How different life and society would be today without the constant marketing drilled into us daily over the past several decades.The pressure has been intense and most of us in the wealthier areas of the world have succumbed to becoming devoted over-consumers.
The system is so entrenched it will be very difficult to fix for the betterment of society.
An interesting series of articles by Anup Shah of Global Issues delves into the topic.
Media and Advertising - (This Page Last Updated Saturday, January 26, 2008)
Ever since mass media became mass media, companies have naturally used this means of communications to let a large number of people know about their products. There is nothing wrong with that, as it allows innovative ideas and concepts to be shared with others. However, as the years have progressed, the sophistication of advertising methods and techniques has advanced, enticing and shaping and even creating consumerism and needs where there has been none before, or turning luxuries into necessities. This section introduces some of the issues and concerns this raises.
Free media channels have a cost
Various free media such as the numerous channels available in America and other nations are naturally subsidized with advertising to help pay the costs.
As corporate competition has increased, so too has the need for returns on massive expenditures on advertising. Industries spend millions, even billions of dollars to win our hearts and minds, and to influence our choices towards their products and ideas. This often means such media outlets attract greater funds than those outlets funded through public funding or TV licenses. It can mean that such outlets can also then afford better programming of key events and programs.
The sheer amounts of money this brings to media companies is significant and in many cases the main form of support for the media company. Hence if something is reported that the advertiser doesn’t like, the media company risks losing much needed revenue to stay alive.
As a result, the mainstream media is largely driven by the forces of the market.
More sub-sections to this report
* Free media channels have a cost
* The Audience as the Product
* The Audience also as the Consumer
* Advertorials — Advertisements disguised as News!
* Advertainment — Advertisements disguised as Entertainment!
* Product Placement
* Political influence
* Military in Movies — Less Shock, More Awe
* Globalization of consumers
Read more on Media and Advertising by Anup Shah at Global Issues
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