Sunday, February 13, 2011

Communication: For the many, influenced by the few

Mass communication is used by nearly everyone but it is highly influenced by the agenda of the few people in power. Hanno Hardt points out that "The current practice of mass communication confirms the dominance of a private, commercial agenda in a democratic culture that has failed to deliver on the promise of participation". [1] This mass communication is facilitated through the media which Hardt states “people need for access to knowledge about themselves and the world”. The media and mass communication has been controlled by the few; most notably the government and large multi-national corporations.

They are motivated to manage these entities because of the economic and political interests, they provide. Information is power and communication provides this information to people, that’s why these interests are fulfilled through communication. Albert Camus also states that “freedom either depends on the power of government or the power of money.” Both of which motivate people to facilitate mass communication. [2]

[1] Hardt, Hanno. Myths for the Masses: An Essay on Mass Communication. United Kingdom: Blackwell Publishing, 2004, pg. 3
[2] Hardt, Hanno. Myths for the Masses: An Essay on Mass Communication. United Kingdom: Blackwell Publishing, 2004, pg. 13

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