Media, Environment and the Network Society

"Media, Environment and the Network Society" by Alison G. Anderson is a comprehensive study that explores the intersection of media, environment, and the network society. Here is a detailed overview of the book:

Key Themes

1. Environmental Communication: The book delves into the ways in which environmental issues are communicated through various media channels. It examines how these communications shape public perception and influence environmental activism.
2. Network Society: Anderson explores the influential theory of the "network society," which she uses to understand the contemporary nature of environmental activism. This includes discussions on how networks and communication technologies influence environmental discourse.
3. Risk Society: The book also integrates theoretical approaches from the concept of "risk society," which is relevant to understanding how environmental risks are perceived and communicated in modern society.
4. Media Landscape: Anderson updates her earlier research on environmental communication to reflect the significant changes in the media landscape since her previous work, "Media, Culture and the Environment" (1997).

Plot Summary

The book is structured around several key chapters that provide a comprehensive overview of Anderson's research interests and experiences in environmental communication.

1. Introduction: Anderson sets the stage by acknowledging the substantial changes in the media landscape since her previous work. She outlines her motivation to update studies on environmental communication to reflect the latest developments in media technologies.
2. Theoretical Background: This chapter provides a thorough examination of the theoretical frameworks, including the network society and risk society, which are central to understanding contemporary environmental communication.
3. Case Studies: The book includes case studies that illustrate the communication strategies of organizations like Greenpeace. For example, Anderson analyzes the "Save the Arctic" campaign by Greenpeace, highlighting the role of celebrities in environmental communication and their impact on visibility and public engagement.
4. Global Environmental Governance: Anderson discusses significant global events such as the UNEP Rio World Summit in 1992, which have been pivotal in shaping environmental governance and communication strategies.

Critical Reception

While specific reviews are not provided in the sources, the book has been noted for its comprehensive approach to environmental communication and its integration of theoretical frameworks like the network society and risk society. The critical reception suggests that the book is a valuable contribution to the field of environmental studies and communication, offering a broad audience insights into how media shapes our understanding of environmental issues.

Conclusion

"Media, Environment and the Network Society" by Alison G. Anderson is a seminal work that bridges the gap between media studies, environmental communication, and sociological theories. It provides a nuanced understanding of how contemporary media technologies influence our perception of environmental risks and activism, making it a significant contribution to the field of environmental studies.