Does globalisation imply cultural homogenisation? Your answer should consider specific and local global media examples and should include reference to the Appadurai and McChesney article in the course reader.
The role of globalization has had a major influence on society and the world, and this essay will argue it has resulted in cultural homogenization. This can be illustrated through an introduction to globalization, the consolidation of media, ownership and vested interests, world standardization and neoliberalism, politics and the media and public service media. Examining the different views of globalization, including Appadurai and McChesney as well as other sources it can be clearly understood the negatives arising due to …show more content…

“The concerns with ownership relate, in the end, to whom has control over media content and how these people will use this power”. (Baker 2002). This source is critical of concentration of media, and warns that increased concentration has inherent dangers toward a democracy and an informed citizenry. In 2013, Newscorp’s The Daily Telegraph was scrutinized following publication of its “Kick this mob out” story, by ABC’s Media Watch program. It was found following an investigation, the political stories published during the first week of the election campaign included 40 out of 80 against the government, and none against the opposition. (Grubel 2013), (Barry 2013). This establishes an example of media concentration, and its power to influence opinions in the public sphere. Ownership and vested interests are not for the public good, and are motivated by profits, which focuses resources on popular stories, not those that may be unpopular, but in the national interest. This leads to cultural homogenisation as the media caters for the masses and can powerfully manipulate and encourage people to express desirable opinions or views.
Neoliberalism and world standardization is another important aspect to examine in the argument of globalization implying cultural homogenization. As mentioned earlier, neoliberalism is a worldwide process of privatization of public assets, deregulation and removal of trade protections,