Globalization, according to the Encyclopedia Britannica, is a phenomenon involving the interconnection of information and communications technologies, computer networks, and media content. As a group we looking at globalization from different perspectives with each of us having a different type of media to evaluate. The media mediums include advertising, social media, television, sports, and music. As we researched these topics, the group found that globalization plays a large role in the media we see daily. Through the assignment, our group saw obvious effects of globalization through interconnectivity of different parts of the world using all media platforms.
In sports, Alex saw that we are able to stream any sport we like no matter if it is an American sport or team playing while advertising with Katy proved that serious global businesses such as Coca Cola have shifted their ads depending on their audience. Every media we analyzed showed signs of globalization taking hold in our day to day media use.
Each can be downloaded or streamed on handheld devices making them easily accessible to users. We have access to resources from around the world and can store this information on a smartphone in our pockets. Convergence is a theme which presented itself in our group findings. Convergence is described by Vivian as “the merging of virtually all forms of mass communication… via various digital media platforms.” We have found that convergence assists in the globalization of advertising, sports, television, music, and social media.
Advertising is a form of media that is present throughout our findings. Katy introduces us to the topic of advertising in her blog. It is strategic, and it is everywhere. It is a form of a push-model. The advertising information is pushed onto consumers. Advertisements are pushed in sports. Teams become part of a branding strategy. Games are sponsored by companies. Sporting events like the “Chick-fil-A” bowl act as one giant advertisement.
Alex mentions in his blog, advertising for the Super Bowl is some of the most expensive in the world because it is one of the most watched sporting events. When it comes to TV, Olivia explains that consumers are willing to pay to avoid adds. Many are sick and tired of having a surplus of media pushed on them. In Ellen’s findings, she discovers that music entertainers can better advertise themselves via social media. They create their own push media and can become viral through the internet. This brings us to Lauren’s topic of social media. She explains how shopping is trending on apps such as Instagram. This is made possible through advertisements. Because cookies are installed and like buttons share information, many companies direct their advertisements to consumers who are likely to purchase their goods. Advertising is very influential in global media. We explain how sports, TV, music and social media are global within our blogs. The advertisements attached to these platforms are influential and can be seen all over the world.
Sources:
Media and Globalization 