Global Media Governance

Subject 100-507 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2009.

Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 3 Hour Seminar per week
Total Time Commitment: 3 contact hours/week, 7 additional hours/week. Total of 10 hours per week.
Prerequisites: Admission to an approved coursework masters program.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Subject Overview: The increasingly international and global nature of media production, distribution and audiences has produced a startling array of bodies taking responsibility for policy issues, ranging from technical specifications and the allocation of spectra to content regulation, intellectual property and the protection of cultural heritage. Many of these bodies have long histories (the International Telecommunications Union for example, founded in 1865) while others are very recent (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, ICANN, formed in September 1998). Some of these bodies are non-governmental organisations or not-for-profit corporations, others are formed to administer treaties, or are organs of the United Nations. All balance the demands of media users, media industries and national governments in varying degrees, and all play host to major lobbies and diplomacy. Some bodies have significant influence over the activities of others: the World Trade Organisation's policy instruments have major impact on the media, for example. This subject will address case studies such as the use of technical standards to enforce commercial property rights; attempts to protect and encourage indigenous media; the discourse and practice of media and ICT for development in order to disentangle the interests at work and the modes of practice of these bodies, and to address critical debates and alternative proposals for policy development.
Objectives:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the major instruments governing global media standards, trade and regulation and the processes through which they are devised;
  • Recognise and explain the differing criteria involved in the design and application of governance practices in the global media industries;
  • Identify, critically engage with and design workable policy documents for global media governance bodies.
Assessment: Discourse analysis essay 1000 words 25% (due mid-semester), policy proposal essay 1000 words 25% (due mid- semester), and a final case study essay 3000 words 50% (due end of semester). Students must complete all assignments by the due date and attend at least 80% of classes.
Prescribed Texts: A class reader will be available.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • be able to prepare and present their ideas in both verbal and written mode, and in conformity to conventions of academic presentation;
  • be able to reflect on their own learning and take responsibility for organising personal study;
  • be able to participate in discussion and group activities and be sensitive to the participation of others.
Related Course(s): Master of Global Media Communication
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Media and Communication)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Media and Communications

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