Marxism Flashcards
(14 cards)
What do marxists say about the role of ideology in media?
Media is a societal institution that transmits and controls the masses.
It spread the dominant ideology of the dominant class.
Media is concentrated.
. 6 main corporations own broadcast media.
. 7 corporations own print media.
Media moguls directly control and manipulate its content and as a result the audience.
What is the base superstructure model?
Ruling class have vested interest to portray capitalism in a positive light.
Economic base - Mass media presents capitalism as normal, reasonable and acceptable.
False class consciousness.
What was Frankfurt school?
‘bread circus approach’
they deliberately make media output entertainment orientated so people are kept happy and docile/unaware of their poverty and exploitation.
What does Miliband say?
‘Media is the new opium of the people’
It is a tool by the dominant group to convince them widespread inequalities are inevitable.
Economically imposed media workforce.
The audience are fed dumbed down media diet to avoid them focusing on serious issues.
Why is media content biased?
Often attacks or ignores ideas from groups that seem to threaten or criticise upper class
This ensure status quo
What do marxists assume about the audience?
They are passive, easily manipulated, uncritical robots.
Who swallow every opinion and report in media
What is the case study of the Italian media industry?
Ex prime minister owned 3 TV channels which had 40% of Italian population.
He used media outlet to help win election
1994
What happened between 1920-1950 on Currans timeline?
Press barons eg Lord Beaverbrook who owned express newspaper group openly stated their ideological intentions.
‘I run the daily express merely for the purpose of making propaganda with no other motive’
What happened between 1974-1992 on Currans timeline?
Interventionist proprietorship appeared.
Symbolised by Rupert Murdoch oriented to what was sold, he shifted papers to the right because he believed right wing economic policies were key to making mass profit.
‘Phantom prime minister’
What are strengths for the marxist approach?
Tunstall and Palmer
Gov no longer interested in controlling or regulating media conglomerates.
They offer regulatory favours in return for support.
This allows media owners to publish and broadcast whatever they want.
What are the weaknesses of marxist approach?
It fails to see that journalists see themselves as guardians and dictate their careers to exposing members of the establishment who abuse their powers.
How is Curran challenged?
can be challenged as corporations are more focused on profit.
