Globalization, Technology, and Media Evolution

Posted on Aug 13, 2025 in Audiovisual Communication

Session 1: Economic and Political Dynamics of Globalization

  • Definition of Globalization: Interconnectedness of economies, cultures, and societies.
  • Key Features:
    • Economic Integration: Trade, multinational corporations, capital flows.
    • Technological Connectivity: Internet, transportation, AI.
    • Political and Social Interactions: Shared global values, security concerns.
    • Cultural Exchange: Spread of languages, entertainment, hybrid identities.
  • Economic Growth: Driven by capitalism, innovation, and free markets.
  • Key Theorists:
    • Deirdre McCloskey (cultural and ethical shifts enabled progress).
    • Milton Friedman and Friedrich Hayek (importance of free markets).
    • Daron Acemoglu & others (institutions drive development).
    • Joseph Schumpeter (creative destruction and innovation).
  • Global Trade & Capitalism: Economic freedom correlates with prosperity.
  • Political & Democratic Trends: Democratization waves, fall of communism, current authoritarian challenges.
  • Current Political Trends: Right-wing shift in 2024-2025, anti-woke backlash, economic liberalization.


Session 2: Technological Connectivity and Cultural Exchange

  • Urbanization: 60% of the population now in cities, shifting values.
  • Technological Adoption: Faster adoption of new tech (radio: 38 years, TV: 13, Internet: 4, social media: 2).
  • Streaming Revolution:
    • Shift from cable to on-demand streaming.
    • Global reach, personalization, binge-watching.
    • Impact on content production and cultural globalization.
  • Traditional TV’s Response:
    • Focus on live sports, eventized programming.
    • Social media integration, free-to-air content.


Sessions 3 & 4: Global Streaming Platforms

  • COVID-19 Impact: Accelerated streaming adoption.
  • Major Players:
    • Netflix: Pioneered streaming, global leader (~280M subscribers in 2023), struggles with stagnation.
    • Disney+: Rapid growth with franchises (Marvel, Star Wars), hit 221M subscribers by 2023.
    • (HBO) Max: Prestige content, merger with Discovery created financial burdens (~$43B debt).
    • Amazon Prime Video: Integrated with Amazon’s ecosystem, strong in live sports.
  • Competition Trends:
    • Expansion into sports broadcasting.
    • Shift to localized/niche content.
    • New monetization models (ad-supported tiers).


Session 5: Legacy Media

  • Golden Age of Television: Networks like CBS, NBC, ABC, and FOX dominated.
  • Centralization of Content: Large, unified audiences, mass cultural influence.
  • Cable & Satellite Era: Pay-TV introduced niche channels (CNN, MTV, ESPN, HBO).
  • Decline of Legacy TV: Streaming platforms disrupted the model.
  • War for Content:
    • Reality TV & cost-effective hits (Survivor, Love Island).
    • Prestige dramas (Yellowstone, Succession).
    • Live sports as a key battleground (Amazon’s NFL deal, NBA rights war)

Session 6: Oscar Campaigns & Award Politics

  • Evolution of Oscar Campaigning:
    • Early Oscars: Merit-based, minimal campaigning.
    • 1990s: Harvey Weinstein revolutionized aggressive lobbying.
    • Modern Era: Studios spend $3M-$15M on campaigns.
  • Tactics Used:
    • Strategic screenings, whisper campaigns, media influence.
    • Social media mobilization, influencer marketing.
  • Streaming’s Impact: Netflix, Apple, and Amazon disrupt the traditional studio system with aggressive Oscar bids.