In criticising the media, are there any approaches other than one grounded in marxism?

Question

I am researching a project on distortion in the media. I have, so far, found information on the history of media criticism from a marxist perspective. I am now looking for other perspectives to discuss to try and get some balance. Can anyone recommend any sources where I might find this?

Thanks for responses so far.

My problem is that critical theory was developed according to marxist principles. So im trying to find out if there are any other perspectives. So far, I have found an interesting book by Brian McNair where he applies the notion of Chaos theory to the media. By doing this, he can claim that there are too many variables to conclusively explain the behaviour of the modern press. This, therefore, calls accepted arguments such as the propoganda model into dispute.

I need more stuff like that. Stuff which challenges accepted ideas of distortion in the media.

Answer 1

hi modo! i am currently a final year student on a media arts degree and have previously covered stuff on this. seeing as the topic is media criticism, i suggest typing in 'the frankfurt school' in the search engine and you are bound to come across numerous studies on media effects. media effects- as carried out by lazerfield and katz, is centred mostly on violence and how people who watch tv with sexual and violent content are absorb it and made to carry out violent acts in real life. this brain-washing effect is also originally known as the 'hypodermic effect' or otherwise known as the hypodermic needle. the needle concept being its supposed to symbolise 'violence' and this is injected into the person- thus, he/she are being brainwashed and who then goes and behaves/acts in a violent way. other media effects models, excluding the hypodermic needle that i already mentioned, include the two-step flow and uses and gratifications.

if you need any further assistance, then don't hesitate in e-mailing me. hope it goes well for you and i wish you good luck with your studies!

Answer 2

It is going to be tough, because many media scholars ground their work in Marxist theory (because Marx and Engels are generally regarded as the first people to crtique mass media). Anyway.

Check out anything written by Marshal McLuhan.

Answer 3

Check out the man behind the Pulitzer prize for Journalism.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Pulitzer

Answer 4

there is new way, it's called looking at it from the imperialists' point of view.

Answer 5

http://patriotpost.us/alexander/edition.asp?id=479

http://patriotpost.us/alexander/edition.asp?id=468

http://patriotpost.us/alexander/edition.asp?id=462