Transnational Broadcasting in the Indo Pacific : The Battle for Trusted News and Information

Transnational Broadcasting in the Indo-Pacific brings together research spanning journalism, broadcast and political science to interrogate the issues arising from a rapidly changing global political and broadcast environment. This book asks: Why is there increasing interest in the provision of English-language media in the Indo-Pacific from countries like China? What are the implications for the traditional providers of foreign-produced news such as the Australia Broadcasting Corporation and the British Broadcasting Corporation? What now is the role of social media in the creation of broadcast journalism, and why is there panic in diplomatic circles about some of the journalism that originates from broadcasters in China and Russia? The result is a book that offers an insight into a rapidly transforming media landscape, the changing state of international relations, and the rise of new powers. Acknowledgements Contents Notes on Contributors Chapter 1: Australia’s Voice in the Indo-Pacific Chapter 2: The Indo-Pacific’s Broadcast Landscape, Strategic and Military Value Introduction Types of Broadcasters Where Is the Indo-Pacific? Indo-Pacific Media Landscape Democratic Neighbours Developing Countries Small Island Pacific States Strategic Importance War Mongering Chinese’s Increasing Influence The Value of Transnational Broadcasters Broadcast Technology References Chapter 3: Distribution via Shortwave, Satellites, and Social Media Introduction Low-Earth Satellites, Cables, and Nature Shortwave Radio AM and FM Radio Cable and Satellite Television Challenges and Joys of Syndicated Content Technology Blockers Digital Trends The Smart Phone Conclusion References Chapter 4: Transnational Voices in the Indo-Pacific Introduction Types of Transnational Broadcasters Australia Broadcasters of Influence New Zealand United Kingdom United States Qatar China Russia Working for State-Funded Media Other Public Broadcasters in the Indo-Pacific France Germany India Japan Korea Singapore Conclusion References Chapter 5: The Rise of China’s International Broadcasting Services Introduction The Big Four Strategies to Enhance Social Media Presence of the Big Four Key Events Driving the Growth of China’s International Broadcasting Services Historical Development China Radio International CCTV and CGTN China Daily Xinhua News Agency The Shield and Sword Credibility and Growth Conclusion References Chapter 6: Diplomacy, Propaganda, and Journalism in the Digital Landscape Introduction Public Diplomacy, Transnational Journalism, and Mediated Public Diplomacy Conceptualising Public Diplomacy Mediated Public Diplomacy: Government, Publics, and the Media Models of International Broadcasting in Mediated Public Diplomacy The Three Models Online Presence Public Diplomacy, Propaganda, and Spies Conclusion References Chapter 7: Social and Mobile Media in Times of Disaster Introduction The CNN Effect Citizen Journalism Compassion Fatigue Changes to Reporting Practice Eyewitness Media Harnessing of Digital Technology by Indo-Pacific Populations The Future of Reporting The Vulnerabilities of Citizens Publishing Power The (Enduring) Role of Journalists Conclusion References Chapter 8: Fact-Checking and Verification: The Changing Role of Professional Journalists Introduction Fact-Check Laws Fact-Checking in the Indo-Pacific TikTok Verification of Content Moderating and Capacity Building Journalists and Citizen Collaboration Conclusion References Chapter 9: A Case Study of Media Tensions in Solomon Islands, China, and Australia Introduction Solomon Islands Media Funding Vulnerability Changing Media Environment ABC International Development Aid The Media Association of Solomon Islands Stories that Can’t Be Told Other Media for the Pacific Conclusion References Chapter 10: The Future and Funding of Transnational Broadcasting and Soft Diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific Introduction 2023 And beyond Trusted Broadcaster Relevant News and Current Affairs Independence Versus National Interest Australia’s National Interest Media Aid Conclusion References Index