List,
I don't have cable, but if I am remembering correctly, C-SPAN (1, I think)
samples news programs from around the world. That might be an interesting
program to watch to get ideas about how media frames developed in the core
are reproduced in the periphery. My impression from the few times I have
seen the program is that western styles of propaganda are extensively used
in other countries (I would expect this anyway). If the program provided
some initial insight, then it might be useful to try to acquire news
programs from around the world, along with samples of commercial
television, and study the form and content. This would be an expensive
procedure, it seems. So there is a drawback.
I haven't thought too much about the study suggested by the poster, but I
would think that contextualizing consumerist propaganda is crucial. Some
sort of comparative analysis looking at consumption levels in various
countries and seeing if there is a correlation with level and type of
propaganda. I am sure this has already been thought of.
Andy