Perspectives on CMC Convergence

CMC Convergence assumes a cross-disciplinary approach to studying change processes and the shifting boundaries between technology, society and culture. Four main perspectives bring focus to this broad field.

Technology

Technological configurations are closely interwoven with cultural, political, legal and economic issues. The convergence of IT, telecommunications, and information systems creates new solutions and uses which in turn influence and shape the limits for how they may be used. An example of this is seen in security systems that restrict user access to information data. Questions arise as to how certain features are inscribed into technology through standardizing processes. How do different technological designs and functionalities intervene in the tensions between the users (or citizens) access to free information and free political discourse on the one hand and commercial and political actors' interest in shaping and influencing these processes on the other?

Political Economy

Convergence is also an economic phenomenon that involves shifting boundaries between what were previously separate sectors. The communication industry is increasing viewed as one integrated, but composite sector. This raises new challenges seen from a political-economy perspective. For example, which new business models and media products will be developed? What are the consequences for pluralism and cultural diversity in the media if convergence also entails the concentration of ownership? What role does public service media play in global media markets? To what extent are national or international political initiatives taken to influence development in these markets?

Law and Regulation

Traditionally, specific laws have applied to the different sectors in the communication markets. Telecommunications have been regulated differently than IT and media; different media have had different regulations. In which ways are such sector-specific regulations challenged when boundaries between sectors become increasingly blurred? Moreover, the increased use of electronic communication challenges intellectual rights management, which has traditionally been achieved by managing the production and distribution of physical copies of a protected work. Intellectual property is increasingly regulated through individual contracts and by incorporating protection mechanisms into digital files. What is the significance of such changes for open access to information and democratic influence?

Culture

Convergence processes also have social and cultural impacts. Central characteristics of this development are globalization and mobility, and the development and change of information- and media types, genres and uses. ICT plays a pivotal role in these cultural changes in that it enables and reinforces such processes. An important theme is the development of new global and complex cultural expressions and uses. How do digital media affect the basis for these developments? How are we to understand new hybrid media texts and their uses?