Globalisation Vs Localisation
Today's seminar topic was primarily focused on the effects of globalisation, its benefits and risks. The presenters defined globalisation as the 'linking of humanity in all parts of the world'. Martens and Rennen (2003), further defined globalisation as a complex phenomenon where it is the interactive co-evolution of millions of technology, cultural, economic and social trends. This is made possible through the dominance of Transnational Corporations (TNCs) internationally, such as Disney and Time Warner.
I agree with the presenters that the rise of globalisation makes national security less dominant and domestic laws are unable to act as watchdog. For instance, the example of footballer Ryan Giggs' attempts for a court injunction to prevent reports on his extramarital affairs failed terribly when the news was blown up internationally. Instead of reducing the damage done, news of his injunction on his affairs spread like wildfire on twitter and newspaper reports in countries outside Britain.
However, the issue on globalisation is a complex one and cannot simply be classified as 'good or bad'. Globalisation has certainly helped us know more about the world. It enables us greater access and up-to-date information to international news. There is also greater freedom of expression in the international news arena. In my opinion, both globalised and localised news are as important in any newspaper. Especially in a small country like Singapore where its local news are not necessarily covered in international newspapers, my primary source for local news comes from the Home section in Straits Times. As mentioned in the class discussion, one key factor of good news is timeliness, and I would definitely be interested to read news that are close to home.
Reference List
Martens, P & Rennen, W 2003, The Globalisation Timeline, Journal of Integrated Assessment, Vol. 4, No. 3, pp. 137-144.
- Andy Wang
Well thought on the issues involving globalisation. The improvement in technology had resulted in what McLuham (1964) termed as Global village. What this means is that nations are becoming interconnect and interdependent of each other. A crisis, of any sort, in the West no longer remain with in the geographic boundary. Therefore, global journalism proliferate in the importance such that national authorities can act accordingly to the volatile global climate.
ReplyDeleteWhile global journalism allow speculatory and preparatory actions, it also brings scandal, such as the one stated above, across the continents. As a PR major undergrad, it is important for PR practitioners to be able to handle and cushion the impact of such negativity. Such practitioner needs to think globally, formulating aftermat-action taking into consideration of localised culture across the globe. As such, globalised journalism have create am interesting yet challenging for future PR practitioners.
I agree with the view about having both globalisation and localisation in a country's media. Localised journalism does serve its audience with more understanding to readership preferences, delivering more news closer to home and up to date. While international journalism has to cater to news that has significant news value (like disasters) or intrinsically linked to American interests. That being said, even beyond Singapore, localised journalism boosts communal conversation and information. Hence, local newspapers are able to compete with media giants; solely based on the fact that proximity is the most important news value.
ReplyDeleteBoth globalised and localised news reporting have a different role to play, even if the world is getting so much smaller and filled with information and news everywhere.
Hi Kenneth,
ReplyDeleteIt's very interesting that you link globalised media to PR practices. It's true that both these industries are interlinked and I agree that globalised journalism has added a new dimension to PR practitioners. For example, news of any crisis that happens in a country may spread to another within minutes through new media. PR practitioners will certainly have to deal with a globalised audience.
Hi daniel,
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree with your stand on the importance of both localised and global media. I do hope the local media continue to strive in Singapore's context.
Yes, I agree that Globalization is a complexed phenomenon can cannot simply be categorized as whether its good or bad. Indeed, globalizaton has promoted the freedom of choices as we readers get to choose whether we want to read for local media or simply go online and read media outlets from other countries. Furthermore, I agree that Singapore is too small and therefore international media outlets may not even report anything that happens in Singapore. From here, it is where the importance of local media comes into picture.
ReplyDeleteHi Jayne,
ReplyDeleteYou are right in describing the essential role of local media. I do hope local media continue to thrive and improve on its role as a fourth estate for Singaporeans.