What is media imperialism?

Abstract

During the 1970s and 1980s, the debate about media imperialism erupted in the field of communication studies. A good deal of critique and discussion followed during the next few decades, as academics continued to debate the feasibility of the concept. Meanwhile, global media expanded and changed in various ways. Is media imperialism still a viable concept in an increasingly globalized, diverse media system? Or has a new form of cultural imperialism developed? This essay discusses how these concepts have been defined, how they have been challenged and redefined, and their current relevance.