Learning outcomes
After completing the course the student will understand:
• Continuity and change in the European media policy framework
• Comparative similarities and differences in the USA and elsewhere
• Normative theories explaining what media are expected to do and to be
• How and why media policy and theory are of practical importance
Contents
Students develop deeper understanding of media theory as a basis for coursework in the programme, with specific application to themes, dynamics and developments that are characteristic of media policy in the European Union, contrasted especially with media policy in the United States. Lectures emphasise why media theory and policy matter in the practical work of managing a media company (private commercial) or institution (public service), and explain how the roles and duties of managers at different levels of a media organisation are affected by policy and described by theory.
Teaching methods
| Teaching method | Contact | Online |
| Lectures | 12 h | 0 h |
Teaching language
EnglishModes of study
- Degree Programme Students
- Other Students
- Open University Students
- Doctoral Students
- Exchange Students
Lectures (12 hours). The course is taught by Prof. Lowe,
with two invited guest lectures to address areas of specialist importance. Students are tested on their knowledge of assigned readings and lecture material. Students are divided into teams that must research an agreed case to illustrate why and how media policy and theory are important in management practice. The teams are required to make presentations of the results.
Participation in the lectures with a team-produced research
paper and presentation (3 ECTS). Readings and lecture notes that culminate in an examination (2 ECTS).
Evaluation
Numeric 1-5.Study materials
Contemporary readings from academic journals and books, trade press sources, international news magazines, and on-line reports. Featured readings include selections from:
Albarran, A., Chan-Olmsted, S.M. and Wirth, M.O. (2006) Handbook of Media Management and Economics. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Asociates, Publishers.
Christians, C.G., Glasser, T.L., McQuail, D., Nordenstreng, K. and White, R.A. (2009) Normative Theories of the Media: Journalism in Democratic Societies. Urbana-Champagne, IL: University of Illinois Press.
Donders, K. and Moe, H. (2011) Exporting the Public Value Test: The Regulation of Public Broadcasters’ New Media Services Across Europe. Göteborg, Sweden: NORDICOM.
Lowe, G.F. and Nissen, C. (2012) Small Among Giants: Television Broadcasting in Smaller Countries. Göteborg, Sweden: NORDICOM.
Jackson, J.D., Nielsen, G.M. and Hsu, Y. (2011) Mediated Society: A Critical Sociology of Media. UK: Oxford University Press.
Belongs to following study modules
2013–2014
