population are sitting in the bleachers for a game at which they’re mere spectators. This talk examines the crucial role that the collapse of journalism has played in accelerating and making permanent the state of “Dollarocracy.” McChesney also discusses how American history – plus the experience of other democratic nations – suggests there are workable policy solutions to make possible a rich, diverse, uncensored, and competitive free press in the digital era.
About the speaker
Robert McChesney
Robert McChesney is the Gutgsell Endowed Professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His work concentrates on the history and political economy of communication, emphasizing the role media play in democratic and capitalist societies. He has a particular interest in the state of journalism, and the relationship of media systems and structures to effective self-governance. He is the co-founder of Free Press, a national media reform organization. From 2002-2012 McChesney hosted the “Media Matters” weekly radio program every Sunday afternoon on WILL-AM radio.
Additional Resources
Professor McChesney’s faculty profile
Professor McChesney’s article, “The Cultural Apparatus of Monopoly Capital”.
Cosponsored with:
Cuyahoga Arts and Culture