From the Staples Theory to Media Studies:Revisiting Harold Innis'Media Bias Theory in the Digital Age
Harold Innis'exploration of the staples thesis not only introduces key concepts such as time,space,and bias for media research but also provides significant methodologies and perspectives for the study of media.However,scholars from countries other than Canada have largely overlooked them,with only a few exceptions.This essay aims to reevaluate the methodologies and arguments of the staples thesis,incorporating Innis's discourse on media research to elucidate the inherent implications of bias in communication theory.By examining the controversy surrounding bias theory,this text offers valuable insights for the field of digital media studies.Through a comprehensive analysis,this essay concludes that Innis's staple theory is characterized by its materialistic,historical,holistic,and dynamic nature.The integration of media bias analysis can mitigate spatial biases inherent in digital media research conducted by Actor-Network Theory(ANT).This integration not only aids in identifying the media's role in research but also facilitates the exploration of new research topics.
staples theorymedia biasmaterialityspatial biasActor Network Theory