Understanding Ethnic Media: Producers, Consumers, and Societies

This is the first book to provide a comprehensive review and analysis of how media produced by ethnic communities, and for ethnic communities, affect identity and perceived lines of division between "us" and "others," as well as how the production and consumption of ethnic media affect the character of the larger media and societal landscapes. Integrating key ethnic media studies with original research, this book makes a unique contribution by covering both consumers and producers of ethnic media, as well as the history of ethnic media, its role in ethnic communities, the effect of globalization, and the professional challenges faced by ethnic media journalists. A compelling discussion on the future of ethnic media concludes the book and points the way toward further research. Key Features: A fresh viewpoint: The book focuses on how and why ethnic and racial minorities produce and consume media for themselves—not just how they are represented in or by the media. An ecological approach: The authors explore the growth of ethnic media in different socio-political contexts and approach ethnic media from the vantage points of both the audience and the media organization. An international focus: Provides readers with comparative examples from around the world. A conceptual and practical focus: Conceptual content is relevant, timely, and connected to readers′ lived experiences through real-world case studies. A student-friendly presentation: In each chapter, introductory bullet points identify the main concepts and issues, key terms are defined, student projects are suggested, and discussion questions are provided.

Table of Contents:
Preface PART I: ETHNIC MEDIA IN CONTEXT 1. What Are Ethnic Media? Introduction Defining Ethnic Media The Role of Geographic Context The Roles of Ethnic Media Globalization and the Ethnic Media Social Changes That Make Studying Ethnic Media Necessary Chapter-by-Chapter Book Overview 2. The Ethnic Media in History Emigration, Immigration, and the Ethnic Media Beginnings of the Ethnic Press in Europe Ethnic Media in the United States Ethnic Media in Canada Ethnic Media in Mexico Ethnic and Immigrant Media in Australia How the Past Affects Present Ethnic Media Trends PART II: THE CONSUMERS 3. Immigrants and Their Media Why Immigration Matters Context of Reception Ethnic Media as Resources for Immigrants 4. Ethnic Minorities and Their Media What Is an Ethnic Minority? Ethnic Media′s Roles in Ethnic Minority Communities The Challenge for Ethnic Media to Remain Viable PART III: THE PRODUCERS 5. Ethnic Media Audience Trends and What Lies Behind the Numbers Ethnic Newspapers: The Importance of Circulation Audits Ethnic Television and Radio: Trends and Politics Behind the Ratings Trends in Print Media Circulation The Audiences of Ethnic Television and Radio 6. Ethnic Media Organizations and Competition Surviving Competition, Achieving Sustainability Competing for Advertising Revenue Challenges and Opportunities for Ethnic Print Media The Internet as a Substitute for Ethnic Print Media Competition in Ethnic Television and Radio Ethnic Television, Ethnic Radio, and the Internet Online-Only Ethnic Media The 2008 Global Economic Crisis: Catalyst for Innovation or Demise? Satellite Broadcasting Networks 7. Globalization and the Ethnic Media Organization The Structure of Ethnic Media Organizations What is Globalization? Forces of Globalization Six Types of Ethnic Media Organizations Who Owns the Ethnic Media? 8. Policy and Ethnic Media Development Governance and Ethnic Media Policymaking in a Globalizing World The Broader Policy Context of Ethnic Media Development Media Policy Provisions and the Ethnic Media Immigrant Versus Indigenous Ethnic Cmmunities Public Service Broadcasting and Ethnic Media Public Access to the Airwaves, Open Channels, and Restricted Service Licenses Deregulation and the Internet PART IV: ETHNIC MEDIA AS CIVIC COMMUNICATORS 9. Ethnic Media as Local Media Ethnic Media and the Communities They Serve Geo-Ethnic Media and Civic Engagement Geo-Ethnic Media and Community Health Geo-Ethnic Media Challenges 10. Professional Challenges for Ethnic Media Journalists The Ethnic Media Journalist in the 21st Century Who Are the Ethnic Media Journalists, Editors, and Staff? Journalists as Conduits to the Larger Community Challenges Ethnic Media Producers, Editors and Reporters Face Professionalization: Objectivity and Social Responsibility When the Ethnic Community Turns Against Its Ethnic Media Ethnic and Mainstream Media Collaborations: Experiments, Possibilities, Challenges The Role of Professional Journalism Education in the Future of Ethnic Media PART V: THE FUTURE OF ETHNIC MEDIA Conclusions: What Does the Future Hold for Ethnic Media? How the Experts See the Future of Ethnic Media Ethnic Media and Emerging Technologies: Opportunity or Risk? The Future of Ethnic Media: The Consumers The Future of Ethnic Media: The Producers Gaps in the Research: What Do We Still Need to Know to Understand Ethnic Media? References Author Index Subject Index About the Authors

About the Author :
Matthew D. Matsaganis (Ph.D., University of Southern California) is an Assistant Professor of Communication at the University at Albany, State University of New York. His research addresses issues of ethnic media production and sustainability, neighborhood effects and the role of communication in building civic engagement and community capacity, as well as health disparities and the social determinants of health. His research has been published in the American Behavioral Scientist, Human Communication Research, the Electronic Journal of Communication, and the Encyclopedia of International Media and Communications; he has presented his work at a number of academic and professional conferences. Matthew is also a recovering print journalist. He has worked for a variety of publications in Athens, Greece and New York City. In November 2001, he received a certificate of recognition from the U.S. Congress for his work as a journalist and for promoting Greek-American friendship and cooperation. Vikki S. Katz (Ph.D., University of Southern California) is an Assistant Professor of Communication in the School of Communication and Information at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. Her research explores issues of ethnic media consumption, particularly the interplay between media content and access to community resources in ethnic minority and immigrant neighborhoods. She has conducted research on the relationship between family decision-making around media content and disparities in connecting to health care, schools, and social services; children’s translating activities around media content; the viability of ethnic media with second and third generation audiences; and the role of family communication in civic engagement. Her research has been published in the Journal of Communication and the Journal of Children and Media. She has also presented her work at academic and professional conferences on topics including ethnic media viability, intergenerational media connection patterns, and immigrant family media use. Sandra J. Ball-Rokeach, PhD, is a professor of Communication and Sociology in the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism at the University of Southern California. She is the founder and principal investigator of The Metamorphosis Project—an in-depth inquiry into the transformation of urban community under the forces of globalization, new communication technologies, and population diversity. This multi-method project is guided by communication infrastructure theory. It has addressed issues of civic engagement, health disparities, intergroup relations, and community news site development.

Review :
"This comprehensive book offers a global overview. The rich data discussed and the activities proposed make a very good introductory text for ethnic media teaching. The organization of the material is excellent and the writing is particularly engaging and confident, and brings the subject to life." "This is an excellent contribution to a growing body of important literature." Understanding Ethnic Media: Producers, Consumers and Societies addresses important media outlets that are often absent from academia and professional discussions of mass media. In light of the momentous changes within today’s societies, and with the many challenges faced by governments unsure of multiculturalism, the need for this text at this time could not be greater. … This much-needed book offers a wonderful overview and identifies areas in need of further exploration. This book is definitely a must-read for all teachers and students in the field of media and ethnic minorities or those professionals planning to play a role in ethnic media development. The book offers a rich smorgasbord of discussion, covering immigrants’ media, minorities’ media, audience trends, ethnic media organizations, and policy development. … The book abounds in small, substantive nicities that would make it appealing to a wide base of readers. … Overall, it is a valuable textbook for the growing field of ethnic media studies. The study of ethnic media is complex terrain. Matsaganis, Katz, and Baii-Rokeach′s new book thankfully provides clear, sharp analysis of the processes that shape media produced by ethnic communities and for ethnic communities. It is a useful starting point for students, policy makers, media practitioners, and academics, one that is grounded in a thorough practical knowledge of newsroom mechanics, the tensions created by market competition and tight budgets, and wider technological shifts in production and consumption.