Marxism & the Media

Question 1

What do Marxists believe about the Media?

Answer 1

• The bourgeoise owners of the Media exploit their power in order to manipulate the content of the media
  –> they instruct editors and journalists to put across particular messages, which spreads the dominant ideology; seeking to justify the power and privilege of the bourgeoise.

Question 2

Criticisms of the Marxist view:

Answer 2

Neo- Marxism
- The bourgeoise owners can only control so much of the media. They have many other business interests, meaning they give control to their editors

Pluralism:
- Marxists over dramatize the owners intent. Pluralists argue that media is a business and reflects the market demands of consumers.

Question 3

subordination, proletariat

Miliband

Answer 3

• Thecapitalist system encourages the proletariat to be subordinate and happy to serve the bourgeoise
  –> Eg. Editors and journalists depend on the bourgeoise owners for their jobs/ money and therefore will not go against the bourgeoise ideology.