MURAL - Maynooth University Research Archive Library



    Media Diversity and Cultural Identity: the Development of Multimedia Content in Ireland.


    Kerr, Aphra (2000) Media Diversity and Cultural Identity: the Development of Multimedia Content in Ireland. New Media and Society, 2 (3). pp. 286-312.

    [thumbnail of kerr_NMS_2000.pdf] PDF
    kerr_NMS_2000.pdf

    Download (157kB)

    Abstract

    This article examines the development of multimedia and asks the question: ‘can new media be used to preserve the diversity of cultural identities in an increasingly global media environment?’ Given the embryonic state of the multimedia industry the answer must be tentative. Yet if we examine empirically what is happening from a social shaping perspective we can attempt to identify the factors which have shaped current developments and suggest possible alternative paths (Edge 1988; Wajcman 1991; Williams 1992; Williams 1996; Winston 1996). The article draws upon four case studies conducted during 1997 & 1998 in multimedia production companies in Ireland who were producing both offline and online content aimed at domestic and foreign markets. Based on this work it is proposed that while new media have the potential to democratise media production these case studies illustrate that for both multinational and indigenous companies particular economic, political, cultural and technological factors act to limit this potential and intervene directly in the content innovation process.
    Item Type: Article
    Keywords: Multimedia, Ireland, cultural identity, design, diversity, globalisation, information society, convergence.
    Academic Unit: Faculty of Social Sciences > Sociology
    Item ID: 437
    Depositing User: Prof. Aphra Kerr
    Date Deposited: 06 Nov 2006
    Journal or Publication Title: New Media and Society
    Publisher: Sage
    Refereed: No
    URI: https://mural.maynoothuniversity.ie/id/eprint/437
    Use Licence: This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here

    Repository Staff Only (login required)

    Item control page
    Item control page

    Downloads

    Downloads per month over past year

    Origin of downloads