In our overwhelmingly media based society, all different forms of news are reported almost instantaneously. The various different mediums make it possible for the world to be informed of all things at all times. Interpreted in different levels, some hold festive understandings while others hold extreme heights of importance. Hepp and Couldry list media events as being, “high holidays of mass communication” and “interruptions of routine.” [1] True media events are happenings that garner the attention of the masses. Ones that for a moment, have the power to put society at a standstill of recognition. Media events integrate society as they put something on display for the world to share. “Social integration of the highest order is thus achieved via mass communication.” [1] In their ritual perspective and interpretation of media events, they hold that “rituals are significant because they ‘hold society together’ and do so by affirming a common set of values.” [1] This is based on an overall assumption that everyone in society holds the same beliefs. Rather than holding society together, media events create more of a sense of recognition.
While vital news is being reported each day, my media event of the 21st century is undoubtedly the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001. Just simply typing that date proves its impact as it is a remembrance that will always last. I distinctly remember being taken out of my fifth grade class and watching the mass media coverage when I returned home. Every news station was facing moments of uncertainty, truly questioning what was going. Our nation had never seen a day of such tragedy and confusion. Thousands were in despair as they fled to safety as thousands lost their lives. To this day I cannot watch the immediate news reporting without a sense of trembling and uneasiness. [2] This serves as my media event of the 21st century as it held a vast impact throughout the world.
[1] Couldry, Nick. Media Events in a Global Age: Introduction.. New York, New York: Routledge, 2009. Print. p. 1-10.
[2] 9/11/2001 - CNN News Coverage 1st Five Minutes. 9 July, 2007. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfYQAPhjwzA&feature=bf_prev&list=PLEACC94B8BAAAB480&index=2. 13 January, 2011. Internet.
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Daniel,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog post very much. It perfectly states what a media event is in the first paragraph and then in the second paragraph you go into detail about what your media event of the 21st century is. I am embarassed to say but some how september 11th slipt my mind when I was thinking about what my media event of the century is so in a way I appreciate your mention of it because it certainly was the media event of all media events! I agree with your description of media events in this sentence "[media events] have the power to put society at a standstill of recognition." Which is how us, our parents, and people al across the globe felt when the united states was attacked by terrorists and the earthquake in Haiti last year (the media event that I discuss in my blog post).
Keep up the good work!
Samantha Blum