Global Media Empires – Good thing or bad thing?

Rupert Murdoch is one name that popped in my head as soon as I heard these words “Global Media Empires”. His empire includes TV channels, newspapers, radio channels, movie production houses and magazines. The one man owns almost one fifth of the world’s media capability. Rupert Murdoch and his business operations have been under scrutiny for unethical and at times, illegal operations (The Guardian, 14/7/2011).

Vardarajan (2012) says that Rubert’s goal was always to demolish the print dailies and have an unquestioned media empire where he could do what he liked and published what he wanted to. This raises concerns about what the media giants are potentially capable of, both good and bad. When I am reading a news story, I couldn’t potentially know how much is being hidden from me, what’s been ill-communicated and whether all stories are being brought to me.

Another thing I hate is how Paris Hilton or Lady Gaga are on a full page of newspaper, and news about world economy is hidden in a small corner. The media empires probably need to take a deep breath and realise what great role they can play in globalisation if they had their mind straight.

To conclude, in my opinion large media empires are probably a good thing. They are under continuously scrutiny from governments and other social organizations; therefore their unethical behaviour would be restricted to a great extent. They could however be better if they operated with a better moral and ethic.

References

Varadarajan, Tunku (2012). "Nationalization and Necrophilia. Till death do us part. Chronicle of a Death". Online at

http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2012/04/29/world-on-a-page-nationalization-and-necrophilia.html

Ed Pilkington in New York, Andrew Gumbel and agencies (14/07/2011). "FBI to investigate News Corporation over 9/11 hacking allegations". The Guardian (London). Online at

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jul/14/fbi-news-corp-hacking-claims?INTCMP=SRCH

Globalisation – A Philosophical Standpoint?

I have seen a lot of discussion about how globalisation results in exploitation of people in developing countries. For example, exploitation of people working in Chinese factories making iPads for us or exploitation of people working in call centres in India providing customer service for our banking issues.

A question has been raised about what’s missing in the definitions of globalisation that we looked at in the lecture notes. I think what’s missing is an author providing a philosophical standpoint on globalisation; and the rights and responsibilities all of us share. One specific question that comes to mind is “What are the moral obligations and responsibilities of western countries that enjoy the benefits of cheap products and services resulting from low cost and exploited labour in developing countries?”

Robinson (2002) discusses this issue by saying that globalisation poses issues for both the developed and the developing countries. People in developing countries face exploitation in jobs due to low wages and unsafe working conditions. People in western countries are unsafe in their jobs because they don’t know when their jobs will be outsourced to another country.

Robinson’s arguments to me suggests that there is a need to establish moral and ethical guidelines for bodies that engage in, drive or benefit from globalisation. These guidelines will ensure that globalisation is sustainable, equally (as far as possible) beneficial to citizens of the world.

References

Robinson, M (2002). Ethics, Human Rights and Globalization. Ethics, Human Rights and Globalization. Page 4-5. Read online on 28 July 2012 http://www.weltethos.org/1-pdf/20-aktivitaeten/eng/we-reden-eng/speech_Robinson_eng.pdf

What is Globalisation?

What is Globalisation? In my understanding, Globalisation is the blurring of boundaries; the cultural boundaries, geographical boundaries and language boundaries. Globalisation is commonly expressed by saying that the world is getting smaller. The societies are becoming multicultural, people migrate from one country to another country, and shopping centres have products from hundreds of different countries all in the same shelf. When we make a call, the call may be directed to different parts of the world depending upon the day of time.

Globalisation is defined as the rapid flow of goods, capital, ideas, people, knowledge, beliefs and images across the world (Experiencing Globalisation, p5). There are a number of other definitions of globalisation that have been suggested by various authors.

We hear a lot about the good things that globalisation brings. Globalisation opens up new opportunities for individuals and businesses. Individuals can travel, work and live in different countries. The businesses can sell their products and services in different countries; and can also access the employee workforce and customer base from different countries. Globalisation is both a result and source of these advantages we all enjoy.

What fascinates me most is the fact that globalisation is even seen as in a negative manner. Globalisation is seen by some as a cause for lost national identity, increasing environmental problems and exploitation of workforce (What is Globalisation? 21 July 2012). In my opinion, globalisation is a good thing as long as it is managed carefully. All individuals and businesses that enjoy the great benefits of globalisation must also be aware of and respect their responsibilities in a complex global environment.  

References

Experiencing Globalisation, University of New South Wales, On the move – Globalisation as Human Experience (p5) retrieved online on 21 July 2012 from http://socialsciences.arts.unsw.edu.au/media/File/GLST1100_S1_2012.pdf

Connell, R. C.  2007.  Southern Theory  – The global dynamics of knowledge in social  science.  Allen & Unwin, Crows Nest, Australia. Chapter 3: Imagining Globalisation

What is Globalisation? Charles Sturt University, retrieved online on 21 July 2012 from http://www.hsc.csu.edu.au/economics/global_economy/whatis_globalisation/tut1whatisglobalisation.html