NEWSPEAK in the 21st Century - 21 March 2011
Abstract
To what extent can a corporate media system be expected to tell the truth about a world dominated by state-corporate power? Why do the major news media, even the supposed best outlets like the Guardian and Channel 4 News, act so often as a propaganda service for elite interests? The pattern of media bias, distortion and omission is widespread, longstanding and systemic: the ‘war on terror’, the Middle East conflict, the serious risk of climate instability and – crucially - what should be done about it. And just how ‘impartial’ is the BBC? Finally, what opportunities does the internet provide to give the public a greater role in shaping news agendas and debate?
About the speaker
David Cromwell is co- editor of Media Lens (www.medialens.org), a media analysis website which encourages the public to challenge major news media. He founded Media Lens, together with the writer David Edwards, in 2001. They have published two books together, Guardians of Power (2006) and Newspeak in the 21st Century (2009). In 2007, Media Lens received the Gandhi Foundation International Peace Award. Until recently, he was based at the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, doing research in ocean circulation and climate. He has a PhD in solar physics from the University of Glasgow.
For information contact Dr S. M. Sharkh (suleiman@soton.ac.uk)