Introduction to Global Media for the Twenty-First Century

An Introduction to Global Media for the 21st Century provides a thorough introduction to the field of global media today. The book presents the key changes taking place as the global media landscape evolves and discusses the main theories and central concepts of the field, to explain and analyze these developments.Tracing first the formative development of an international and global media landscape throughout the 20th century from the telegraph, television and film export, and transnational television to the Internet, the book then focuses on developments in the 21st century. These include:- the digitization of the global media and communications sector- the popularization and commercialization of the Internet and digital infrastructure such as the smartphone and platforms- the emergence and consolidation of global online media and services- the production and distribution of digital media content- the monetization and exploitation of user data- the role of the media users and audiences in the digital age. Case studies throughout all chapters illustrate crucial developments in this global media landscape. These developments are also seen in the light of geopolitical developments, and the rise of China in particular, as well as the increasing focus on sustainable and social development across industries and the world society.