Paddy Scannell is professor emeritus in the department of communication studies at the University of Michigan. His work focuses on the analysis of media and cultural studies. He examines how media shapes our perception of the world and how cultural meanings are created and shared. His research contributes to a deeper understanding of the relationship between media, society, and culture.
The book explores the evolution of television from the classic era of the 1950s and 1960s, when families shared a communal viewing experience, to the current landscape of abundant programming options. It examines how the intimate, shared nature of early television has transformed, prompting questions about its relevance and the impact of modern viewing habits on culture and society.
Exploring the intricate relationship between media and communication, this book delves into how various forms of media influence societal dynamics and individual perceptions. It examines the evolution of communication technologies and their impact on culture, politics, and social interactions. Key themes include the role of media in shaping public opinion, the ethical implications of media practices, and the importance of critical media literacy in today's digital age. Through case studies and theoretical insights, it provides a comprehensive understanding of contemporary media landscapes.
Paddy Scannell's Love and Communication is an intriguing philosophical and religious inquiry into the meaning of 'talk' – and ultimately the meaning of 'being human'. Taking an historical approach, Scannell argues that the fundamental media of communication are (and always have been) talk and writing. Far from obviating 20th century new media (radio and television), these old media laid the foundation for today's current technologies (AI and algorithms, for instance). Understanding the importance of these relationships, the book makes the case for recognizing what a religious sensibility might reveal about these technologies and the fundamental differences between a human-made world (which includes broadcasting) and a world that is beyond our grasp. Drawing on the pioneering work of John Durham Peters, the book proposes that communication and love go together, which can be understood in two ways, as a human accomplishment, or a divine gift. Ultimately, the book highlights the essential conundrum of today: do we wish to remain in a human>human world, or are we in the early stages of a humanmachine world, and a world defined by machine Completing a trilogy that began in 2007, this book draws on a lifetime of academic work and the author's personal experience. It will be of interest to scholars and students of media and communication who will welcome this highly original and searching examination of love as communication.