抄録
After discussion by the editorial committee, we decided on the special theme for issue No.56 of the Journal of Mass Communication Studies as Shown above.There has been a wide range of development in themes and trends in recent criticism of journalism in Japan. One problem that has become a frequent topic of discussion in recent years is control of the media. Generally speaking, there are two aspects to this problem. First, in addition to the established power, the mass media themselves have become a power, one, moreover, with a large infuence on society. Second, the monopoly or oligopoly of the mass media has advanced, and the media have come to be controlled by a few media barons and media organizations. As a result of these tendencies, the media market has changed, and diversity in speech and in the media has lessened. We believe that this situation is dangerous for a democratic society.Consequently, the aim of this special issue is first of all to clarify whether the above presentation of the problems is valid or not. Secondly, if so, the mechanism of media control has to be clarified.We estabished four issues that need to be discussed from the above standpoints. They are : (1) international control of the media by multinational conglomerates ; (2) nationwide control of the media in Japan ; (3) local media control. These issues reflect contemporary viewpoints and are like concentric circles. However, there are many interrelated factors that have a bearing on media control. A historical examination is also necessary, so we decided that a historical perspective should be included as the fourth issue.Although the industrial / economic / management aspects of media control have tended to be disregarded to date, we belive that they are worthy of examination.On the other hand, we also attach importance to examining the kind of influence media control has exerted on political and social communication. The clarification of these problems is an important theme in the study of the contemporary media.
