The historical context of international communication — Reflection
International communication was used and maintained in different eras. This communication was crucial in war times as well as economical growth times. For example, Gauls were using fire, smoke, and mirrors in order to communicate between tribes and gather warriors in three days. Darius I used a line of shouting men from one height to another in order to transmit messages along the persian empire. However, countries started to use more reliable sources of communication. In fact, in sixteenth century, the printing technology appeared and boosted the efficiency and availability of information all along major european countries. The progress never ceased to stop, Morse invented the telegraph which allowed the british empire to communicate between its own colonies, with secrecy and speed. Hence, it allowed the british empire to avoid the long sea trips. As the mean of communication between countries became more and more affordable, the media culture started to show its appearance. In fact, with the invention of radio and television, it provoked the appearance of news agencies, film, and music. The improvement of latter technologies gave advertising more importance worldwide. Radio played an important role during world war 2 and ideology propaganda. BBC was able to transmit information, about the troops landings, to the french resistance which helped hugely during the war. In addition, Radio was an important tool of propaganda. It allowed nations to rally its people together around a unique ideology. Other than radio, television has an important impact to the 1989 revolutions in USSR. It led to broadcast events occurring in the eastern europe which caused other eastern countries to follow the flow. Finally, referring to the history of the media evolution, we observe that major technological advancement were created by developed countries. In fact, information transmitted to the south were modified at the north’s benefit. Hence, Masmoudi engaged to argue against the western dominance over information. Hence a demand for a New World Information and Communication Order was Issued. However, the west is against the NWICO because it will provide dictators the opportunity to manipulate media and corrupt freedom of speech. In the end, It led to the creation of a new global communication order.
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In my opinion, the demand for a New World Information and Communication Order is valid. Even Though we ran at the risk that third world leaders might mislead their people into their dictatorship ends, we are left having west monopolizing the flow of information. We are at risk to be rallied around a singular and unique culture that is the culture of the country which has the most control of media and information. Without New World Information and Communication Order we run at the risk that cultures such as Moroccan culture disappear. However, providing each developing country the total power over their own flow of information might lead also to negative outcomes. It will provide developing countries power over their people’s opinion and corrupt it. Hence, I feel more comfortable to have media accessed in balance between the developed and developing countries. So to keep people unified over some fundamental principles and preserve each country own culture and traditions.
