COM4003

The future of communications

Jenny Hocking

8 points
* One 2-hour seminar per week
* Second semester
* City
* Prerequisite: It usually is expected that students will have undertaken COM4002

Objectives Upon completion of this subject students are expected to have developed an understanding of contemporary developments in communications in Australia; an understanding of the convergence of media and telecommunications infrastructure and industries; and the ability to critically assess the social, cultural and political impacts of communications developments in Australia.

Synopsis This subject is organised largely through a series of case studies which illuminate critical issues in the future of Australian communications. These include the fate of AUSSAT, the publishing industry, telecommunications and privatisation, the pay-TV debate, foreign ownership of the media, the concentration of media ownership, and possible changes to the roles of the ABC and SBS. The subject also examines the interrelationships between media, telecommunications and technological convergence as well as policy issues concerning ownership, diversity, access and national identity.

Assessment Major essay (3500 words): 50%
* Two short papers (1250 words each): 40%
* Seminar presentation and participation: 10%

Preliminary reading

Broadband Services Expert Group Networking Australia's Future: Final Report of the BSEG AGPS, 1994
Bureau of Transport and Communication Economics Communication futures project final report 1995
Nieuwenhuizen J Asleep at the wheel: Australia on the superhighway ABC Books/ABA, 1997