This session offers an introduction to the modern global media landscape, using real-life contemporary examples to examine how digital platforms, corporate concentration, and weak regulation have transformed social and political life, and how media power today operates less through overt propaganda than through data extraction, algorithmic influence, monopolisation, and regulatory gaps.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
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This two-hour session introduces key features of the contemporary global media landscape by examining the relationship between media systems and democracy through a small number of recent, real-life examples. It focuses on three interconnected issues shaping our present global media landscape: first, how digital platforms use data and algorithms to influence political behaviour and elections, ; second, how media ownership has become increasingly concentrated in the hands of a few corporations; and third, how governments have struggled to regulate these powerful actors, . Taken together, these examples equip students with conceptual tools to critically interpret contemporary media debates and news stories as questions of democratic power rather than purely technological or commercial change.
What will we cover?
Platforms, data, and democracy
Illustrated by the Cambridge Analytica scandal and wider debates about social media-driven polarisation.
Media ownership and monopolisation
The concentration of media ownership, as exemplified by the recent acquisitions by conglomerates like Disney, as well as by controversies surrounding Google and TikTok in the United States and attempts by large conglomerates such as Netflix and Paramount to acquire Warner Bros. We shall consider why private markets do not automatically produce pluralism, but have instead consolidated media ownership in the hands of a select few.
Regulation, law, and the future of media governance
We'll consider historical examples of media de-regulation in order to trace how the past has led to our present, through key legislation like the 1990 UK Broadcasting Act and the 1996 US Telecommunications Act. We shall trace this forward to our contemporary, including recent global debates around youth protection, regulation of AI, and measures such as Australia’s proposed ban on social media for under-16s.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Explain how platforms and algorithms shape political behaviour
Understand why media ownership concentration poses risks to democracy
Identify the role of deregulation in the rise of Big Tech
Critically assess current debates about regulating social media and AI
Approach media news stories with greater analytical confidence
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is suitable for all levels and you do not require any particular skills, just an interest in media, politics, and culture.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The session combines illustrated lectures with clips and guided group discussion, centred around specific real-life examples.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Dr Jean-Baptiste de Vaulx has taught at Royal Holloway, University of London, and currently is an associate lecturer at University College London. His fields of teaching and research focus on world cinema, international film history, film festivals and cinephile film cultures. He has published articles and book chapters on varied topics including child characters in Iranian cinema, the theme of home in the films of Lucrecia Martel, the Japanese new wave director Hiroshi Teshigahara, and the history of world cinema programming on Channel Four.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/global-media-now-what-you-need-to-know3025147Global Media Now: What You Need to Knowhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/g/l/global_media_now_what_you_need_to_know_-_hpc325-1080.jpg1919GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Politics & economics/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Politics & economics/Current affairs/Courses/Online courses2285117716771353917311228511771677<p>This session offers an introduction to the modern global media landscape, using real-life contemporary examples to examine how digital platforms, corporate concentration, and weak regulation have transformed social and political life, and how media power today operates less through overt propaganda than through data extraction, algorithmic influence, monopolisation, and regulatory gaps.</p>003025141Global Media Now: What You Need to Know1919https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/g/l/global_media_now_what_you_need_to_know_-_hpc325-1080_1.jpgInStockEveningMonOnlineAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekday2026-06-29T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allJun 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHPC3251919Global Media Now: What You Need to Know191919Jean-Baptiste de Vaulxglobal-media-now-what-you-need-to-know/hpc325-2526<p>This session offers an introduction to the modern global media landscape, using real-life contemporary examples to examine how digital platforms, corporate concentration, and weak regulation have transformed social and political life, and how media power today operates less through overt propaganda than through data extraction, algorithmic influence, monopolisation, and regulatory gaps.</p>0000-Available|2026-06-29 00:00:00<p>This two-hour session introduces key features of the contemporary global media landscape by examining the relationship between media systems and democracy through a small number of recent, real-life examples. It focuses on three interconnected issues shaping our present global media landscape: first, how digital platforms use data and algorithms to influence political behaviour and elections, ; second, how media ownership has become increasingly concentrated in the hands of a few corporations; and third, how governments have struggled to regulate these powerful actors, . Taken together, these examples equip students with conceptual tools to critically interpret contemporary media debates and news stories as questions of democratic power rather than purely technological or commercial change.</p><p>This session offers an introduction to the modern global media landscape, using real-life contemporary examples to examine how digital platforms, corporate concentration, and weak regulation have transformed social and political life, and how media power today operates less through overt propaganda than through data extraction, algorithmic influence, monopolisation, and regulatory gaps.</p><ul><li>Platforms, data, and democracy</li></ul><p>Illustrated by the Cambridge Analytica scandal and wider debates about social media-driven polarisation.</p><ul><li>Media ownership and monopolisation</li></ul><p>The concentration of media ownership, as exemplified by the recent acquisitions by conglomerates like Disney, as well as by controversies surrounding Google and TikTok in the United States and attempts by large conglomerates such as Netflix and Paramount to acquire Warner Bros. We shall consider why private markets do not automatically produce pluralism, but have instead consolidated media ownership in the hands of a select few.</p><ul><li>Regulation, law, and the future of media governance</li></ul><p>We'll consider historical examples of media de-regulation in order to trace how the past has led to our present, through key legislation like the 1990 UK Broadcasting Act and the 1996 US Telecommunications Act. We shall trace this forward to our contemporary, including recent global debates around youth protection, regulation of AI, and measures such as Australia’s proposed ban on social media for under-16s.<br></p><ul><li>Explain how platforms and algorithms shape political behaviour</li><li>Understand why media ownership concentration poses risks to democracy</li><li>Identify the role of deregulation in the rise of Big Tech</li><li>Critically assess current debates about regulating social media and AI</li><li>Approach media news stories with greater analytical confidence</li></ul><p>The course is suitable for all levels and you do not require any particular skills, just an interest in media, politics, and culture.</p><p>The session combines illustrated lectures with clips and guided group discussion, centred around specific real-life examples.</p><p>There are no additional course costs.</p><p><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/politics-and-world-affairs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">View our upcoming politics, economics and current affairs courses here.</a></p>Politics & economicsCurrent affairsvirtual191919HPC325NONEMon29/06/2618:00 - 20:0018:0020:001 session1One-off onlyWeekdayOnlineOnlineJean-Baptiste de VaulxBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-06-29T00:00:00+00:00EveningJun 2026Culture, history & humanities1919Global Media Now: What You Need to Knowglobal-media-now-what-you-need-to-know/hpc325-2526<p>This session offers an introduction to the modern global media landscape, using real-life contemporary examples to examine how digital platforms, corporate concentration, and weak regulation have transformed social and political life, and how media power today operates less through overt propaganda than through data extraction, algorithmic influence, monopolisation, and regulatory gaps.</p>0000-Available|2026-06-29 00:00:00<p>This two-hour session introduces key features of the contemporary global media landscape by examining the relationship between media systems and democracy through a small number of recent, real-life examples. It focuses on three interconnected issues shaping our present global media landscape: first, how digital platforms use data and algorithms to influence political behaviour and elections, ; second, how media ownership has become increasingly concentrated in the hands of a few corporations; and third, how governments have struggled to regulate these powerful actors, . Taken together, these examples equip students with conceptual tools to critically interpret contemporary media debates and news stories as questions of democratic power rather than purely technological or commercial change.</p><p>This session offers an introduction to the modern global media landscape, using real-life contemporary examples to examine how digital platforms, corporate concentration, and weak regulation have transformed social and political life, and how media power today operates less through overt propaganda than through data extraction, algorithmic influence, monopolisation, and regulatory gaps.</p><ul><li>Platforms, data, and democracy</li></ul><p>Illustrated by the Cambridge Analytica scandal and wider debates about social media-driven polarisation.</p><ul><li>Media ownership and monopolisation</li></ul><p>The concentration of media ownership, as exemplified by the recent acquisitions by conglomerates like Disney, as well as by controversies surrounding Google and TikTok in the United States and attempts by large conglomerates such as Netflix and Paramount to acquire Warner Bros. We shall consider why private markets do not automatically produce pluralism, but have instead consolidated media ownership in the hands of a select few.</p><ul><li>Regulation, law, and the future of media governance</li></ul><p>We'll consider historical examples of media de-regulation in order to trace how the past has led to our present, through key legislation like the 1990 UK Broadcasting Act and the 1996 US Telecommunications Act. We shall trace this forward to our contemporary, including recent global debates around youth protection, regulation of AI, and measures such as Australia’s proposed ban on social media for under-16s.<br></p><ul><li>Explain how platforms and algorithms shape political behaviour</li><li>Understand why media ownership concentration poses risks to democracy</li><li>Identify the role of deregulation in the rise of Big Tech</li><li>Critically assess current debates about regulating social media and AI</li><li>Approach media news stories with greater analytical confidence</li></ul><p>The course is suitable for all levels and you do not require any particular skills, just an interest in media, politics, and culture.</p><p>The session combines illustrated lectures with clips and guided group discussion, centred around specific real-life examples.</p><p>There are no additional course costs.</p><p><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/politics-and-world-affairs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">View our upcoming politics, economics and current affairs courses here.</a></p>Politics & economicsCurrent affairsconfigurable
135391677Current affairshttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/politics-and-world-affairs/current-affairs1/2/285/1177/1677/135391/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Politics & economics/Current affairs
