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Our media systems are in crisis. Run by unaccountable corporations and dominated by agendas and algorithms that are shrouded in mystery, these formerly trusted sources of information and entertainment have lost their way. As consumers, we have plenty of choice, but as citizens we have an abundance of misinformation and misrepresentation.
In this incisive manifesto, four prominent media scholars and activists put forth a roadmap for radical reform of concentrated media power. They argue that we should put media justice, economic democracy and social equality at the heart of our scholarship and our campaigning.
The Media Manifesto delivers a sharp analysis of our communications crisis and a passionate call for urgent change. It provides resources of hope for media reform movements across the globe.
List of contents
1 Challenging Media Power Today Why a manifesto?
The triumph of executive power
Executive media power on trial
Conclusion
Notes
2 Claiming Media Justice Reframing media reform
Rethinking digital disruption
Reconfiguring the disinformation order
(Re)claiming media justice
Conclusion
Notes
3 Advancing Data Justice Media becomes datafied
Framing what is at stake
Depoliticizing datafication
Towards data justice
Conclusion
Notes
4 Articulating a Politics of Hope Considering the alternatives
Conclusion
Notes
5 Conclusion: A Manifesto for Media Reform A framework for media plurality
A more democratic diverse and devolved public service broadcasting
A free accountable and sustainable press
Digital media policy
Notes
About the author
Natalie Fenton is Professor of Media and Communications at Goldsmiths, University of London.
Des Freedman is Professor of Media and Communication Studies at Goldsmiths, University of London.
Justin Schlosberg is Senior Lecturer in Journalism and Media at Birkbeck, University of London.
Lina Dencik is Reader in the School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies at Cardiff University.
Summary
Our media systems are in crisis. Run by unaccountable corporations and dominated by agendas and algorithms that are shrouded in mystery, these formerly trusted sources of information and entertainment have lost their way. As consumers, we have plenty of choice, but as citizens we have an abundance of misinformation and misrepresentation.
In this incisive manifesto, four prominent media scholars and activists put forth a roadmap for radical reform of concentrated media power. They argue that we should put media justice, economic democracy and social equality at the heart of our scholarship and our campaigning.
The Media Manifesto delivers a sharp analysis of our communications crisis and a passionate call for urgent change. It provides resources of hope for media reform movements across the globe.
Report
'This timely and essential book presents a searing blueprint for democratizing our media. Expertly combining theory and critique with praxis, the book does exactly what a manifesto should do - it provides readers with the necessary analytical tools and culminates with a call to action. Another system is possible, and these brilliant scholar-activists show us the way forward!'
Victor Pickard, Annenburg School for Communication, University of Pennsylvania
'Media giants, fake news, data justice. This is the essential guide to what is wrong with today's media and how to make it right.'
Vincent Mosco, author of The Smart City in a Digital World
'a powerful and imaginative proposition that not only insightfully articulates the complexity of the problem but also makes a start at (re)conceptualising a radical political imaginary. Indeed, this manifesto has not only captured the spirit (or spectre) of change that our age sorely needs but has made a wonderfully inspiring start at materialising it.'
Global Policy
