Chapter 14
Related WebsitesWorldnet Television International Telecommunications Union NAB's International Broadcasting Sources TV SHOW: The World of Television WWW-TV Shortwave Stations World News Stand | Chapter 14 - Summary
A country's media system is dependent on political philosophy, social history, and economic structures. This is most evident when comparing the media systems of Great Britain, China, Canada, and Kenya since each of these countries differ greatly in these repects.
International broadcasting started with the discovery that shortwave radio could travel long distances and could be used for propaganda. The United States did not get involved in international broadcasting until 1941, when it entered World War II. In the 1950s, the United States set up the Voice of America to counter propaganda broadcasts from the Soviet Union.
Recent developments in the international broadcasting arena include the decrease of propaganda; cost-cutting measures going into effect at all major broadcasting organizations; the growth of television; and the Internet as an international media.
The top five international broadcasters are the Voice of America, the BBC, Voice of Russia (formerly Radio Moscow), China Radio International, and Deutsche Welle, the German station. International services can also be heard over the Internet. The leaders in international TV are CNN, ESPN, MTV, TNT, and the BBC. American programs are still popular in other countries despite increasing competition from local productions. |
