Media Policy and Globalization

Contents: Preface. Abbreviations. I. Policy contexts: 1. Capitalism, technology, institutions and the study of communications and media policy. 2. Revisiting the history of global communication and media policy. II. The policy domains: 3. Governing the central nervous system of the global economy: telecommunications policy. 4. Governing the backbone of cultures: broadcasting policy. III. Policy paradigms: 5. Policies for a new world or the emperor's new clothes? The information society. 6. Civil society and social justice: the limits and possibilities of global governance. Conclusion. Bibliography. Index.

"This volume takes a fresh look at media and communications policy and provides a comprehensive account of issues that are central to the study of the field. It moves beyond the 'specifics' of regulation, by examining policy areas that have proved to be of common concern for societies across profound gaps in the study of policy by demonstrating the centrality of historical, social and political context in debates that may appear solely technical or economistic.

Media Policy and Globalization covers the institutional changes in the communications policy arena by examining the changing role of the state, technology and the market and the role of civil society. It discusses actual policy areas in broadcasting, telecommunications and the information society, and examines the often overlooked normative dimensions of communications policy.

Key features: Provides a cross-disciplinary critical perspective of the politics of communications policy-making in a global context.Explores new issues in communications policy such as ethical concerns and the 'internationality of policy' Useful for upper-level undergraduate students, graduate students and scholars of communications and media studies, and international and global studies." (jacket)