Media and Events in History

The media plays a crucial role in mediating large-scale and collective events, such as competitions, celebrations, festivals, environmental disasters, pandemics, and terror attacks. This book explores the rise of event-planning through mediation, revealing the historical driving forces behind 'media events, global 'mega-events, and 'pseudo-events.' It is of interest to students of media studies, history, historical sociology, and cultural history, as well as the general reader.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 02 September 2022
Publisher: Polity Press

The most profound aspirations and anxieties that shape our collective existence revolve around significant events, encompassing a wide range of occurrences from competitive tournaments and joyous celebrations to devastating environmental catastrophes, pandemics, and acts of terror. The media play a vital role in facilitating the planning, allocation of resources, and dissemination of essential information required for the successful execution of large-scale events. Moreover, they serve as repositories for preserving the traces of these historical moments. In essence, large-scale and collective events have been, and continue to be, intricately mediated.

Beginning with the onset of nineteenth-century industrialization, Media and Events in History delves into the intricate relationship between media and events, shedding light on how contemporary society has become inundated with a multitude of events. It explores the evolution of these events, encompassing their intricate infrastructures, sophisticated forms of control and anticipation, captivating attention and active participation, reliance on contingency and transformation, and the interconnections between past and future. By synthesizing insights from history, media studies, philosophy, and the social sciences, Ytreberg conducts a comprehensive survey of the rise of event planning through mediation, unveiling the historical forces that have shaped the emergence of "media events," "global 'mega-events," and "pseudo-events."

This enlightening book holds immense value for students specializing in media studies, history, historical sociology, and cultural history, as well as for the broader readership. It unveils the significance of events in shaping our past and present, providing a profound understanding of the role that media plays in mediating and shaping our collective experiences.

Weight: 316g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509545414