Commodifying digital television in China: a socio-linguistic analysis of media discourse, technology deployment and control

Abstract

This study examines public discourse surrounding the development and deployment of digital television in China from 1999 to 2004. It analyzes print media constructions of this new media technology against the backdrop of controlled commodification and formation of trans-media groups that define media reform, development, and management. The study reveals how these structural changes play a key role in restraining the development of a flexible business environment in which print media can support critical technological development. Inhibiting the media’s ability to promote this technological development is a lack of market-oriented experience and knowledge and organizational integration under the current trans-media structure. Accordingly, considerable doubt is cast over the government’s broad strategy of media reform, development and management to successfully support the deployment of digital television as the pre-eminent technology in China’s drive towards modernization.