What is a media event?

The readings for Thursday offered various opinions of intellectuals who each offered their own definition of a media event. To sum it up in my own words, I believe that a media event is any event, current or historical, that changes the course of life for people on a global level. In addition, media events have a responsibility of bringing people together through a shared belief or a system. The Olympic example given in the readings allowed me to understand the concept of a media event in a clear sense. The fact that different people from different nations all over the world bond together for a week in order to take part in an athletic festival is a perfect example of a media event. Not only does it bring entertainment and joy for the short duration of time but it also unites people in a way that cannot be done through other events. In accordance to the readings, it highlights the "ritual" aspect of media events where people unconsciously take part in the Olympics in a ritualistic manner. Instead of wanting to watch it, people get the feeling that it is necessary to watch it.