• Korean journal of communication and information
• /
• v.56
• /
• pp.86-116
• /
• 2011

Recently, media diplomacy takes on a substantial role in information war not only in setting global agenda but also in delivering their favored views and frames. Focusing on its crucial impact, this study attempts to investigate empirically the relationship between national prestigious media's news coverage and it's own foreign policy particularly about the 2011 Libya conflict. The total of 530 news articles in such 24 hour English news channels as BBC World, Cnn International, Russia Today, France24, Al Jazeera English and Deusche Welle were analyzed for this study. The analyses reveal that Libya coverages of those news channels are entirely constructed in the context of the foreign policy. To put it concretely, there was the undeniable level of differences in terms of quoting relevant sources, viewpoints, attitudes and frames for the pursuit of media diplomacy helped by high quality journalism. The authors argue in this regard that protecting information sovereignty should be urgently discussed even in the time of digital revolution. To launch 24-hour English news channel like 'Korea 24' would be a possible strategy for influencing global agenda and perspective in way of supporting national interests.

• Analyses & Alternatives
• /
• v.1 no.2
• /
• pp.13-30
• /
• 2017

Referred to as a 'media war,' there is a fierce competition for media discourse between different countries. Twenty four hour global news channels like Al Jazeera, France 24, RT, NHK World, China's CCTV and teleSUR emerged to offer their own perspectives and stance in the global society, and to face the monopolization and distorted information created by the hegemony of English news channels which have swayed international public opinions for a long time. As a tool of public diplomacy, the media's role in determining the image of the nation and winning the 'Hearts and Minds' of the international community is decisive, but it cannot be said that they all have a similar influence or play a positive role in media diplomacy. A global news channel, which is both a media diplomatic subject and a journalism organization, can be in the position of acting as a public relations organization or a propaganda agency for the government depending on the regime's attitude because most of global news channels receive support from the government. Sometimes it is difficult for these media to implement quality journalism because of financial difficulties. Media discourse also has limitations in that it is dependent upon changes in foreign policy of its own government. This study examines the current status of global news channels, the dilemma these channels are facing, and suggests some potential directions that can be taken by global news channels in order to become more effective. It is becoming increasingly important for all nations to respond to distorted information about their own countries, to appropriately identify various issues and changes in the international community and to convey their views and positions to the international community. For now, there is a lack of awareness about the importance of media diplomacy in Korea: There are many English-language media, but as yet no global news channel which could have an influence on the international stage. However, there seems to be some understanding about the need for the media to present the Korean alternative discourse to the senseless dependency on Western media. We hope that this study will be an opportunity to think in depth about the attitude of the Korean global media, whether existing global media or new global news channels, in order to help them become more effective in media diplomacy.