of debate and current tendencies in media policy.

The broadcasting and other electronic media are in the throes of a prolonged and vigorous restructuring. In this wide-ranging and illuminating text, members of the Euromedia Research Group analyze the nature, dynamics and directions of the changes currently affecting the Western European media. Outstanding trends explored include the increasing importance of transnational multimedia corporations and the various challenges from commercialization and privatization to traditions of public service broadcasting. The authors also examine the widespread development of local radio and television stations and discuss their regulatory framework.

"The book provides a comprehensive analysis of the structure that should dominate the 21st century, with a detailed explanation of the evolving nature of global issues. The main goal is to analyze the current and future technological and social trends, and data and statistics on the main forces and trends involved in global media policy support this. Although the book does not attempt to forecast the pace of this revolution, it provides the best possible means to examine media and telecommunications policies in different countries."--BOOK JACKET.