Reader's Response First Draft

In his article, ‘Globalization of Culture Through the Media’, Kraidy (2002) discusses the common viewpoints about the influence of mass media on cultural transformation. According to him, throughout its history, the focus of the debate has gradually shifted from the impact of bias influence of international media flow among countries to the role of commercialization on cultural imperialism. Although no consensus has been reached among researchers as to the degree and implications of media influence, Kraidy concludes that widely regarded theories of international communication does not disregard the effect media has on changing cultures.

While the debate about cultural transformation and transnational media flow has been ongoing, I agree with Kraidy’s opinion that there is a gray area between the power of multinational corporations and nation-states. In his article, he explains that although the focus of the subject has shifted to these corporations, the role of governments cannot be disregarded. For example, the proliferation of K-pop culture – a subsidiary of the South Korean media industry - is making a global phenomenon in recent years. Kim (2011), in the article ‘The Role of the Government in Cultural Industry: Some Observations From Korea’s Experience’, elaborates on the extensive role of the Korean government in promoting Korean broadcasting industry globally. The Korean Tourism Board is also jumping in on the bandwagon by publicizing the filming locations of well-known Korean dramas as tourist spots. Among them is Namiseom Island where the show Winter Sonata was filmed. The globalization of Korean’s culture is undisputedly largely nation-state driven. It proves that the government is still a powerful influence and a possible focus point when reviewing communication theories.

Although my illustration of Korea ascertains that nation-states still exist as contributors of media globalization, I certainly do not disagree with the general prevalent view in conceptualising theories away from ‘cultural imperialism’. In some cases, the presence of multinational media companies has outweighed nation-states. Facebook is a befitting analogy of private companies that are not directly controlled by government bodies. It is an independent organisation that has a global footprint and is a suitable case study for present-day media globalization.

Thus in conclusion, the nation-state cannot be detached from the present study of globalization through media. Progressing forward, I feel that it is still a relevant component and would provide a more comprehensive view of the issue.

(Word count: 388)

References & bibliographies:

1.     Kim, M. (2011). The Role of the Government in Cultural Industry: Some Observations From Korea’s Experience. Keio Communication Review. (No. 33)

2.     Korea Tourism Organization (n.d.). Korean TV Drama; Winter Sonata. Retrieved from http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/index.kto

3.     Kraidy, M. M. (2002). Globalization of Culture Through the Media. Retrieved from http://repository.upenn.edu/asc/