Blog #9

The article by Sturken and Cartwright contains a variety of descriptions and enumerations regarding the realm of media and the role different mediums play in the formation of ideas and communication of thoughts from the creator to the receptor. The first section, Media Forms, explains the plurality of different mediums and the way they may in fact be homogenous in their effect though a culmination of a variety of different technologies. Media is the plural form of medium, and no message can exist without being in relation to the medium. Therefore, a distortion or addition to the message is inevitable. Meanings and conventions may be infiltrated within the message even without intent, but the result is not the beginning intent of the message. Additionally, different experiences occur through different modes of media. I think that this is evident within a variety of facets of society, especially through film. Because the medium controls the message that is conveyed, the audience is informed, either implicitly or explicitly, on how to perceive the message and how to feel as a result. Additionally, credibility and presentation are also factors taken into account when regarding a message. The convergence of media also perpetuates the incorporation of external factors with regard to the overall message. In the Broadcast, Narrowcast and Webcast Media section, the differences between the three are reflected upon, therefore revealing the different ways in which media can select a target audience or intent to include all possible viewers/receivers. The expansion of the cable network and therefore of the community base in which the production is centered upon definitely affects the content and intent of what types of messages are being produced. The ability to select specific types of media through specific mediums allows for shaping and molding of different preconceived ideas of the audience. The proliferation of different cable companies seems to imply that there is diversity within the networking, however the abundance is still controlled and censored to what types of messages or ideas are conveyed, typically based on how to best serve the producer’s agenda. I think this is extremely evident with a variety of television shows and networks, including MTV, BET and the like. I was not aware that Disney owned a variety of network channels, but this explains the specific messages that are rendered through programming and shows, aiding in the socialization of viewers. Webcasting allows for a broader span of freedom and personal expression, but legal action has introduced copyright laws, etc. into the spectrum of expression. The section of Media and Democratic Potential proposes that the promotion of open an open flow of communication and expression will in effect promote democracy and democratic principles within society. The example of Paper Tiger Television introduces the counter-cultural initiative that is able to flourish within the different mediums. I agree that this is a possibility, but I think that the distribution and reception of lesser held views and beliefs may continue to be suppressed even while seemingly utilizing freedom of expression. Media and the Public Sphere is concerned with the general embodiment of the public via different mediums. The public sphere is “ideally a space - a physical place, social setting, or media arena - in which citizens come together to debate and discuss the pressing issues of their society.” However, critics of this have considered the persons with potential for discussion as a private sphere discussing public affairs, perpetuating exclusion etc. Therefore, many counterpublics may be considered to be established in that they are subordinate to the majority/dominant public but all have self-serving interests and ideas. I personally think this idea of public space for discourse is evident in the “comments” sections of newspapers/magazines/etc. online, as there are, without fail, endless debates that arise over something as simple as a local “filler” news story. The section National and Global Media Events describes the way in which media/different mediums may act as a unifying force for a sense of collective purpose or community, particularly in relation to major news and current events. Television is a primary medium for this type of instantaneous news release and account of a variety of audiences worldwide. In any major recent event, for instance 9/11 or the earthquake in Haiti, different modes of media - but primarily television, have effected change because of the simultaneous ability to reach such wide audiences.
I think that the presence of media within society is often taken as reality and there is not sufficient questioning of media and its source within society. The perpetuation of stereotypes, social roles, and social expectations is a result of different mediums portraying instances of “reality” when in fact it is ultimately distorted and catering to a given agenda. It is critical to understand where messages are coming from and what purpose they are serving. However, the role of media will remain all encompassing within society so it is up to the new generations to identify possible issues within the different mediums in order to maintain both equality and freedom of expression simultaneously.