The mass communication process via (mass) media has a great potential of reaching people all around the world. This may foster cosmopolitanism and democracy, but it also holds the danger of an increasing manipulation because of the fact that media can never be neutral and value-free. While some studies do not see a harmful impact of media, most…

Argues that the growing decentralization of media in developing countries, particularly through the videocassette recorder and more locally produced media products, requires a rethinking of the cultural and economic components of the media imperialism thesis. (ARH)