Overall this semester I have noticed many trends in the news and media system in Monaco and Luxembourg and some interlinking.
One big characteristic I noticed was the lack of opinion especially regarding foreign relations. Monaco is not part of EU and for the most part that can be seen in its news content. Most content is local and the news that is not local is reported on because it has some effect on the country (ex. Volcano in Iceland). That being said its strong ties to France acts as a bridge between Monaco and the rest of the European community.
News in Luxembourg circles around business and the bank system along with the dealings with government. It is a member of the EU, but this does not make it any easier to find any thing other than local news on the country. I was very surprised to find nothing being printed or broadcasted over the course of the semester in regards to the financial crisis in Greece and the Euro currency in general.
Other individual subjects frequently reported on included the Monaco Grand Prix, the Odeon towers, and the weather and its effects on events such as the Cannes Film Festival in France and tourism.
By reporting on Monaco I learned about the influence of France on the country. News content in Monaco revolves around France and other French-speaking countries. France especially in the Southern region dedicates a large portion of their media content to news in Monaco. I noticed the power of the RTL group, a media conglomerate that primarily operates out of Monaco and France. I also learned from research that one of the key reasons cited in why their constitutional monarchy is very successful today is because of the great relationship the royal family and the government in general has with the media.
By reporting on Luxembourg I learned about how Luxembourg has a substantial influence on media in the European community especially in the broadcasting genre. I learned that Luxembourg is a hidden media giant and operates/owns many media companies in various European countries.
I have come to realize that the two driving forces behind these two small countries' successful media systems, local and foreign is language and money. Both countries have several widely-spoken languages creating diverse media opportunities. Monaco's use of the French language gives them foreign opportunities not only in France but in the UN and other French-speaking organizations. Also their language capacities helps promote good relations between themselves and other countries. Both countries have a high standard of living and strong local economies giving them the resources to invest in media and more specifically new technology. These two small countries are not to be underestimated. I wish I could have learned more about Monaco, but it was hard finding credible sources. I hope to learn more about their media systems and endeavors in the future.
Other individual subjects frequently reported on included the Monaco Grand Prix, the Odeon towers, and the weather and its effects on events such as the Cannes Film Festival in France and tourism.
By reporting on Monaco I learned about the influence of France on the country. News content in Monaco revolves around France and other French-speaking countries. France especially in the Southern region dedicates a large portion of their media content to news in Monaco. I noticed the power of the RTL group, a media conglomerate that primarily operates out of Monaco and France. I also learned from research that one of the key reasons cited in why their constitutional monarchy is very successful today is because of the great relationship the royal family and the government in general has with the media.
By reporting on Luxembourg I learned about how Luxembourg has a substantial influence on media in the European community especially in the broadcasting genre. I learned that Luxembourg is a hidden media giant and operates/owns many media companies in various European countries.
I have come to realize that the two driving forces behind these two small countries' successful media systems, local and foreign is language and money. Both countries have several widely-spoken languages creating diverse media opportunities. Monaco's use of the French language gives them foreign opportunities not only in France but in the UN and other French-speaking organizations. Also their language capacities helps promote good relations between themselves and other countries. Both countries have a high standard of living and strong local economies giving them the resources to invest in media and more specifically new technology. These two small countries are not to be underestimated. I wish I could have learned more about Monaco, but it was hard finding credible sources. I hope to learn more about their media systems and endeavors in the future.
