Nick Couldry is one of the world’s leading analysts of media power and voice, and has been publishing widely for 25 years. This volume, published 20 years after The Place of Media Power, brings together a rich collection of essays from his earliest to his latest writings, some of them hard to access, plus two previously unpublished chapters. The book’s 15 chapters cover a variety of themes from voice to space, from Big Data to democracy, and from art to reality television. Taken together, they give a unique insight into the range of Couldry’s interests and passions. Throughout, Couldry’s commitment to connecting media research to wider debates in philosophy and social theory is clear. A substantial Afterword reflects on the common themes that run throughout his work and this volume, and the particular challenges of grasping media’s contribution to social order in an age of datafication. A preface by leading US media scholar Jonathan Gray sets these essays in context. The result is an exciting and clearly-written text that will interest students and researchers of media, culture and social theory across the world.
One of the best books I have read in years about what it means to engage neoliberalism through a critical framework that highlights those narratives and stories that affirm both our humanity and our longing for justice. It should be read by everyone concerned with what it might mean to not only dream about democracy but to engage it as a lived experience and political possibility. - Henry Giroux, McMaster University "An important and original book that offers a fresh critique of neoliberalism and its contribution to the contemporary crisis of ‘voice’. Couldry’s own voice is clear and impassioned - an urgent must-read." - Rosalind Gill, King’s College London For more than thirty years neoliberalism has declared that market functioning trumps all other social, political and economic values. In this book, Nick Couldry passionately argues for voice, the effective opportunity for people to speak and be heard on what affects their lives, as the only value that can truly challenge neoliberal politics. But having voice is not enough: we need to know our voice matters. Insisting that the answer goes much deeper than simply calling for ′more voices′, whether on the streets or in the media, Couldry presents a dazzling range of analysis from the real world of Blair and Obama to the social theory of Judith Butler and Amartya Sen. Why Voice Matters breaks open the contradictions in neoliberal thought and shows how the mainstream media not only fails to provide the means for people to give an account of themselves, but also reinforces neoliberal values. Moving beyond the despair common to much of today′s analysis, Couldry shows us a vision of a democracy based on social cooperation and offers the resources we need to build a new post-neoliberal politics.
Free speech has positive dimensions of enablement and negative dimensions of non-restraint, both of which require protection for democracy to have substantial communicative legitimacy. In Democracy of Expression, Andrew Kenyon explores this need for sustained plural public speech linked with positive communicative freedom. Drawing on sources from media studies, human rights, political theory, free speech theory and case law, Kenyon shows how positive dimensions of free speech could be imagined and pursued. While recognising that democratic governments face challenges of public communication and free speech that cannot be easily solved, Kenyon argues that understanding the nature of these challenges (including the value of positive free speech) at least makes possible a democracy of expression in which society has a voice, formulates judgments, and makes effective claims of government. In this groundbreaking work, Kenyon not only reframes how we conceptualize free speech, but also provides a roadmap for reform.
Moving beyond traditional cyberculture studies paradigms in several key ways, this comprehensive collection marks the increasing convergence of cyberculture with other forms of media, and with all aspects of our lives in a digitized world. Includes essential readings for both the student and scholar of a diverse range of fields, including new and digital media, internet studies, digital arts and culture studies, network culture studies, and the information society Incorporates essays by both new and established scholars of digital cultures, including Andy Miah, Eugene Thacker, Lisa Nakamura, Chris Hables Gray, Sonia Livingstone and Espen Aarseth Created explicitly for the undergraduate student, with comprehensive introductions to each section that outline the main ideas of each essay Explores the many facets of cyberculture, and includes sections on race, politics, gender, theory, gaming, and space The perfect companion to Nayar's Introduction to New Media and Cyberculture
Journalism and Free Speech brings together for the first time an historical and theoretical exploration of journalism and its relationship with the idea of free speech. Though freedom of the press is widely regarded as an essential ingredient to democratic societies, the relationship between the idea of freedom of speech and the practice of press freedom is one that is generally taken for granted. Censorship, in general terms is an anathema. This book explores the philosophical and historical development of free speech and critically examines the ways in which it relates to freedom of the press in practice. The main contention of the book is that the actualisation of press freedom should be seen as encompassing modes of censorship which place pressure upon the principled connection between journalism and freedom of speech. Topics covered include: The Philosophy of Free Speech Journalism and Free Speech Press Freedom and the Democratic Imperative New Media and the Global Public Sphere Regulating Journalism Privacy and Defamation National Security and Insecurity Ownership News, Language Culture and Censorship This book introduces students to a wide range of issues centred around freedom of speech, press freedom and censorship, providing an accessible text for courses on journalism and mass media.
Charts new directions for interdisciplinary research on refugee writing and representationPlaces refugee imaginaries at the centre of interdisciplinary exchange, demonstrating the vital new perspectives on refugee experience available in humanities researchBrings together leading research in literary, performance, art and film studies, digital and new media, postcolonialism and critical race theory, transnational and comparative cultural studies, history, anthropology, philosophy, human geography and cultural politicsThe refugee has emerged as one of the key figures of the twenty-first-century. This book explores how refugees imagine the world and how the world imagines them. It demonstrates the ways in which refugees have been written into being by international law, governmental and non-governmental bodies and the media, and foregrounds the role of the arts and humanities in imagining, historicising and protesting the experiences of forced migration and statelessness. Including thirty-two newly written chapters on representations by and of refugees from leading researchers in the field, Refugee Imaginaries establishes the case for placing the study of the refugee at the centre of contemporary critical enquiry.
"This book traces the long arc of Black women's relationship with technology from the antebellum south to the social media era demonstrating how digital culture transforms and is transformed by Black feminist thought"--
"Media Ventriloquism repurposes the term "ventriloquism," which has traditionally referred to the act of throwing one's voice into an object that appears to speak, to reflect our complex vocal relationship with media technologies. Indeed, media technologies have the potential to separate voice from body and to constitute new relationships between them that could scarcely have been imagined before such technologies' invention and mass circulation. Radio, cinema, television, video games, digital technologies, and other media have each fundamentally transformed the relationship between voice and body in myriad and often unexpected ways. Our volume interrogates the categorical definitions of voice and body as they operate within mediated environments, exploring the experiences of ventriloquism facilitated by media technologies and theorizing some of the political and ethical implications of separating bodies from voices. We build in particular on Steven Connor's notion of the vocalic body, which he coined to identify an imaginary body that is created and maintained primarily through voice. In modifying Connor's term to theorize the "technovocalic body," we focus our study on cases in which the relationship between voice and body has been modified specifically by media technologies. The essays in the collection demonstrate not only how particular bodies and voices have been been (mis)represented through media ventriloquism but also how marginalized groups - racialized, gendered, queered, etc. - have used media ventriloquism to claim their agency and power"--
Explore the intersection of governance and media in the dynamic landscape of Bihar with "Good Governance & Media in Bihar" by the esteemed Dr. Shikha Jain, a groundbreaking study that sheds light on the crucial role of media in shaping governance and fostering accountability. Join Dr. Jain as she delves into the intricate relationship between governance and media in Bihar, offering a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and opportunities facing the state in its quest for good governance. Through meticulous research and insightful commentary, she uncovers the ways in which media influences public perception, government policies, and democratic processes. Themes of transparency, accountability, and citizen empowerment permeate the pages of "Good Governance & Media in Bihar," offering readers valuable insights into the mechanisms of governance and the role of media as a watchdog and catalyst for change. Dr. Jain's nuanced approach and evidence-based analysis provide a nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics at play. Through in-depth case studies and interviews with key stakeholders, readers gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Bihar's media landscape. From the rise of digital media to the role of traditional outlets, Dr. Jain explores the evolving nature of media and its impact on governance and public discourse. The overall tone and mood of "Good Governance & Media in Bihar" are one of urgency and optimism, as Dr. Jain calls attention to the pressing need for transparency, accountability, and ethical journalism in Bihar and beyond. Her impassioned plea for reform and renewal inspires readers to engage in meaningful dialogue and action to strengthen democratic institutions and ensure a brighter future for all. Widely respected for her expertise in governance and media studies, Dr. Shikha Jain is a leading voice in the field, renowned for her scholarly contributions and commitment to social change. "Good Governance & Media in Bihar" reflects her dedication to advancing knowledge and fostering dialogue on issues of critical importance to society. Designed to appeal to scholars, policymakers, journalists, and concerned citizens alike, "Good Governance & Media in Bihar" offers a wealth of valuable information and insights in a clear and accessible format. Whether you're a researcher, a journalist, or simply someone interested in the dynamics of governance and media, this book provides a thought-provoking exploration of a timely and important topic. In comparison to other studies on governance and media, "Good Governance & Media in Bihar" stands out for its focus on a specific region and its deep dive into the local context. Dr. Jain's intimate knowledge of Bihar's political and media landscape offers readers a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the state. On a personal level, "Good Governance & Media in Bihar" resonates with readers by highlighting the power of media to hold governments accountable, foster transparency, and empower citizens. As readers engage with Dr. Jain's analysis and recommendations, they are inspired to become active participants in the democratic process and agents of positive change. Don't miss your chance to explore the vital intersection of governance and media with "Good Governance & Media in Bihar" by Dr. Shikha Jain. Let this groundbreaking study be your guide to understanding the complexities of governance and media in Bihar and beyond. Grab your copy now and join the conversation on building a more transparent, accountable, and inclusive society.
The Politics of Laughter in the Social Media Age: Perspectives from the Global South brings to critical and intellectual attention the role of humour in the digital era in the Global South. Many citizens of the Global South live disempowered and precarious lives. Digital media and humour, as chapters in the volume demonstrate, have empowered these citizens through engagement with power and their peers, enabling a pursuit of a better future. Contributors to the volume, while alive to challenges associated with the digital divide, highlight the potentials of social media and humour to engage and seek redress on issues such as corruption, human rights violations, racism and sexism. Contributors expertly analyse memes, videos, cartoons and other social media texts to demonstrate how citizens mimic, disrupt, ridicule and challenge status quo. This book caters for academics and students in media and communication studies, political studies, sociology and Global South studies.
