Broadcasting in the Malay World

Book excerpt: The study considered questions on five broad topics regarding mass communication in the Malay-Indonesian Archipelago: 1. How does broadcasting reflect cultural pluralism, and what role is assumed by media in cultural integration policies? How do policies guard against the unwanted influence of foreign cultures? How have economic and social policies for national development been carried out by radio and television? Some examples: How does Singapore's "Speak Mandarin" campaign utilize media; how is educational programming provided for in Malaysian broadcasting; and how are radio and television used to mobilize development activities in Indonesian villages? 3. Through what processes are national media policies formulated and implemented? What issues are important in guiding media, and how is mass communication made to conform with national political principles? 4. What are the similarities and contrasts in broadcasting activities among the countries studied? How do organizations go about the business of producing and scheduling programs? 5. How have advances in technology, particularly the introduction of video and satellites, shaped media policy, programs, and broadcast audiences?