Transformation of the World Television System under Neoliberal Globalization, 1983 to 2003.

The global television system has dramatically changed during the past two decades. The number of television sets has increased, and the number of TV channels has soared as television industries have been privatized and commercialized. New broadcasting systems such as cable and satellite broadcasting industries have also become part of everyday life around the world. This article maps out how the transformation of the global television-industry system can be understood within the larger context of global political-economic shifts and accompanying technological development. Specifically, I explore the changing structure of the broadcasting industry by examining consolidation. That is, I analyze foreign and domestic investment activities of the TV industry through mergers and acquisitions in the past twenty years. I also discuss the role of national governments and domestic communication industries in the transformation of the television system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]