The History of Communication Technologies

Imagined Communities and Media

• People can imagine themselves as part of a community or nation, even if they don't meet face-to-face with all members.
• Imagined communities are a result of people's ability to conceive themselves as part of a larger group.

The Printing Press

• Started the information revolution.
• Transformed various aspects of society, including markets, businesses, nations, schools, churches, governments, and armies.
• Consequences of the printing press include:
  • Preserved and standardized knowledge.
  • Encouraged the challenge of political and religious authority.

Electronic Media

• Examples include telegraph, telephone, radio, film, and television.
• The telegraph facilitated efficient rail travel and information exchange between corporations.
• The telephone enabled the transmission of speech over long distances.
• The creation of television combined the visual power of film with the accessibility of radio.

Digital Media

• Computers have revolutionized work in every industry and trade.
• The digital era has led to the creation of large companies like Microsoft, Apple, Google, and Facebook.
• Consequences of digital media include:
  • Globalization through the spread of information.
  • People's ability to imagine themselves acting in the world.

Philippine Media History

• 1944: Tony Velasquez's "Dawn of Freedom" is a notable entertainment film.
• 1946: Bolinao Electronics Corporation is established as the first television.
• 1950: The Golden Age of Philippine Cinema begins.
• 1953: DZAQ TV Channel 3 is the first TV broadcast with the help of Radio Corporation of America (RCA).
• 1970: Jingle Songhits is a smaller version of a magazine focused on music.
• 1972: Martial Law suppresses press freedom.
• 1990: Email communication becomes available.
• 1994: Mosaic Communications becomes the first commercial internet service provider.
• 1990-2000: Film production companies start emerging.
• 2011: The Philippines is dubbed the Social Media Capital of the World.

Evolution of Media

• Oral communication is the oldest and most enduring form of media.
• Script (writing) allowed humans to communicate and share knowledge over larger spaces and longer times.
• Evolution of script: cave paintings, petroglyphs, and hieroglyphs.

Mass Media

• Technology is intended to reach a mass audience.
• The public relies on mass media to get information.
• Common mass media platforms include newspapers, magazines, radio, television, and the internet.
• Types of media: print media, outdoor media, and broadcasting media.

Functions of Mass Media

• Educates, informs, and entertains people in a wide variety of ways.