The shaping of a new medium in Western Europe and the USA between the wars: the influence of politics on broadcasting regulation
Titel:
The shaping of a new medium in Western Europe and the USA between the wars: the influence of politics on broadcasting regulation
Auteur:
Burgelman, Jean-Claude
Verschenen in:
Communicatio
Paginering:
Jaargang 24 (1998) nr. 1 pagina's 2-11
Jaar:
1998
Inhoud:
In this article we would like to demonstrate the importance that a historical and politico-sociological analysis can have for the research on media policy and in general for the analysis of the relationship between communication technologies and society. More specifically it puts forward that in this type of research the political factor, compared to the social and economical factor, is too often under- or overestimated as a regulating force in the relationship between communication technologies and society (and in consequence in the reflection on media policy). This point of view will be explored by focusing on the way broadcasting was structured in Europe and America between the two World Wars. Before World War II, the then new medium radio appeared in Europe and America in a similar economical and societal context. So it would appear logical that in both continents the same type of management for this medium would occur. The reverse happened, as European and American political decision makers opted for completely opposite broadcasting structures. Often it is stated that in this particular case of media policy Europe followed a cultural or social approach, or was more concerned about its' cultural identity than America. However, historical evidence (Belgium, England, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and America) suggests that this difference wds, in the first place, inspired by the question of which broadcasting structure best fitted the distinct political culture and party political power strategies of both continents
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