Title:
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The explanatory value of Herman & Chomsky's 'propaganda model' : 2004-2010
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Introduction and Rationale
‘The propaganda model explains the elite-mass gaps, and elite and
mainstream media hostility to this mode of analysis, and refusal to allow it
entry into the debate, is understandable given that the gaps are
embarrassing and suggest that the media do serve a narrow elite interest.’
(Hermann, 2000: 1)
This critical review is based upon four peer-reviewed research papers, published since 2004.
which have made a contribution to knowledge in the field of media and communications
theory by providing, in particular, new evidence in support of a relatively neglected theory -
Hermann & Chomsky’s Propaganda Model (PM) (1988). Hermann’s assertion (above) that the
mainstream media refuse to allow the PM entry into the debate is also evident, for this
writer, of mainstream media theory in Higher Education. The PM is recognised as a very
useful starting point and analytical tool for the evaluation of data in this field by a minority
of published researchers (Klaehn, 2002, 2009; Jhally, 2007; Robertson 2010). However, it is
widely disregarded by many other UK media researchers and, for that matter, educationists
(Mullen, 2008: 2). In addition to demonstrating retrospectively work worthy of the award of
PhD by Publication, this critical review revisits and re-assesses the value of the PM using
new evidence, in areas such as the reporting of economic theory, the coverage of autism and the relative coverage of different topics across TV news, from the author’s published work
submitted in the attached portfolio.
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