How the mass media influences the global community

Sunmade A.

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How the mass media influences the global community

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Abstract

Over the course of the last three decades, notable changes have taken place in the context of international discourse. Although many of these changes have occurred as the natural result of the evolution of individual countries, overall changes in the international community have been spurred by the process of globalization. As noted by Foley (1996) the global community has become reorganized along political and economic lines. While these changes have made it possible for many developing countries to make notable gains toward industrialization, the process has significantly changed the way in which developed countries interact and function in the global society.

With the realization that the mass media has such an overwhelming impact on the development of globalization, there is a clear impetus to examine this issue and how it impacts individuals.
The Case of North Korea and its Nuclear Program as Told by CNN
CNN has provided detailed coverage of the development of North Korea's nuclear arms program.
Other reporters for CNN detailing the events surrounding the development of North Korea's nuclear program have also made biased remarks about the country and its nuclear program.
Arguably, the picture pained by CNN of North Korea and its nuclear program are not very palatable
Interviewing Korean Students
After the ten Korean students had been interviewed, each was given a copy of the five CNN articles used for investigation in this research.
How the Case Reflects Issues of Globalization
Conclusions

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[...] Hafez (1999) in his examination of the manner in which mass media impacts globalization argues that, mass media may be considered agents of globalization” (p. 48). This is clearly what is being described in this case. CNN has a negative impact on individual views of North Korea. Even though there is ample evidence to suggest that there is another side to what is occurring in North Korea, none of this information has been presented by CNN in its coverage of the country. [...]

[...] Although each of the interviewees was familiar with North Korea's nuclear arms program, none saw it as an imminent threat to global safety. The first step in the interview process to gauge the respondent's overall attitude toward North Korea. While it is evident that each interviewee had a different opinion about the country, none of respondents reported having a negative image of North Korea. For all respondents, the central issue of concern was the potential reunification that might occur if North Korea's economy collapses. [...]

[...] In the end, this case study clearly elucidates the overall power of the mass media in shaping global attitudes toward North Korea. Even though it is possible that North Korea may have justified reasons for undertaking its current actions, reporters and investigators from CNN have done nothing to bring these issues to light. In terms of the impact that this reporting has on the process of globalization it is evident that mass media now have the power to influence the entire world community. [...]

[...] Further, as tensions mount between North Korea and its neighbors—chiefly South Korea and China—the North Korean government now believes that it has no other choice but to follow a path of development that forces the international community to cooperate. When placed in this context, it is evident that CNN coverage of North Korea has developed the country and its leaders in a negative light overall. CNN has done nothing to demonstrate positive changes that have been undertaken in North Korea. [...]

[...] While the overall background information provided by CNN demonstrates the overall tension that has been created in the context of the current situation, some of the news stories that have been provided by the news organization follow a clearly biased line. For instance, in a 2002 article that examined North Korea's intentions toward the United States, a CNN newswire reporter made the following observations: “North Korea's aggressive stance—coupled with Washington's accusation on Friday that Iran was also ‘actively working' on a nuclear weapons program—threatens to distract the U.S. [...]

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