Journalism and the Global Village

This weeks topic was Globalisation and the impact on news.
It has been noted by many that the constantly changing world of technology and journalistic practices has created an uncertain future for the traditional journalist. Rhonda Breit calls it "an environment of uncertainty for journalists." (2008:213) A crucial element in this environment is transnational corporations (TNC'S) who operate globally but are regulated locally.
Borders are an issue on all fronts. "Many local laws are being seen as irrelevant as new technologies make their application almost ridiculous." (Breit.2008:213)

When the term global village was coined in 1960's its description offered positivity to a frequently threatening operation. The "linking of humanity in all parts of the world." (Kirby, 1998:3) How quaint. However the reality of the global village isn't. Of course, globalisation has its positive outcomes; freedom of speech. However, media saturation and conglomerates are not so peachy.

Breit talks about the effect of globalisation on journalism. Julianne Schultz has also researched the effect of commercialisation of journalists and their working attitudes. Based on her research Schultz asserted that "commercial priorities actively intrude on the idealised nature of the Fourth Estate." (1998:150)Breit even goes as far to say that a journalist's commercial interest comes before the public's right to know; changing the public agenda to a private industry agenda. Considering we live in a world dominated by US-based media owners, this public agenda is endangered by the agenda of foreign private industries.