CRITICAL PARADIGM ANALYSIS OF THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF THE DIGITAL ERA IN VINCENT MOSCO'S VIEW

Abstract

Vincent Mosco is a prominent academic in the field of media and technology political economy. His work focuses on the interplay between power, media, and information technology, particularly how capitalism and globalization influence communication systems. Mosco highlights how media and technology corporations shape and control the flow of information, with significant implications for society. The political economy of media maps the economically and politically powerful entities that dominate global and national media ownership, including in Indonesia. When a few corporations control the media industry, they inevitably dominate public discourse. Mosco's theory emphasizes the study of social relations, particularly power dynamics in the production, distribution, and consumption of resources. Key concepts include commodification, structuration, and spatialization. This study employs a descriptive qualitative method with a critical paradigm. Data were gathered through discussions with experts in communication, politics, and business economics, along with literature reviews and observations of current media realities. The findings reveal that global and national media should avoid falling into oligarchy, monopoly, and hegemony. The media must uphold its role as the third pillar of democracy rather than serve as a tool for oligarchic politics. The public must recognize that media conglomeration is a political-economic issue, remain critical of media conglomerates, and demand access to accurate and reliable information. Strengthening media studies, monitoring, and regulation is essential to ensure that mass media operates democratically. These findings aim to contribute to both theoretical and practical discussions on the political economy of media in the digital age.