Media Trends in North Korea - Essay Example

The media trend remains a significant factor to consider as it relates to the Korean economy and growth (Park, 2010). Previously, N. Korea was ranked as a country where media freedom is greatly sabotaged. In this regard, the country was associated with an absence of independence of local media and restrictions against foreign and international media. Despite these challenges, by 1990 media environment in this country had taken significant transformations to embrace much freedom regarding media activities for both local and international media companies (Djankov et al., 2003) The provision of cheap media devices has greatly influenced media ownership in N. Korea. China has been very instrumental in the provision of cheap DVDs, VCDs, mobile phones, Radios, and other media devices (Djankov et al., 2003). The ownership of such devices has increased and encouraged broadcasting by both local and international broadcasters.

Such companies ahs as well enjoyed the provision of cheap installations from companies in China as well as Japan.  (Park, 2010) Economically, media has transformed the economy of N. Korea substantially. The emergence of multimillion media companies has contributed to government revenue which has improved the country’s economy. The recent rise in the import of media electronics has impacted positively the economy through payment of import tax as this material gets into the country.

The commercialization of media has given shape to people's livelihood (Djankov et al., 2003). This has been through job creation as many media companies emerge in the country. The association of media and foreign investment is a phenomenon that greatly discouraged foreign investment in the country. This is because foreign investors greatly depend on already installed media systems through which they can closely monitor global market trades and communicate to potential clients and business links.

Absence of which remains a significant stumbling block against foreign investment (Djankov et al., 2003). The digitalization of media has created a continued influx of external information and ideas across the country. This has increased the level of education among societies in Korea a thing which was rare over the past few decades. Previous propaganda of the existence of American imperialism's influence in N. Korea had greatly influenced the restriction s that had been placed on media. With the alienation of such propaganda, the media sector has received a massive expansion in all levels of its performance (Tjia, 2010).

The past few years have seen the country grow and develop greatly to a point where everyone can enjoy media independence.  (Park, 2010)  (Tjia, 2010). Media digitalization in N. Korea was influenced greatly through video imaging. In 2002, VCDs replaced VHS videotapes from the market (Crippinger, 1981). Foreign TV programs have become widely used among the population. Even with regulations that had been put in to regulate the inflow of digital information into the country, it was easier for pirated versions of TV programs to be smuggled into the country through such distribution networks as jangmadang (Tjia, 2010).

Digitalization has, therefore, resulted in information proliferation a phenomenon that the N Korean information department has termed dangerous. The government has therefore considered a heavy crackdown of TV shows but in a manner not to stop the use of digital media (Park, 2010). Increased international social concerns with media freedom have been at the forefront in fighting for the liberalization of a medic in this country. In collaboration with local civil societies and political activism, their activities have greatly shaped the current features of N.

Korean media as it stands today. (Tjia, 2010). Media liberalization and freedom have by now significantly affected the cultural integration of societies in this country (Park, 2010). Globalization has not been instrumental elsewhere than it has in N. Korea. The availability of free and liberal media markets has widely resulted in the inflow of foreign information into the country a thing which gradually alienates social-cultural norms among populations. In this regard, the government had concerned societal organizations have blamed the media for cultural decay and the emergence of unethical moral behavior among the youths and generally the N.

Korean society at large (Park, 2010). In as much as media freedom would be advocated for, there are adverse effects that cannot fail to be mentioned. Media globalization influences information dissemination and closes the gap of knowledge and digital divide but has as well resulted in unethical practices in N. Korea.