2015Asian Journal of Journalism and Media Studiesspecial issue: “Transnational Media and Communication in Asia”

Top/Articles

From the editor

SUZUKI Hirotaka

SUZUKI Hirotaka

Jumonji University
Editor-in-Chief of Asian Journal of Journalism and Media Studies (2015)

professor

Department of Media Communication Studies
Jumonji University (Japan)

Background

Working as a journalist at JIJI Press in Japan from 1985 to 1992. M.I.A at School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University in 1995. Visiting Student at Stirling Univ. in Scotland as a British Council scholar from 1997 to 1998. Finished doctoral program at Institute of Socio-Information and Communication Studies, University of Tokyo in 1999.

Achievements
  1. ‘The Long and Winding Road: Beijing Olympics was a Mere Mile for Japan’ in Qing, Luo and Giuseppe Richeri eds. Encoding the Olympics: The Beijing Olympic Games and the Communication Impact Worldwide, Routledge, London, 2012, pp.455-459.
  2. ‘Desirability and possibility of a ‘Pan-East Asian News Channel’: Reflections based on the European experience – EURONEWS in the European Union”, Asian Communication & Media Studies, 2007, Asia Media Research Center in Communication University of China, pp.177-187.
  3. Gendai Jaanarizumu wo manabu hitono tameni (A Guidebook to Young researchers for Current Journalism). Co-author. Tokyo, Sekai Shisou Sha, 2004.
Comments

I have been dreaming of realizing ‘AsiaNews’, Asian version of ‘EuroNews’ which is transnational news broadcaster in Europe. Whoever is interested in this project should contact me!

About the theme of this special issue: “Transnational Media and Communication in Asia”

In the past few decades, the Asian media landscape has become borderless or transnational in terms of both consumption and production. Many Asian countries have witnessed emerging media and/or communication-related phenomena that are not limited by their national boundaries. Pan-Asianization of national media content, a hybrid of Asian media production and increasing transnational communications, have altered our lifestyles, attitudes, and perceptions as Asians. Unlike Europe and the EU, no supranational political entity with control over media and communications exists in Asia, and the outcome of transnational communications for Asia is not necessarily foreseeable. Therefore, we have collected manuscripts that focus on analyzing these new phenomena from an Asian perspective—not from a national one—to find clues about developments in the 21st century.

With these ambitions and perspectives, this special issue starts with IWABUCHI Koichi’s paper, which provides a blueprint for investigating the Asian media culture. As IWABUCHI points out, television dramas in Asia have been central to the Asian media culture. Juliana ABDUL WAHAB argues that the emergence of cosmopolitan lifestyles in Malaysia can be attributed to the consumption of Asian dramas. These Asian dramas include, of course, Korean dramas that triggered the cultural typhoon in Asia called Hallyu. WON Yong-jin explains this phenomenon not only as cultural but also as political. TANAKA Toko sheds a slightly different light on the Asian media culture. She conducted extensive field work about “cosplay” resulting from the fascination with Japanese manga and anime, which unite Asian youth. Transnational Media and Communication in Asia are not associated exclusively with the popular culture and/or subculture. ZHAO Ruiqi and REN Tianwei suggest that transnational news flow in Asia is also reflected in China, where news content is generally controlled by the government. Thus, they find that an “online nationalism” is gradually influencing Chinese diplomacy. SUZUKI Hirotaka and WATAI Masayasu focus on global journalism and transnational news consumption in Asia to discover characteristics of the Asian global audience. In the RESEARCH NOTE section, LUO Qing and JIANG Huayu endeavor to summarize European media policy from Chinese viewpoints and present policy suggestions.

Throughout the editorial process, editorial members recognized “Asian diversity” in both the contents and the styles of articles. On behalf of the editorial board, I express my hope that readers will enjoy the diversity of content and perspective presented by our contributors as well as the diversity in style and argument construction. Finally, I would like to thank all aspiring contributors for the journal’s inaugural issue; unfortunately, we were not able to accept all submitted works. Additionally, I would like to acknowledge the prompt and professional advice from LinkTrans Simul, Inc. in support of this publication.

March 2015

Article

IWABUCHI Koichi

IWABUCHI Koichi

Monash University

plane

Chair Professor of Media and Cultural Studies & Director of Monash Asia Institute, Monash University

Background

Iwabuchi previously taught at International Christian University and Waseda University in Tokyo for about twelve years before he moved to Monash University in 2012. His main research interests are media and cultural globalization, multicultural questions and cultural citizenship in East Asian contexts. Iwabuchi is the editor of a book series, Asian Cultural Studies: Transnational and Dialogic approaches (Rowman & Littlefield International).

Achievements
  1. 2015 Resilient Borders and Cultural Diversity: Internationalism, Brand nationalism and Multiculturalism in Japan, Maryland: Lexington Books.
  2. 2008 (eds. with Chua Beng Huat) East Asian Pop Culture: Approaching the Korean Wave, Hong Kong: Hong Kong University Press.
  3. 2002 Recentering globalization: Popular culture and Japanese transnationalism, Durham: Duke University Press.
Comments

Iwabuchi has been engaged with various trans-Asian collaborative projects and is currently engaged with the project of East Asian multiculturalism and cultural citizenship, as part of East Asian multicultural film festivals will be organized in Taipei in March 2016.

Modernity, Dialogue, and Re-nationalization:
Critical Issues in the Study of Trans-Asian Media Culture Connections

Abstract

Asian media culture and its circulation in the region have been studied extensively over the past fifteen years. This area of research may be the most advanced in media and cultural studies. This reflects the trend of considerable development in the production capacity of media cultures, as well as the intensified mediated connections via Internet sites and social media across Asia. Toward further advancement of this area of research, this paper revisits the critical issue of transnational connections via Asian media culture and suggests further directions of research. The focus is on three issues: Asian modernities, transnational connection and dialogue, and soft power competition, re-nationalization and the suppression of cultural diversity within the nations. It will be suggested that these research areas need to be advanced within the framework of inter-Asian referencing and with an aspiration toward trans-Asian collaboration.Abstract

Juliana ABDUL WAHAB

Juliana ABDUL WAHAB

School of Communication Universiti Sains Malaysia

Senior Leturer

School of Communication
Universiti Sains Malaysia (Malaysia)

Background

Juliana Abdul Wahab is a senior lecturer at the Film and Broadcasting Section (School of Communication), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Penang. She joined USM in 2002 after completing her Ph.D in Media Studies at the University of Glamorgan, Wales, United Kingdom. Her research interests include television studies, audience studies, gender studies, and qualitative research method.

Achievements
  1. Shumaila Ahmed and Juliana Abdul Wahab (2014) Animation and Socialization Process: Gender Role Portrayal on Cartoon Network. Journal of Asian Social Science. Vol. 10 No. 3.
  2. Juliana Abdul Wahab et al. (2013). Asian Dramas and Popular Trends in Malaysian Television Industry.Malaysian Journal of Communication.Vol. 29 (2). Universiti Kebangsaan, Malaysia,
  3. Juliana Abdul Wahab (2012).Television Artefacts in Globalization Era: A Case Study of Television Formating and Business in Malaysia. 10th International Symposium Communication in the Millennium e book ISBN 978-975-404-927-5, Istanbul, Turkey.
Comments

Juliana is currently working on a research project entitled “Going wih the Flow: Asian Dramas and Contemporary Malaysian Television”. She has passion for studying various aspects of television and audience discourses and welcome those with similar interests to contact her.

Extravaganza and Cosmopolitan Lifestyle:
Trends and Approaches in Asian Drama Production

Abstract

Television dramas, or soap operas, have long been an integral part of the global television industry. The Asian television drama, first introduced in the early 1970s, has taken precedence in the East Asian television industry. Viewers from across the Asian region now eagerly view their favorite dramas from Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Asian dramas are more than just another phenomenal success; they have become a household name. While Hollywood continues to play an important role in television scheduling, recent trends indicate that the pattern of television content importation across Asia has increasingly come to include a significant number of programs from the eastern part of the world. The importation of programs from other ASEAN countries has had a significant impact on the Malaysian television industry. Asian dramas refer to serial televised dramas, recorded in an Asian language, and with predominantly Asian casts and production crews. Furthermore, imported urban or trendy dramas, as well as locally produced dramas depicting stylish cosmopolitan lifestyles and romance, are rapidly becoming popular in Malaysia. These genres emphasize a consumerist aspect of culture in an effort to appeal to younger viewers. Against this backdrop, this paper will examine the development of the urban/trendy drama in the context of the Malaysian television industry. Using selected dramas sampled from across the Southeast Asian region, this study uses comparative textual analysis to examine the representation of the urban/trendy drama. *I wish to thank USM for the funding provided for the project and all of my research officers involved in the preparation of this article.Abstract

WON Yong-jin

WON Yong-jin

Sogang University

professor

Department of Mass Communications
Sogang University (Korea)

Background

Finished Ph.D program in Communication Arts at University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1993. Chief Professor at Sogang Broadcasting Academy from 1994 to 1997. Professor of Department of Communication at Dongguk University. President of Korean Association for Communication & Information Society in 2009.

Achievements
  1. Daejoong Munwha ui Paradigm (Paradigms in Studies on Popular Culture), Seoul, Hannarae Publishing, 2010.
  2. “Reading Money : The Value and Signification of Money” Korea Journalism Review, vol. 2, no. 4, pp. 55-80, 2008.
  3. Higashiajia no Shusen Kinenbi (VJ Days in East Asia), Co-Authored, Tokyo, Chikuma Shisho, 2007.
Comments

The voices that are assembled in this work are those of colleagues and students with whom I have conversed to my enormous pleasure over years.

Hallyu: Numerous Discourses, One Perspective

Abstract

This paper examines the historical factors that have constructed, deconstructed and reconstructed the discourses on Hallyu. At its initial stage, with Asian intellectuals’ increasing interest in Asianism in the mid-1990s and cultural studies scholars’ research trend focusing on media audience, discussions were centered on utilizing Hallyu as a means of forming a cultural (exchange) community in East Asia. Pushing aside this perspective of Asianism, the perspective of Cultural Nationalism has been held by the successive Korean governments since the mid-1990s, mobilizing different political and social subjects—such as government departments and organizations, mass media, academic circles, civic groups, and entertainment agency companies––to dedicate themselves to the political and economic projects of “nation branding” and “culture industry promotion.” Focused only on utilizing Hallyu as a means of enhancing the national image and prestige of Korea and achieving economic benefits, their discussions have deeply permeated all the spheres of the society, exerting effects on every aspect of life of Koreans.Abstract

TANAKA Toko

TANAKA Toko

Jumonji University

Associate Professor

Department of Media Communication Studies
Jumonji University (Japan)

Background

M.I.A. and PhD. At The School of Political Science and Economics (SPSE), Waseda University in 2008.

Achievements
  1. Media bunka to gender no seijigaku. (Third wave feminism and the politics of popular culture in Japan). Tokyo, Sekai Shisou Sha, 2012.
  2. ‘The Positioning and practices of the ‘feminized fan’ in Japanese soccer Culture through the experience of the FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan 2002’. In Inter-Asia Cultural Studies, 5(1). Routledge, 52-62.
Comments

I am investigating the possibilities and limitations of pop culture for girl’s solidarity and sisterhood. If you have same mind, please contact me by e-mail or messenger…

Online Communication and Girl’s Subcultural Practices- Cosplay Cultural Community in Asia

Abstract

Many girls of East/Southeast Asia are doing Cosplay as one of various fan practices. Performing cosplay and showing the photos on online, they exchange information of Japanese pop culture directly or online, take communication and have made new public online space beyond the border. However, their practices or their communication is not still almost investigated empirically. Then, the author tries to interview with about thirty girls in Japan, China and Thailand, and compare their fan practices in three areas. The purpose of this research is to reply to the questions: First, although the problem of political friction or economical exploitation is among these countries, why do the girls of East/Southeast Asia love Japanese popular culture? Second, how do they change mutually their consciousness to a politico-economical problem by performing the micro-global girls’ cultural exchange? Third, how do they “use” Social Networking Service (SNS) and digital culture? What kind of new relations and meanings do they “produce” by online fan practices? How do they "express self" and acquire "cyber-sisterhood" in the new relationship produced on on-line? This research takes notice of constructing new relations between the East/Southeast Asia, and considers the way of using new technology by them.Abstract

ZHAO Ruiqi

ZHAO Ruiqi

Communication University of China

Associate professor

Faculty of Literature & Law
Communication University of China (China)

Background

Working as a journalist at HEBEI Daily in China from 1998 to 2006. M.I.H(Master of Arts in history) at Department of History, Nanjing University in 1998. D.S.J at school of Global Communication at Communication University of China in 2009.

Achievements
  1. Wang luo ai guo zhu yi: yuan liu li bi yu ce lun(Internet-patriotism: History, Effects and Enhancement).Beijing, CUC Press, 2012.
  2. Yin duo da zhong chuan mei yan jiu quan qiu ben tu hua de shi jiao(Study on Indian’s Mass Media, from the perspective of Glocalization). Beijing, CUC Press, 2014.
  3. Ta li ban wei he juan tu chong lai(“Why Taliban Rolling Back”, in Contemporary International Relations). Vol.5, 2007, pp48-53.
Comments

I have been working on the study of China’s cyber-space. As a boundless sphere, the cyber-space should be an expulsive force to the harmony of Asia. Whoever interested in this project is welcome to contact me!

REN Tianwei

REN Tianwei

Communication University of China

Assistant professor

School of International Education, Communication University of China(China).

Background

M.Sc. from the London School of Economics and Political Science in 2012, Bachelor’s degree of Journalism from Nanjing University in 2010.

Comments

My research interests include the construction of political and social image and identity via the modern media. Whoever interested in this project is welcome to contact me!

The Interactions Between Online Public Opinion and Chinese Diplomacy: Online Nationalism in East Asia

Abstract

As citizen sovereignty is becoming more salient on the new technological information platform, public opinion is playing a more influential role with regards to the formation and effects of diplomatic policies. This study analyses the mode as well as the pros and cons of the interactions between online public opinion and Chinese diplomacy through analyzing cases of online nationalism in East Asia, and exploring online public opinion’s impact on Chinese diplomacy.Abstract

SUZUKI Hirotaka

SUZUKI Hirotaka

Jumonji University

professor

Department of Media Communication Studies
Jumonji University (Japan)

Background

Working as a journalist at JIJI Press in Japan from 1985 to 1992. M.I.A at School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University in 1995. Visiting Student at Stirling Univ. in Scotland as a British Council scholar from 1997 to 1998. Finished doctoral program at Institute of Socio-Information and Communication Studies, University of Tokyo in 1999.

Achievements
  1. ‘The Long and Winding Road: Beijing Olympics was a Mere Mile for Japan’ in Qing, Luo and Giuseppe Richeri eds. Encoding the Olympics: The Beijing Olympic Games and the Communication Impact Worldwide, Routledge, London, 2012, pp.455-459.
  2. ‘Desirability and possibility of a ‘Pan-East Asian News Channel’: Reflections based on the European experience – EURONEWS in the European Union”, Asian Communication & Media Studies, 2007, Asia Media Research Center in Communication University of China, pp.177-187.
  3. Gendai Jaanarizumu wo manabu hitono tameni (A Guidebook to Young researchers for Current Journalism). Co-author. Tokyo, Sekai Shisou Sha, 2004.
Comments

I have been dreaming of realizing ‘AsiaNews’, Asian version of ‘EuroNews’ which is transnational news broadcaster in Europe. Whoever is interested in this project should contact me!

WATAI Masayasu

WATAI Masayasu

Jumonji University

professor

Department of Developmental Psychology
Jumonji University (Japan)

Background

Reseach field is Educational psychology. Current subject is the practical research about psychological scales to measure the status of students' mind. Academic backgraund is follows; Finished Graduate School of Humanities, Gakushuin University in 1991, Mastered Graduate School of School-Education, Tokyo Gakugei University, 1987.

Characteristics of the “Asian Global Audience” of “Global journalism” in comparison with the “World Global Audience”

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to find the characteristics of the “Asian global audience” of “global journalism” in terms of its profile, preferences, attitudes, and values in comparison with “world global audience.” A web-based audience survey was conducted during March 23, 2012-April 24, 2012. A total of 12 countries participated in the survey. The survey identified the following four points: 1. The profile of the “Asian global audience” is younger and more highly educated; 2. The “Asian global audience” tends to have a transnational social identity more so than world and EU global audiences; 3. BBC World News and CNN International are the two giants among the 6 global journalisms in terms of access and news source, and the “Asian global audience” prefers these two more than the other groups; and 4. The global audience has a selective preference of channels depending on issues; that is, they tend to choose “global journalism” which is closer to the venue of the events both in terms of geography and relationships. This “active selective audience” attitude was much more salient in the “Asian global audience.”
AbstractAppendi pdfAppendi word

Research Note

LUO Qing

LUO Qing

Communication University of China

Secretary-general

MLeague (International League of Higher Education in Media and Communication);
Executive Dean,
Faculty of International Media of Communication University of China (ICUC);
Joint-PhD Supervisor,
International Communication, CUC.
Communication University of China (China).

Background

Studied for Bachelor Degree at Guangxi Normal University from 1990 to 1994.
Master Degree incepted at the School of Journalism, Communication University of China in 2000.
Jointly-PhD Degree of CUC, China and University of Koln, Germany in 2005.

Achievements
  1. Encoding the Olympics-The Beijing Olympic Games and the Communication Impact Worldwide, Routledge, London, 2010.
  2. The Triple Asian Olympics: Asia Ascending- Media, Politics, Geopolitics. The International Journal of the History of Sport, April, 2012, SSCI.
  3. Oumeng Shiting Xinmeiti Guizhi Yanjiu (A Study on Regulations of Audiovisual New Media in the European Union),Beijing, Zhongguo Shiting Xinmeiti Fazhan Baogao, June, 2013.
Comments

My main research fields are International Communication, Sports Communication and Audiovisual Public Policy. Hope to push globalization of media in Asia with you.

JIANG Huayu

JIANG Huayu

Communication University of China

Master Degree Student

Institute of Communication Studies
Communication University of China (China)

Background

Studied in the School of Journalism, Communication University of China from 2009 to 2013 for the Bachelor Degree of Art, majoring in Research and Analysis of Media Market. Studying in Institute of Communication Studies from 2013 till now, majoring in International Communication.

Achievements
  1. Lun Tangdai Fojiao De Chuanbo Dongyin Ji Qi Dui Dangshi Shehui Shenghuo De Yingxiang (A Study on Communication Motivation of Buddhism and Its Impact on Social Life in Tang Dynasty). Author. Chengdu, Jiannan Wenxue, 2014.
Comments

It is a great chance for me to come to this platform and share opinions with other outstanding scholars. I really enjoy studying and working in a globalized circumstance. Additionally, my study interest is anything about Northeast Asia international relations and international communication.

Lessons from Europe:
A Study on European Audiovisual Media Public Policy and Suggestions for the Development of Chinese Audiovisual Policies

Abstract

Audiovisual products such as films and TV programs are public and commercial products, but they also convey cultural norms and national values. Although neither the market nor the government is solely responsible for supply and demand, public policy is an effective tool for correcting ineffective marketing activities and realizing public value. Therefore, it is very important to establish a set of public policies for audiovisual media that correspond to the developing scale of the audiovisual industry.

To achieve the aforementioned goals,this paper will initially summarize European audiovisual media public policy. Second, it will analyze the specific regulations of European audiovisual policy, which are based on a balance of market competition and culture diversity. Finally, it will offer suggestions for Chinese audiovisual media public policy.

The research outlined above leads to a conclusion of how to construct audiovisual public policy systematically and creatively; thus, regulations should be based on both cultural and economic principles, as follows. Recipients of financial aid should not be confined to youth directors and art films. Financial aid should also be extended for a director’s first or second film,the digital preservation of ancient film,and the protection of language. Further, financial aid should not only be used in the production of audiovisual products but also for funding of scripts and musical creations,photography technology training, post-production activities, distribution, film exhibitions,and co-production of local and international investments. Multivariate market regulations are applicable to financial aid resources such as taxes, insurance, and lottery tickets, which compensate for the malfunctions of market competition and government regulations.

Through the research described above, this study will be useful to inspire exoteric thought about the construction of legal regulations and public policy for international trade protection of audiovisual products, the international trade and cultural exception, a balance between cultural protection and market equity,the integration of markets and cultural diversity, protection of youth and children, and demands of disadvantaged groups.
Abstract