In this* interview, Noam Chomsky is asked this question: Due to the Internet, mass media is increasingly becoming more distributed through blogs, independent news, etc. How does the Internet media impact propaganda model described in “Manufacturing Consent”? Chomsky explains that the model is more concerned with the institutional structure of the media- in short, major corporations sell audiences to other businesses. Although this is not the case with the internet, Chomsky raises the possibility of a future problem. As access to the Internet is controlled through subscriptions, there is a debate over keeping the internet neutral. Will the companies that control access to the Internet use their control to differentiate access to yield preferred browsing? Although a number of corporations argue they are motivated by profit and that it is simply a matter of fair pricing, Chomsky illustrates in “Manufacturing Consent” how harmful a profit driven attitude can be when held by the media (content delivery managers). As Brian Shannon mentioned earlier, many Americans have a lack of awareness about global events. Recently, the internet has helped to bridge the information gap for some while providing more of a gap for others. I am interested to see whether the gap will widen or shrink within the context of the net neutrality debate.
* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnLWSC5p1XE#t=27m38s
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In response to what you and the previous Brian wrote, I do agree that the media coverage on world news is not as broad or detailed as it should be. In "Manufacturing Consent," Chomsky used the example of the situation in East Timor and it even showed two grown adults who have not even HEARD of the place, which accurately shows the narrow range of American coverage. The video also mentioned that the media, such as television news programs, is primarily owned by major corporations and the such, as said in "Manufacturing Consent 2 of 9." So in turn, it looks like a vicious cycle because nowadays, as well as in the past, everything is controlled by money.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oahDaWJkJsM&feature=related --> This is the link for part 2 of 9, which I recommend watching, as well as parts 4 and 5. As for the gap you mentioned, it may be a while before any difference can be seen in terms of the general public.
Yours,
Karoline