The Mass Media TNCs: An Overall Review of their Operations and of Control Options

Abstract

Varis, Tapio. The Mass Media TNCs: An Overall Review of their Operations and of Control Options. Cooperation and Conflict, XIII, 1978 193-213.

Recent discussions on transnational corporations (TNCs), especially in the UN, have been extended to include global communications and the mass media. An effort is made here to approach a definition of the mass media TNCs, as well as to describe the actual operations of these enterprises. The main focus is on the information media, al though some observations on the entertainment media are also made. The control options of these TNCs are discussed with particular attention to the problems connected with the introduction of an international code of conduct. The general conclusions are that a more systematic collection of data is needed, and that more preparatory research on the definitional aspects must be carried out. The paper suggests that institutions, unions, and other groupings active in international communication could give continuous input to the work of the code of conduct for the media, and should strengthen and use the existing alternative sources of information. A carefully planned national and inter national communication policy is of vital importance for progress in this field.