Media industries research and education are booming. But they face a problem of instrumentalism. Most media industries research takes place outside universities and is commissioned and bought by media companies. Most university media industries research has not been of this kind, but instead claims to be 'critical'. But the pressures towards instrumentalism in the sub-field are growing. This essay explores these pressures and the difficulties facing critical media industries research and education, including 'vocationalism' among students. It argues for the importance of distinguishing between knowledge that serves more general flourishing and emancipation, and that which does not. It suggests that research and education oriented primarily to boosting the dividends of shareholders or the salaries of individuals might be less socially valuable than 'critical' research, and it advocates collaboration between media industries academics and media workers who understand the value of critical, independent research.
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)