April 14, 2022, 10am-1:20pm
CITI Global Online Platforms: Free Access & Free Trade vs. Domestic Culture: Day 1
Around the world, the proliferation and penetration of streaming video systems challenges the role of traditional broadcasters and multichannel TV providers. Viewers can pick content directly from anywhere– a great opening. But the dominance of several major platforms also puts pressure on national production and distribution system, and to new forms of gatekeepers -- a great narrowing. The emerging video system thus brings into conflict two important societal and economic values: the free access by and to media, information, and creativity on the one hand, and the preservation of domestic content and culture on the other hand. With the cost per mile of transmission near zero, distance has ceased to be a barrier against overseas providers. This enables platforms and products of one or a few countries to dominate worldwide. In addition, different countries have different perspectives and traditions on what kind content is acceptable. In such an environment, sharp clashes of business, politics, technology, and culture are inevitable. It has led to national and regional initiatives which, in the aggregate, create a restrictive media environment. It is therefore necessary to establish a balanced approach to domestic cultural diversity and international free flows that is sensitive to the multiple concerns.
AGENDA
10:00-10:30am EDT Background and Introduction
- Eli Noam, Paul Garrett Chair in Public Policy and Business Responsibility, Columbia Business School
- William Dutton, Emeritus Director, Oxford Internet Institute
10:30-11:20am EDT The Market Structure of Online TV Around the World
- Jason Buckweitz, Executive Director, Columbia Institute for Tele-Information
- Dwayne Winseck, Professor at School of Journalism and Communication, Carleton University
- Patrick-Yves Badillo, Professor, University of Genève
- Dominique Bourgeois, Professor, University of Fribourg
11:20-12:10pm EDT The Emerging Conflicts Over Trade Rules, Regulations, and Subsidies
- William Drake, Department of Communication and Media Research at the University of Zurich, and CITI, Columbia
- J.P. Singh, Professor of International Commerce and Policy, Schar School of Policy and Government, at George Mason University.
- Wendy Su, Associate Professor of Media and Cultural Studies, University of California Riverside
12:10-1:00pm EDT The Free Flow of Content and Trade Laws(Tentative)
- Scott Fitzgerald, Associate Professor and Discipline Lead, School of Management, Curtin Business School (Australia)
- Tom Hazlett, Information Economy Project, Clemson University
1:00-1:10pm EDT Conclusion
- Eli Noam, Paul Garrett Chair in Public Policy and Business Responsibility, Columbia Business School