Pros and Cons of Theories

Question 1

Key points of Curren & Seaton’s theory of Press Regulation and Ownership?

Answer 1

-Political economy approach, ownership and control are the most significant factors in terms of how the media operates

-Media industries increase concentration of ownership leading to a narrowing range of opinions and fewer expenses (at cost of creativity)

-The Internet did not disrupt this pattern, doesn’t offer a level playing field for diverse voices and news remains controlled by the powerful and oligarchs

Question 2

Limitations of Curren & Seaton’s theory of Press Regulation and Ownership?

Answer 2

-In prioritising the effects of ownership and control; ideology, the power of audience choice or media language conventions is overlooked

Question 3

Strengths of Curren & Seaton’s theory of Press Regulation and Ownership?

Answer 3

-Applies well to the narrow range of political opinions in UK News with a bias to capitalism

-Applies to the king history of ‘press barons’ who own news for status and political power

-Corrects the over optimistic view of the internet as an arena for freedom and unlimited creativity

-Draws attention to issues such as the effects of ownership and control, working practices and issues with risk and profitability

Question 4

Key points of Hesmondhalgh’s theory on Cultural Industries

Answer 4

-Media industries increase concentration of ownership leading to a narrowing range of opinions and fewer expenses (at cost of creativity)

-Media is not destroyed on consumption but can be further be reproduced

-Big hits cover the cost of failures; relying on use of stars, genres, franchises and repeatable narratives to sell and using the government to try impose scarcity

-The internet has created corporations that use digital technology to speed up work, commercialise leisure time and increase surveillance by government and companies

Question 5

Strengths of Hesmondhalgh’s theory on Cultural Industries

Answer 5

-Applies particularly well to newspapers fighting new media for advertising revenue

-Corrects the over optimistic view of the internet as an arena for freedom and unlimited creativity

-Draws attention to issues such as the effects of ownership and control, working practices and issues with risk and profitability

Question 6

Limitations of Hesmondhalgh’s theory on Cultural Industries

Answer 6

-In prioritising the effects of ownership and control; ideology, the power of audience choice or media language conventions is overlooked