Page 91 - Critical Political Economy of the Media

70 Mapping approaches and themes

are intimately linked with questions of governance. Considerable variation and
evolving differences exist across critical political economy. Nevertheless, as it
developed from the 1960s there are some common values that serve as an entry
point, at least to consider how problems have been addressed. CPE is concerned
with a vision of a good society based on values of social justice, quality of life,
mutual responsibilities, democratic accountability and environmental sustainability.
Any political economic system should be assessed on how, within all ecological
and geopolitical constraints and affordances, it hopes to create a good society
and cultivate the good life for all, one that sustains and provides for public goods as
well as private consumption.

Problems of the media
The problems of the media can be approached in media-centric terms or in
terms that start with values for sustainable life on earth. To what extent do systems
of media and communications, or any particular communication operations and
exchanges, serve to promote good living for sustainable life as a whole? How do
communication systems and operations serve to sustain or contest dominant
power relations? Another central question is ‘whether, on balance, the media
system serves to promote or undermine democratic institutions and practice’
(McChesney 2008: 12). What follows is a listing of key problem areas, organised
around media structures, behaviours and outcomes.

Communications regulation and the policy process
communications policies that serve corporate media or state interests over the
wider public interest
policies (or non-decisions) that threaten or limit people’s communication
rights
how the communication policy process operates
democratic participation and oversight.

Organisation of media services: private; public service media; community
and alternative media institutions
the form and consequences of commercial organisation of media
subsidies and support for public service media systems
support for alternative media institutions and systems.

Financing of media services
the influence of advertising in shaping media markets, content and
communications services
state and public financing; subsidies and levies.