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

by Benjamin Radford

Book 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,...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1591020727
• ISBN13: 9781591020721
• Release Date: July 2003
• Publisher: Prometheus Books
• Length: 332 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.1" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

devastating critique of the corporate promulgation of bunk

The fourth estate is supposed to expose nonsense in the public interest, but in this book, Radford exposes how the media itself purveys nonsense, betraying its contract with the American people. Should be required reading for everyone -- arms you with the weapons you need to defend yourself from the daily onslought of error, half-truth, and ratings-pandering fake news. There are hundreds of examples in this well-researched book of how the media distorts facts and displays its bias (not liberal or conservative, per se, but a coporate bias that panders to viewers who want spectacle, not facts). Not since Neil Postman has there been a media critic who is so on the side of the critical thinker and so incisive in his critiques of the power of the media. Highly recommended.

We Need Critical Thinking Now!

I have to be honest, I don't watch a lot of news programs. I don't watch my local news nor the endless parade of talking heads that work the 24 hour news desk on any of the big cable news channels. There is a good reason for this . . .I was able to recognize much of what Ben Radford mentions in his book - cross pollination of products and their producers, advertising disguised as news, and that not all experts are as objective as they should be.While Ben writes about the problems in the journalism and advertising trades, there is also the suggestion that the integrity and objectivity we desrve from the media at large will only be offered if we demand it.

Refreshing and Original

Written in the spirit of Vance Packard and Ralph Nader, Ben Radford delivers a blistering critique of the subtle media forces that vie for our hearts, minds and wallets. Acerbic and witty, this is a provocative, engaging book that would be ideal for college media classes. Robert E. Bartholomew, Ph.D.

An Essential Read

By far one of the most useful books to be published in recent years, Media Mythmakers provides essential information that all people, especially those living within the USA, should arm themselves with.The media is a powerful force in our lives - in our thoughts, our beliefs and most importantly, our actions. Radford examines this force with a critical and objective eye, dissecting its elements and penetrating the motivations, meanings, and effects it has upon civilization. Even the most cynical reader may be horrified by what Radford uncovers. Fascinating examples are provided throughout this well-written book. Best of all, however, are the realistic solutions for change.As an editor, Radford is more than qualified to examine this realm and he does so with great skill. I was happy to discover that the book was extraordinarily well organized and written. I can see it used as a basis for many high school and university courses in journalism, communication and critical thinking. In an improved world, it might also be used by activists, media professionals, decision-makers, politicians - even concerned parents and students of life.The reader is left with a media literacy that will serve them well throughout life and is necessary in our time. I highly recommend this book to one and all.

A Real Eye Opener!

This book is a real eye opener to the truth behind the media's myths. Radford comes at everyday events, from 9/11/01 to mundane product advertising, at an angle that most of us never even considered. Communications and Media Majors will certainly appreciate his fresh takes on things that the public has become oblivious to. I highly recommend this entertaining and informative book to anyone who watches the 6 O Clock news!