2 - Globalisation, Democracy and the Arab Media

Summary

Definition of globalisation

Before we embark on any discussion of the relationship between globalisation and democracy on the one hand, and the impact of globalisation on the Arab media on the other, we need first to provide a definition of globalisation. Al-Jabri (2002: 134 in Mellor 2007: 12) defined globalisation as:

a world without a nation-state, or without a nation and without a state. It is a world of corporations and networks; a world of subjects or ‘doers’, those in control, and objects of consumption imposed on them, be it the consumption of food, drinks, canned products, images, data, movement and even silence. Cyberspace has become the new nation … it is the space which is made by the communication networks to encompass economics, politics, and culture.

One aspect of globalisation which has become apparent over the last decade or so is the entertainment sector (films, music and literature). Unlike other sectors which may be domesticated to reflect local culture and layout, the entertainment sector poses itself as a global complete package (Hafez 2007). Hafez refers to the entertainment industry as the largest capital film makers have. It has a global aspect that has been welcome across the world.

Hafez (2007) paints quite a clear picture of international reporting and how it unifies people across the globe. His example of sporting activities such as the Olympic Games and football illustrates quite well how all broadcasters unite to transmit these international events across the world.