"Singapore's approach to the media has received increasing worldwide attention as well as emulation from some developing nations. But what this approach embodies has been less than adequately grasped. The West continues to dismiss it as no more that authoritarian. Meanwhile, supporters in Singapore present their development media approach as equally legitimate and viable to the Western liberal media and view the restrictive Singapore government as a necessary tradeoff for political/social stability, increased material gains, and economic growth. These two entrenched views have hampered an adequate understanding of the media and culture in Singapore." "This volume departs from the debilitating deadlock via a new theory of controlled commodification. Informed by political economy, the theory goes beyond the cultural imperialism thesis and the political economy of the media developed for Western contexts. The book offers a comprehensive and nuanced explication of Singapore's print and electronic media. It also critically dissects its culture in an age when media contribute immensely to as well as influence it."--BOOK JACKET
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (pages 139-147) and indexes
