Research News
ESRC publication to carry research by Professor Curran
Professor James Curran from the Department of Media and Communications is to have his research, which looks into media organisation and its influence on media content and public knowledge, published in the esteemed Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) magazine.
The research itself investigated how the differing television systems operate in the US, Finland, Denmark and Britain. It was found that there were significant differences in the content broadcasted, with the US focusing more heavily on domestic news as opposed to international news, and carrying more 'soft' news items. The Finnish and Danish channels were more hard news orientated and outward looking, whilst British television was found to be somewhere in between.
James' findings also showed that Americans were especially uninformed about international public affairs, with a 40% correct response rate to related questions compared with 59% in Britain and a 62-67% response rate by the Scandinavians. The research concludes that the public service model of broadcasting gives greater attention to public affairs and international news, and thereby fosters greater knowledge in these areas than the market model. James sees the growing number of countries adopting a more entertainment-centred model of American television as a matter for concern, because with it comes a declining exposure to serious journalism and reduced levels of public knowledge.
For more information on this research and James' other research interests visit www.goldsmiths.ac.uk/media-communications/staff/curran.php The ESRC magazine carrying the article is due out in early July.