Studying media is important for several reasons, especially today when we have the ability to look back and see how far ideas and technologies have come and where they are headed. As Annabelle Sreberny-Mohammadi suggests in her article, “Forms of Media as Ways of Knowing”, examining history and how media are utilized and changing in the past and in the present can help us see how far we have come. It allows us to appreciate the forms of media we have today and how it is being shaped and controlled as time goes on. And finally, it can provide us with the insight we need to further build upon our knowledge and technology to bring us into the future.
As Sreberny took us though the advances in media throughout history, we were able to see that each person built upon some form of media which was already available. Each new medium which was brought to our attention required some sort of advancement socially, such as when Sreberny said, “Print requires writers and readers. Electronic Media demand organized production and audiences (Sreberny 24).” Each time the people with power found a new way to bring information and forms of communication to the masses, it demanded some sort of response from society.
History also shows us how power has been shifted among certain individuals throughout the journey. At first, the power rested in the hands of the political figures and royals who decided who could use which mediums. For example, in Sreberny’s paper when she describes the advent of papyrus and how it literally means “The king’s (pharaoh’s) thing”, meaning that whoever was in power decided who could use papyrus as a form of communication (Sreberny 24). When this medium was brought to the people, readers and writers were born which in turn gave educated society slightly more power. The printing press brought more power to both the common people and the powerful people in charge. Books, magazines and newspapers were now available to the masses and this made it so more people were informed and the companies which released the information made a lot more money. As Sreberny pointed out, “Print gave more power to the states, which could now more easily inform their populaces of new laws, gather taxes, print stamps with royal faces and require written oaths of loyalty (Sreberny 34).” Radio and television gave media companies the power to choose what we hear and see and do not allow for feedback. By realizing how far we have come throughout the history of media, we can figure out where the power has come from and where it is going as well as figure out how to “get on board” with the technological advances and have a say in the changes which are occurring today.
Sreberny’s analysis of the advances in media throughout history reveals a pattern of each new medium building upon existing forms of media. This highlights the interconnectedness and evolution of media over time. Each new medium introduced required social advancements to accommodate its use. For instance, print media necessitated the presence of writers and readers, while electronic media demanded organized production and audiences.
Furthermore, history demonstrates how power has shifted among individuals throughout the development of media. Initially, political figures and royals held the power to determine who could access and use certain mediums. Sreberny illustrates this by referencing the term "papyrus," which literally means "The king’s (pharaoh’s) thing." This indicates that those in power controlled who could utilize papyrus as a means of communication. However, as mediums such as papyrus became available to the masses, readers and writers emerged, granting educated society a degree of power.
The invention of the printing press further distributed power to both the common people and those in positions of authority. Books, magazines, and newspapers became accessible to a wider audience, leading to increased information dissemination and financial gains for the companies involved. Sreberny emphasizes that print media empowered states, enabling them to inform their populaces of new laws, collect taxes, create stamps featuring royal faces, and demand written oaths of loyalty.
Subsequently, the advent of radio and television provided media companies with the power to control the information and content that the public consumed, limiting opportunities for feedback. This shift in power dynamics underscores the influence media companies possess in shaping public opinion and controlling narratives.
By understanding the historical progression of media, we can gain insights into the sources of power and anticipate future developments. This knowledge allows us to adapt to technological advancements and actively participate in shaping the changes occurring in media today.
The advent of radio and television marked a significant shift in the media landscape, providing media companies with unprecedented power to control the information and content that the public consumed. Prior to these technological advancements, the dissemination of news and entertainment was largely limited to print media such as newspapers and magazines, which were subject to certain constraints and limitations.
With the introduction of radio in the early 20th century, media companies gained the ability to broadcast news and entertainment directly into people’s homes. This allowed for a more immediate and widespread dissemination of information, as well as the opportunity to reach a larger audience. However, it also gave media companies the power to control the narratives and shape public opinion to a greater extent than ever before.
Television further amplified this power dynamic. With the ability to transmit both audio and visual content, television became the dominant medium for news and entertainment in many households. Media companies were able to control not only the information that was presented but also the way it was presented, through the use of visuals, editing techniques, and other production elements. This control over the medium allowed them to influence public opinion and shape the narratives that were presented to the public.
This shift in power dynamics raises important questions about the influence that media companies possess in shaping public opinion. It highlights the potential for bias and agenda-setting, as media companies have the ability to selectively present information and control the narratives that are disseminated to the public. This has implications for democracy and the functioning of a well-informed society, as it limits the opportunities for feedback and alternative perspectives.
Understanding the historical progression of media is crucial for anticipating future developments and adapting to technological advancements. By recognizing the sources of power within the media landscape, individuals and organizations can actively participate in shaping the changes that are occurring in media today. This includes being critical consumers of media, seeking out diverse sources of information, and actively engaging in dialogue and debate. It also involves embracing new technologies and platforms that provide opportunities for greater participation and democratization of media.
In conclusion, the advent of radio and television has significantly impacted the power dynamics within the media landscape. Media companies have gained the ability to control the information and content that the public consumes, shaping public opinion and controlling narratives. Understanding this historical progression is crucial for actively participating in shaping the changes that are occurring in media today and adapting to technological advancements.