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What affect is 24 hour news having on the perception of what is “foreign”?

“In multicultural societies the notion of “foreign” is more complex. For many in the UK, news about Pakistan is home news. International and domestic news agendas have merged to a significant degree as we grapple with common issues such as climate change, migration or global trade,” Richard Sambrook, former director of BBC News and the World Service and global vice-chairman and chief content officer for PR firm Edelman.

Richard Sambrook argues that foreign news is changing due to the combined pressures of economics, technology and the cultural impact of globalisation:

  • Economic cuts are forcing organisations to cut foreign staff
  • Technology is now delivering 24-hour news from a range of sources
  • As the world flattens, countries begin to tackle common issues

What does foreign mean to you in today’s business context? Has the 24 hour culture that we live in changed the way that you do business, and in what ways? Do you agree with the quote from Richard Sambrook? We would love to hear about your thoughts and experiences. To read the full article, click here.

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  1. Business leaders should see sustainability as an opportunity, act now and prepare for radical change despite the recession. Acting now for a positive 2020, preparing for radical change looks at the trends which will shape the future of foreign business over the next decade, such as the end of cheap finance and resources, the impact of new technology integration, and the rise of markets like China with demand from their growing middle classes and draws conclusions for business, governments and regulators. Also business takes on sustainability will play a big part in determining which direction our world takes. However, I think foreign interest an effective globalised response to global challenges prompts increased resource productivity and low-carbon growth. Companies have to play a greater role in supporting public services and infrastructure but reap the benefits of a broadly free, stable and prosperous world. On the other hand national Interest that most of the nations hoard their own resources and tighten their borders in a retreat to nationalism and protectionism. Global businesses all but disappear and companies are expected to support the national interest. For me most important one is Patched-up globalization perspective for example emerging markets will rise as China stalls. Low-carbon technologies thrive, particularly bio-fuels. Successful companies are multinationals with a local feel, helping to deliver local development needs. Technology wise high profile collaboration platform and highly networked world undermines individual countries and companies. Successful companies are now more like branded hubs, coordinating often temporary and short-lived supplier relationships to deliver customized products. Foreign or international business should not wait for government action before taking the first step. Companies can gain competitive advantage by embedding sustainability into every important function and by looking for opportunities that will make money while taking them in the right direction. Companies can respond to the recession by looking at improving energy and resource efficiency in their own operations, in their supply chains and with their customers. In the longer term they should maximize the value they get from every unit of material or energy. And they should seek out new technologies and business models which will create profit from the radical change which is needed. But effective action by government and regulators is crucial to reduce the risk of a catastrophic environmental collapse and create the conditions for a truly sustainable economy, it finds. They should set key environmental targets and place greater responsibility on business to deliver these outcomes, but allow companies to meet the targets in their own ways. Legal sanctions should be a last resort.
  2. Yes, it is true that there is a flattening of the planet. And, it is true that in some ways national news and international news are coming together as one. However, when we use the word "domestic" we often are referring to the national news that feels a bit disconnected from our daily lives, and not the local news which feels like our life. Local news is the news that has less porous boundaries with the outside world. Local news is the news that really effects us the most. New schools, the effects of a weather system, and new, or leaving, major local employers, is what shapes our lives. Local, in a sense, cannot be merged with the larger national and international news. It can be interrelated, yet not merged. So, what is happening in D.C. and around the world, will always feel far away from my small town life in Carrollton, Georgia. From here, even Atlanta, being just an hour away, is not local and is in many ways not relevant- until I need to go there for shopping.
  3. Being from a multicultural country myself (Australia) the word foreign "isn't" so foreign to me. I believe that the news has to cater for all nationalities and by living in a multicultural society you develop a sense of respect and interest in other foreign affairs that maybe effecting your neighbour, work colleagues or mates - including business.