Self Exploitation: A Perceived Feature of Media Production

SELF EXPLOITATION: A PERCEIVED FEATURE OF MEDIA PRODUCTION
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Self Exploitation: A Perceived Feature of Media Production
Introduction
Although the 21st century draws fame for increased interest in media and cultural production jobs, experts have overlooked the notion of exploitation in the same fields. When it comes to the constructs and political nature of employment in media, the idea of exploitation seems like a permanent element. The concept of self-exploitation refers to how employees are inclined towards self-sacrifice in artistic labor environments across the world, particularly in media production (Percival and Hesmondhalgh, 2014, p. 189). Critics see self-exploitation as the dimension of sacrificing oneself to benefit capitalistic media creation in modern working life. On the other hand, the word did not arise from an individualistic level. Hence, it does not imply that individuals exploit themselves, but media owners control such exploitative models. People working in the creative labor sector learn to manage the hazards of their profession by numerous job handling, adapting to several occupational responsibilities, and diversifying their work portfolio (Percival and Hesmondhalgh, 2014, p. 190). In this context, exploitation in media production is a prevalent issue that requires attention to determine techniques and tools used to exploit the young and readily available workers.
The Concept of Exploitation
The orthodox Marxist theory views labor exploitation as a byproduct of the capitalist’s hidden way of owning production capacities and demonstrating power over employees. Workers willingly seek employment opportunities in media stations, television broadcasts, and film-making companies, indicating there is no compulsion to work for their employees globally. As a result, most times, they are driven to labor and sacrifice themselves for the sake of financial profits and performance for the employer (Hesmondhalgh, 2015, p. 31). This form of self-exploitation, channeled by capitalistic owners, arises since media employees have no rights to production, minimising them to replaceable players and contributors. Hesmondhalgh (2015, p. 33) writes that Marxist theory indicates that the capitalists enjoy the surplus profits and results that the workers create. For instance, television broadcast producers in BBC feel compelled to work for long hours during the airing of a critical show or piece, meaning that they sacrifice their time for the success of the broadcast. On the other hand, the TV owners sit back and relax in their lavish homes, as they expect good fiscal performance to impress shareholders, the board, and themselves. Therefore, Marxist views on capitalistic production are the leading influencer of exploitation in media because they illustrate its occurrence in society.
In addition, Marx claims that the employee’s output occurs in two distinct aspects. The first is that the employee works for their benefit, creating goods worth the same as their payment. This aspect does not attract contention since it follows a fairness angle since the wages received by the workers amount to the output produced by them (U...