This study presents an historical account of the expansion of United States interests in Latin American communications in the first half of this cntury. Particular emphasis is placed on how United States shortwave broadcasting was used as a vehicle for the penetration and dominance of Latin American mass communication systems. This penetration is analyzed in relation to the overall context of the goals and activities of the Good Neighbor Policy of Franklin D. Roosevelt. Conversely, with the development of shortwave broadcasting as a tool of foreign policy, there arose the need to restructure the traditional relations between the broadcasting industry and government. This study describes the process by which the American broadcasting industry came to accept government control and dominance in the field of international broadcasting. Finally, this study attempts to show how such an historical account as this can be used to eluciate the notion of media imperialism.

Media Systems and Communication Policies in Latin America proposes, tests and analyses the liberal captured model. It explores to what extent to which globalisation, marketization, commercialism, regional bodies and the nation State redefine the media's role in Latin American societies.

"Latin America is an increasingly important geopolitical entity and its nations are emerging as some of the most influential and radical states in the modern world. The media conglomerates which control the television and radio platforms in these countries, such as the Globo organization in Brazil and the Mercurial S.P.A. media corporation in Chile, have great political influence across the region. Here, Carolina Matos contrasts public service broadcasting in Latin America to that in Europe and the UK, engaging with current debates on globalisation and theories of cultural imperialism. She examines the role public media has played in the processes of national development, democratisation and international dialogue across South and Central America, arguing that it can be a powerful tool for political and social inclusion. This book will be essential reading for students and scholars of Media, Politics and Cultural Studies, as well as those with an interest in Latin American culture. As key polities, such as Brazil and Mexico, begin to flex their economic and demographic muscle, Media and Politics in Latin America is a timely examination of society and politics in the region."--Bloomsbury publishing.

The "overview articles have a welcome clarity and an anchoring in fact and experience often missing in work on Latin American media. To [Fox's] credit, she has selected authors who mostly underplay rhetorical generality for well-told tales about media policy." --The Democratic Communique "This well-written, well-researched book shows the courage of electronic journalists and how they have adjusted to--and often transcended and helped end--censorship and persecution. History comes alive in its retelling by these skillful essayists." --The Times of the Americas "Tightly written and tightly edited, minimally documented, but well researched, this volume breaks new ground and can serve as an advanced undergraduate and graduate textbook, as well as an indispensable reference." --Choice "This collection of essays contributes significantly toward filling the English-language void of information about media policies in Latin America. Fox has done a good job of pulling together diverse media experiences in Latin America, and an excellent distribution of work among scholars from the area. The book will augment readings for Latin Americanists and for others interested in international media." --Journalism Quarterly "Fox and 13 well-known and well-chosen Latin American communicologists document and build a balanced view of what happened to 'the people, the media and the government' in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, El Salvador, Peru, and Uruguay' in the fifty or so years of the Latin America media.'" --Journal of Communication "This is a well-researched, well-organized and well-written book of general interest. History comes alive in the skillful writings of these essayists." --MediaDevelopment The relationship between the mass media and political power attracts worldwide and perennial interest. It is a topic that has generated particularly heated debate in Latin America. At times, controversial attempts to enact national communication policies have radically altered the ownership of the media and the content of reporting. At others, the media have been the target of harsh censorship and virulent government repression. Media and Politics in Latin America examines the different forces that have affected the modern mass media in the region. Elizabeth Fox presents a stimulating overview of media policies, including early commercialization and government intervention, the movements for reform, the impact of the dictatorships and the recovery of democracy. Thirteen illuminating studies then trace the major themes through nine countries. Finally, the conclusion assesses the prospects for attaining the democratic goals of social equality and participation in the Latin American media. A comprehensive examination relating universal issues to specific cases in a key region, this volume will be of interest to scholars and professionals in the fields of communication, media studies, and Latin American or Third World studies.

The conflicts and compromises that accompanied the introduction and growth of radio and television in Latin America are explored in this comparative-historical analysis of the role of foreign influence on Latin American broadcasting. Documented are stories of how radio and television broadcasting developed in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela from the early 20th century to the present.