Media Mythmakers: How Journalists, Activists, and Advertisers Mislead Us

by Benjamin Radford

Overview

Fake news?Biased media sources?This hard-hitting critique of our media culture examines not only the ways in which the public is often deceived, but the media's role in propagating those deceptions. But Media Mythmakers goes beyond criticism to give concrete examples of the damage that manipulation of the news causes. From missing children to the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, from the efforts to end slavery to AIDS education, myths and deception in the media threaten us all. While the public is being misled, real problems go unaddressed and resources are wasted on misguided ideas.In an increasingly complex world, where accurate and unbiased information is more important than ever, this book provides a timely and much-needed analysis.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781591020721
Publisher:	Prometheus Books
Publication date:	10/01/2003
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	332
Sales rank:	979,271
Product dimensions:	6.31(w) x 8.91(h) x 0.94(d)

About the Author

Benjamin Radford (Amherst, NY) is managing editor of Skeptical Inquirer magazine; the coauthor with Robert Bartholomew of Hoaxes, Myths, and Manias: Why We Need Critical Thinking; and a member of the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP).

Editorial Reviews

"Offers hundreds of examples of deceptive practices in journalism, advertising, political activism, public relations, and charity appeals.” —The Futurist “This book should be required reading for all who are caught up in the thrall of US mass media; all who think they are being manipulated, misled, and lied to but are not quite sure how an why this is happening…Written in an appealing style devoid of academic jargon and pontification, this book peels away the myths that mislead and provides the facts. It should be on every library shelf. Essential.”             —Choice, a 2005 Outstanding Academic Title

From the Publisher

This book should be required reading for all who are caught up in the thrall of US mass media...Written in an appealing style devoid of academic jargon and pontification, this book peels away the myths that mislead and provides the facts. It should be on every library shelf. Essential!
—Current Review for Academic Libraries April 2004

Choice

A provocative, well-researched book...gives an apt overview of many of the problems facing modern society.
—(Pontiac, Michigan), January 2004

Oakland Press

Many editors and TV news directors will find it uncomfortably close to the truth... it is unsparing in its criticism.
—December 2003

Sacramento Bee

Radford offers hundreds of examples of deceptive practices in journalism, advertising, political activism, public relations, and charity appeals.
—January/February 2004

The Futurist

As entertaining as it is informative..
—October 2003

Vermont Comic News