COM5005

Communications and public policy

Jenny Hocking

8 or 12 points -One 2-hour seminar per week -First semester -City

Objectives Upon completion of this subject students are expected to have developed an understanding of the regulatory structures underpinning the communications industry; an understanding of the key contemporary policy developments in communications; an awareness of the significance of communications as an industry with public interest aspects; an understanding of regulatory and ethical issues in the communications profession; skills in evaluating both the policy process and the impact of communications policy implementation.

Synopsis The subject will involve an empirical examination of key policy developments over the last decade, including media ownership regulations, local content, the developing information infrastructure and regulation of journalism and communications industries. It will provide an overview of current and alternative communications policy frameworks together with a specific examination of public communications institutions and issues of public interest in communications policy, and economic issues in communications policy including pricing and competition policy.

Assessment (8 points) Research essay (3500 words): 50% -Two short papers (1250 words each): 40% -Seminar presentation and participation: 10%
Assessment (12 points) Research essay (4500 words): 50% -Two short papers (2250 words each): 40% -Seminar presentation and participation: 10%

Preliminary reading

Australian Labor Party Creative nation 1996
Craik J and others (eds) Public voices private interests: Australia's media policy Allen and Unwin, 1995
Liberal and National Parties Better communications: Liberal and National Parties' policy 1996
Schultz J (ed.) Not just another business: Journalists, citizens and the media Pluto Press/NCAS, 1994

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