Public+Sphere

According to //Jürgen Habermas//, a **public sphere** is an aspect of social being where opinions can be stated freely. This is commonly known as the freedom of speech, association, assembly and expression. When public bodies do not feel threatened by a form of authority, it is possible to create a public sphere. It is more common within modern societies, as there is no evidence of a public sphere dating back to the middle ages. Therefore, public spheres allow for the freedom on individuality. In recent years, public spheres have been witnessed through newspapers, magazines, radio and television. A public sphere is is a type of spatial relationship between two or more people conneceted by a means of communication for a brief or extended period of time concernin power relations operating within a given social/ political structure.

//John Keane//’s extension of the public sphere concept:

Is any local space in which citizen disputes may occur. John Fiske emphasizes that large scale institutions rely on the cooperation of the micro sphere because changes at the micro level will have a direct response in the macro leel. However, he underestimates the importance of internal disputes within the micro sphere as a key determining factor in the workings of he macro sphere.
 * Mirco-public** sphere

Ex. Social movements are comprised of low profile networks of small groups such as organizations and friendships. These groups are the public spaces in which ideas are developed and tested. Although these groups appear to be private in nature (distant from official public life) they are in fact charcteristic of small group efforts.

They are co-extensive with the nationstate and extend to neighbouring audiences. Meso spheres are mediated my large scale circulation m\newspapers (New York Time and The Globe and Mail) and also mmediated by electronic media (BBC radio and national networks like ABC, FOX, CBS, NBC). Meso sphere thrives on media that appeals to specific groups and has well established production and distribution structures that proves their ability to circulate to millions of people. These large media channels will not disappear from society for many two reasons; the strength and reputation and distribution, and also controversies are conrolled by media such that they are forced to address matters of public concern.
 * Meso-public** sphere

Macro sphere is a result of international concentration of mass media firms. Globalization of media firms such as chain ownership, cross ownership and aquisition of media and the global development of satellite-linked communication systems comprise the macro sphere. Macro spheres are able to shift resources, funding and skills to reduce costs and work around what some companies would consider economic dilemas. The firms may also work in synergies which increases their power and makes execution and operation of tasks easier.
 * Macro-public** sphere

Ex. Crisis in Tinanmen Square in China 1989 was broadcasted live by CNN. It was the first even that caused effects on three levels; within national boundaries; global diplomatic cirles; and international public discussion about how to resolve he crisis.

The internet has developed public spheres into what may be known as **virtual spheres**.

Sources: Castells, Manuel. __"Image of he Future Information Society"__ The Information Society Reader. Ed. Frank Webster, Raimo Blom, Erkki Karvonen, Harri Melin, Kaarle Nordenstreng, and Ensio Puoskari. London and New York: Routledge, 2004. pp 366-372.