Globalization, Development and the Mass Media

Globalization, Development and the Mass Media gives a comprehensive and critical account of the theoretical changes in communication studies from the early theories of development communication through to the contemporary critiques of globalization.

It examines two main currents of thought: The ways in which the media can be used to effect change and development. It traces the evolution of attempts to spread 'modernity' using the media through to alternative perspectives based on encouraging participation in development communication, The elaboration of the theory of media imperialism, the criticisms that it provoked and its replacement as the dominant theory of international communication by globalization.

Further to this, Sparks argues that a key requirement of any adequate theory of the role of the media in promoting social change is that it must be concerned both with the large-scale questions of global power and the relatively small-scale questions of attempts to win local victories.

About the Author:
Colin Sparks is Director of Communication and Media Research Institute, University of Westminster