Introduction: Media events in globalized media cultures | Culture and communication in digital worlds

Author(s): Andreas Hepp, Nick Couldry

Year of publication: 2009

Keywords: Media events, Exceptional communication, Pseudo events, Global media culture, Power processes, Interdisciplinary media studies, Broadcasting history, Public spectacle, Daniel Dayan and Elihu Katz, Contemporary media theory

Methodology/Sample: _/_

Reference: Hepp, A., & Couldry, N. (2009). Introduction: Media events in globalized media cultures. In N. Couldry, A. Hepp, F. Krotz (Eds.), Media events in a global age (pp. 1-20). Routledge. https://www-taylorfrancis-com.ezproxy.library.ubc.ca/chapters/edit/10.4324/9780203872604-1/introduction-andreas-hepp-nick-couldry

Abstract

The interest in exceptional forms of media communication may be traced
back to the beginning of interdisciplinary media and communication research;
for example, Hadley Cantril’s (1940) study on the panic caused by Orson
Welles’ radio play The Invasion from Mars (written with the assistance of
Hazel Gaudet and Herta Herzog). We find early research on outstanding
ceremonial events in broadcasting (cf. Lang and Lang 1969 [1952]; Shils
and Young 1956; Chaney 1983). Other authors, more cynically, such as
Daniel Boorstin (1963), complained about an increasing number of “pseudo
events” in media communication. However, in their 1970s and 1980s work,
culminating in the path-breaking book of 1992, it was Daniel Dayan and
Elihu Katz who brought this hitherto somewhat neglected discussion to a
new stage, drawing our attention to certain phenomena which they called
“media events.”
In this introductory chapter we want to consider this intervention carefully,
in its full theoretical context, in order to establish the basis for researching
media events today as an important aspect of power processes in a “global age”
(Albrow 1996; Beck 2005). In doing so we want to reflect on the academic
discussion that started from Daniel Dayan and Elihu Katz’s book Media
Events, and resulted in a rethinking and extension of the original concept.
While we find highly important arguments in the original discussion, we
need to update our understanding of contemporary media events within an
analysis of globalized media cultures. Through these reflections we come – at
least that is our endeavor – to a core definition of media events in a global
age, that can offer an orientating frame not only for the different chapters in
this book but also for future research.

> Summary

The paper explores the concept of media events, emphasizing their significance in globalized media cultures and their role in societal integration.
It reflects on the foundational work of Daniel Dayan and Elihu Katz, who introduced the idea of media events as ritualistic performances that create shared experiences.
The authors argue for an updated understanding of media events, recognizing their diverse forms, including ritual, conflictual, and popular media events, and their impact on various audiences.
The paper aims to provide a framework for future research on media events in contemporary cultural contexts.

> Problem statement

The paper discusses the need to update the understanding of media events in the context of globalized media cultures.
It highlights the rise of disruptive events like disaster and war, undermining attention to traditional ceremonial events.
The authors argue that contemporary media events require a rethinking of the original concepts established by Dayan and Katz.
The relevance of media events for cultural transformations in today’s media landscape is emphasized as a key issue.

> Methods used

The contexts provided do not specify the methods used in the research paper. Therefore, it is not possible to provide a detailed answer regarding the methods employed in this study.

> Practical implications

The paper emphasizes the need to rethink media events in the context of globalized media cultures for contemporary relevance.
It suggests that understanding media events can enhance insights into societal integration and identity management.
The authors argue for a theoretical development of media events to address changes in the global age.
The research highlights the importance of ritual character in media events for societal cohesion.
It calls for future research to explore the evolving nature of media events and their impact on power processes.