Who Deliberates?: Mass Media in Modern Democracy / Edition 1

by Benjamin I. Page

Overview

Public deliberation is essential to democracy, but the public can be fooled as well as enlightened. In three case studies of media coverage in the 1990s, Benjamin Page explores the role of the press in structuring political discussion.

Page shows how the New York Times presented a restricted set of opinions on whether to go to war with Iraq, shutting out discussion of compromises favored by many Americans. He then examines the media's negative reaction to the Bush administration's claim that riots in Los Angeles were caused by welfare programs. Finally, he shows how talk shows overcame the elite media's indifference to widespread concern about Zoe Baird's hiring of illegal aliens. Page's provocative conclusion identifies the conditions under which media outlets become political actors and actively shape and limit the ideas and information available to the public.

Arguing persuasively that a diversity of viewpoints is essential to true public deliberation, this book will interest students of American politics, communications, and media studies.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780226644738
Publisher:	University of Chicago Press
Publication date:	06/15/1996
Series:	American Politics and Political Economy Series
Edition description:	1
Pages:	178
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Benjamin I. Page is the Gordon Scott Fulcher Professor of Decision Making at Northwestern University and the author or coauthor of several books, including Democracy in America?

Table of Contents

Preface
1: Public Deliberation and Democracy
2: The New York Times Goes to War with Iraq
3: Assigning Blame for the Los Angeles Riots
4: Zoe Baird, Nannies, and Talk Radio
Jason Tannenbaum, Benjamin I. Page.
5: Conclusion: Successes and Failures of Mediated Deliberation
References
Index

Editorial Reviews

Investigates the role of the media in the formation of public opinion and policy preferences, examining the circumstances under which the public is enlightened and fooled by media-transmitted discussion of political issues. After an outline of theoretical considerations concerning deliberation and democracy, narrative chapters describe specific cases such as "nannygate" and the Los Angeles riots. Includes explanatory notes. For those in political and social sciences, democratic theory, communication, and journalism, as well as students and general readers. Paper edition (unseen), $10.95. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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