The Idea of ‘Systems’ in Media Studies: Criticisms, Risks, Advantages

Abstract

Criticisms against the use of the notion of ‘systems’ in media studies are common (Norris, 2009; Roudakova, 2011; Hardy, 2012). In this chapter, I discuss the use of the concept of systems and its criticisms. Despite its wide use, the term ‘media system’ has never been clearly defined by media scholars (Bastiansen, 2008). There are different reasons for this lack of a definition. Indeed, the term ‘media system’ is very often used today, but it arrived at the forefront of media scholarship only recently. I also examine the manner in which ‘sister’ sciences and, in particular, political science, have used and still use this notion. Finally, I propose justifications for the use of the systems concept in comparative political communication research.