Blog #3 - Zach Tyrrell

Definitions

Before diving into the specifics of the artifacts and their corresponding media forms it is important to highlight the meaning of each media form (time-biased, space-biased). Time biased media are intended to carry stories and messages that last for many generations, but tend to reach limited audiences. Space biased media forms on the other hand are very ephemeral. Essentially, space biased media forms convey information to many people over long distances, but have short exposure times. I always look at these two media forms from a dialogue vs dissemination perspective. In my eyes time biased media is in a sense dialogue and space biased media is dissemination (let me know if you agree or disagree!). Let’s now look into what media forms relate to what media artifacts.

The CBC Video

For this media form I was back and forth on whether it was space or time biased. I ultimately came to the conclusion that there is a bit of both incorporated into this video. Let me explain. The video is clearly spaced biased because anyone can watch it from anywhere. When looking at Innis’ definition he specifically says that spaced biased media; “conveys information to many people over long distances.” I feel like we can all agree that any form of online content posted by big media outlets has the capability to reach many people. Additionally, in the reading ‘Harold Innis Communication Theories’ it is clearly outlined that television is a form of space biased media. The reason I think it incorporates time based media is because of the videos longevity. Time biased media ‘lasts for many generations’ and quite frankly this specific video is not going anywhere. People will be able to access this media artifact for years to come. For those reasons I believe the CBC video is both a time and space biased form. 


National Vimy Monument

As for the National Vimy Monument I personally feel as though the media form attached to this artifact is quite evidently time biased. Not only is this a stone tablet, it is also very limited in terms of reach. Not everyone is capable of visiting this monument and seeing it in person with their own two eyes. Time biased media also favour stability, community and tradition. I believe there is a sense of tradition at monuments or museums. You go to appreciate and reflect upon those who have contributed to where we are today and that sense of community becomes instilled into everyone present at the monument. 


Discussion Question

Has the internet made every media artifact a combination of both media forms? Why or why not?

Comments

  1. Megan YamamotoOctober 28, 2022 at 11:58 AM

    Hi Zach, that's a great question! I do think that the internet has made most media artifacts a combination of both media forms because it's essentially taking a time-biased artifact like the Vimy Ridge monument for example and turning it into an interactive artifact through the use of a virtual tour. Although it does nothing to the actual artifact itself I believe it's a way to almost replicate a modern day version of the artifact.

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  2. Maggie MerawOctober 28, 2022 at 1:48 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  3. Maggie MerawOctober 28, 2022 at 1:49 PM

    Hey Zach, great question!
    I think that the creation of the internet has allowed media artifacts to incorporate both time and space bias. The internet allows individuals to post and create new forms of media that allow others to experience these places/ events from all over the globe. Online forms still allow individuals to learn and witness artifacts, even if they are unable to gain the same level of understanding as in-person experiences would. The internet has allowed for the time-biased artifacts at the memorial (Canada Bereft, the preserved tunnels/ battlefield, the cemetery) to transcend and be incorporated into various space-biased media outlets. I agree with the comments made by Megan above, and I too think that through videos, images, virtual tours, and even facetime/lifestreams, these artifacts are made accessible and interactive. This merges space and time biases and allows them to work in unison to provide individuals with a greater and deeper understanding of meaningful time-biased artifacts that aren’t locally accessible. Overall great post!

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