Introduction to International Mass Communications

• Defining IMC
• Why IMC Matters
• Key Dimensions
• Globalization Areas

Yasemin Beykont

Penn State

What is 

“International Mass Communications”

DEFINITION

What is 

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“International Mass Communications”

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Communication vs Communications

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Communications vs Mass Communications

DEFINITION

Very unclear distinctions and often times interchangeable!

Communication - message focused

deals with exchange and interpretation of messages and the meanings creation, the development of relationships, and how messages are received and interpreted.

Interpersonal/ group communication, organizational communication, rhetorical studies

Journalism, marketing, advertising, PR, film, TV, strategic communications, telecommunications

CommunicationS - medium focused​

deals with technologies, systems, and channels used to deliver different modes of communications. How the messages that are transmitted or distributed—or to the equipment and technology that conducts the transmission

Mass Communications - mass media focused​

looks into the process of producing, exchanging information through mass media to large population 

“...a critical overview of the profound changes in international media and communication at a time when the political, economic and technological contexts in which media and communication operate are increasingly global.”

Not of concern: “interpersonal level” of communication related to travel, personal education, with-in organization.

Other fancy names of (almost) the same area, with or without S:

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World communication(s)

Global communications

Transborder communication

Cross-cultural communication

DEFINITION

Shapes the world’s structure

media organization products, and technologies/imperial powers/propaganda

WWI->WWII->Cold War-> continued...

Connects people with shared interests and values

Media as a central agent to connect people/discussion global crisis, problems, solutions and shared interests

Historically...

Why does I.M.C. matter?

Why does I.M.C. matter?

A key player in the global economy

As an infrastructure/industry

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Essential to global politics

Modern politics/diplomacy/propaganda

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Spreading cultural expressions

Integrating global culture/promoting local culture

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Essential to other industries

Interacts with and provide to other industries 

Contemporarily...

Key Dimensions 

• Globalization

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• Context: political, economic, technological

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• Institutionalization

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• Global operation 

THEORETICAL

PRACTICAL

TOP HAT:�In a few words, describe what globalization means to you.

In-class screening:

Defining Globalization

• “compression of the world….” (Robertson, 1992) 
• “time and space compression….” (Harvey, 1989) 
• “global village” (McLuhan, 1964)

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The process where flows of images, ideas, goods, technologies, money, people, stories…. across traditionally defined boundaries (nation-states, cultures, regions, etc.). It is... 

• Always ongoing 
• Complicates & blurs the boundaries

Globalization in different areas

• Economy and finance (Stock market, Economic/Financial crises)
• Media and entertainment
• Transnational corporate culture (brands + commercial culture)

Globalization in different areas

• Cont'd- Transnational corporate culture (brands + commercial culture)
• Glocalization

Globalization in different areas

• Digital technologies and consumer culture (Online shopping and transnational e-commerce)
• Televised global spectacles—ex. World Cup; Olympic Games; Esports

(FIFA 2022 World Cup, Qatar)