1. Historical Development of Western Media:
– Western media traces back to the late 15th century with the emergence of the printing press in Western Europe.
– British newspapers developed during political upheaval challenging British monarchy’s rule in 1641.
– Print industry grew despite political controls, with over 10 million newspapers distributed annually in late 18th century Britain.
– During the Cold War, U.S. and Soviet Union engaged in intense media diplomacy to shape international image.
– Western media gradually gained trust during the Cold War, with over 91% of migrants from East Germany perceiving it as more reliable.
2. Criticism and Bias in Western Media Coverage:
– Media coverage leading to the 2003 Iraq invasion was criticized for a pro-war bias.
– Coverage of the Syrian Civil War was criticized for favoring the opposition without considering extremist elements.
– Global North media increased human rights coverage between 1985 and 2000.
– Accusations of bias and hypocrisy in coverage from China and Russia towards Western media.
– Calls for fair reporting without false equivalence between Russian and Western actions.
3. Influence and Dominance of Western Media:
– Western media dominates global news sources, with the U.S. and UK contributing 74% while Asia only contributes 3%.
– Reuters made an error in an investigation involving a hack-for-hire company.
– Arnab Goswami criticized Western media hegemony in 2015.
– Media outlets like RT aim to counter Western media influence.
– Need for diversity in global media representation and calls for more balanced coverage of international events.
4. Responses to Western Media Influence:
– Chinese state media and internet users criticized Western media after the 2014 Kunming attack.
– China accused Western commentators of hypocrisy on terrorism.
– Russian media often claims bias in Western media coverage and established RT to counter it.
– Fair reporting does not require false equivalence between Russian and Western actions.
– Examination of Russia Today as a media outlet, its relationship with the Kremlin, and its influence on the international media landscape.
5. Global Media Coverage and Criticism:
– Criticism of Western media’s portrayal of non-Western countries and its impact on public perception.
– Indian cyber firm espionage revelations and the scrutiny faced by the firm.
– Chinese discontent with Western media coverage and calls for fair representation of Chinese news.
– Examination of Western media portrayal of the Ukraine crisis and debate over objectivity and neutrality.
– Critique of Russia Today as a propaganda tool and its role as a counterweight to mainstream media.
Western media is the mass media of the Western world. During the Cold War, Western media contrasted with Soviet media. Western media has gradually expanded into developing countries (often, non-Western countries) around the world.
