1
Media History - Lectures
Lecture week 1: Introduction to Media History 2
Lecture Week 2: The development of the elite press and its role in democratic society
(1800-1900) 5
Lecture Week 3: Developed understanding of news and newspapers
throughout the 19th century 8
Lecture Week 4: Audiovisual Revolution Part 1 11
Lecture Week 5: Audiovisual revolution 2: sound, radio, television 15
Lecture Week 6: The early history of the web 19
, 2
Lecture week 1: Introduction to Media History
Why Study Media History?
1. Importance of Media History
● Understanding and Prediction: Studying media history helps us understand why the
media industry operates as it does today and predicts future trends.
● John Updike’s Perspective: “We forget most of our past but embody all of it” (Updike,
1995). Historical context shapes present media forms.
● Case Example:
○ The New York Times: The online version retains much of the traditional layout
and characteristics of the print version, demonstrating continuity in design and
content focus over time.
● Media Evolution: New media forms often build on old ones, reflecting a conservative
tendency in media development.
2. Evolution vs. Revolution in Media
● Revolutionary Logic: Often used in media discourse, but Kortti warns against
over-reliance on this view.
● Evolutionary Perspective: Media developments should be seen as part of an
evolutionary continuum rather than sudden, revolutionary shifts.
Media History as a Field
● A New Discipline: Media history is a relatively recent field of study.
● Challenges:
○ Often focuses narrowly on individual media (medium-centricity).
○ Risks technological determinism: overemphasis on technologies, inventors,
and their "revolutionary" impact.
○ Neglects broader social and cultural connections.
Pragmatics of the Course
● Course Materials:
○ Media in History by Kortti is the main textbook.
○ Knowledge clips provide background information.
● Learning Outcomes:
, 3
○ Focus on broader media historical developments, their impact, and contexts (not
dates/facts).
○ Aim to understand:
■ Level 1: Characteristics and differences with previous periods (what
happened).
■ Level 2: Historical context and reasons (why it happened).
■ Level 3: Impact of these developments (impact).
● Assessments:
○ Essay-based exam.
○ Group assignment: Create a knowledge clip to bring media history alive (use
artifacts, follow guidelines).
Media and Society: A British Example
● James Curran’s Perspective: Explores media's role in shaping British society
(1700–2000).
Problems in Media History
1. Medium-Centricity:
○ Focuses on specific media (e.g., newspapers, radio) rather than broader societal
impacts.
2. Technological Determinism:
○ Overemphasizes technologies and individuals (e.g., inventors), neglecting
societal and cultural interplay.
3. Narrative Limitations:
○ Narratives often focus on one perspective, ignoring others.
Narratives in Media History
1. Liberal Narrative: Media’s role in struggles for independence, free speech, and
freedom.
2. Feminist Narrative: Media’s role in women’s emancipation.
3. Populist Narrative: Tension between elite and popular, commercialized culture.
4. Libertarian Narrative: Focuses on individual freedoms.
5. Anthropological Narrative: Media’s role in human development.
6. Radical Narrative: Media’s role in systemic challenges and change.
7. Environmental Narrative: Media’s relationship with environmental issues.
8. Geographical Narrative: Focus on regional differences in media history.
Note: Each narrative has its limitations; they highlight specific aspects but may overlook others.
Media History - Lectures
Lecture week 1: Introduction to Media History 2
Lecture Week 2: The development of the elite press and its role in democratic society
(1800-1900) 5
Lecture Week 3: Developed understanding of news and newspapers
throughout the 19th century 8
Lecture Week 4: Audiovisual Revolution Part 1 11
Lecture Week 5: Audiovisual revolution 2: sound, radio, television 15
Lecture Week 6: The early history of the web 19
, 2
Lecture week 1: Introduction to Media History
Why Study Media History?
1. Importance of Media History
● Understanding and Prediction: Studying media history helps us understand why the
media industry operates as it does today and predicts future trends.
● John Updike’s Perspective: “We forget most of our past but embody all of it” (Updike,
1995). Historical context shapes present media forms.
● Case Example:
○ The New York Times: The online version retains much of the traditional layout
and characteristics of the print version, demonstrating continuity in design and
content focus over time.
● Media Evolution: New media forms often build on old ones, reflecting a conservative
tendency in media development.
2. Evolution vs. Revolution in Media
● Revolutionary Logic: Often used in media discourse, but Kortti warns against
over-reliance on this view.
● Evolutionary Perspective: Media developments should be seen as part of an
evolutionary continuum rather than sudden, revolutionary shifts.
Media History as a Field
● A New Discipline: Media history is a relatively recent field of study.
● Challenges:
○ Often focuses narrowly on individual media (medium-centricity).
○ Risks technological determinism: overemphasis on technologies, inventors,
and their "revolutionary" impact.
○ Neglects broader social and cultural connections.
Pragmatics of the Course
● Course Materials:
○ Media in History by Kortti is the main textbook.
○ Knowledge clips provide background information.
● Learning Outcomes:
, 3
○ Focus on broader media historical developments, their impact, and contexts (not
dates/facts).
○ Aim to understand:
■ Level 1: Characteristics and differences with previous periods (what
happened).
■ Level 2: Historical context and reasons (why it happened).
■ Level 3: Impact of these developments (impact).
● Assessments:
○ Essay-based exam.
○ Group assignment: Create a knowledge clip to bring media history alive (use
artifacts, follow guidelines).
Media and Society: A British Example
● James Curran’s Perspective: Explores media's role in shaping British society
(1700–2000).
Problems in Media History
1. Medium-Centricity:
○ Focuses on specific media (e.g., newspapers, radio) rather than broader societal
impacts.
2. Technological Determinism:
○ Overemphasizes technologies and individuals (e.g., inventors), neglecting
societal and cultural interplay.
3. Narrative Limitations:
○ Narratives often focus on one perspective, ignoring others.
Narratives in Media History
1. Liberal Narrative: Media’s role in struggles for independence, free speech, and
freedom.
2. Feminist Narrative: Media’s role in women’s emancipation.
3. Populist Narrative: Tension between elite and popular, commercialized culture.
4. Libertarian Narrative: Focuses on individual freedoms.
5. Anthropological Narrative: Media’s role in human development.
6. Radical Narrative: Media’s role in systemic challenges and change.
7. Environmental Narrative: Media’s relationship with environmental issues.
8. Geographical Narrative: Focus on regional differences in media history.
Note: Each narrative has its limitations; they highlight specific aspects but may overlook others.
