The book explores the evolution of blogging over a decade, highlighting its transformation from a passing trend to a significant cultural phenomenon involving around 51 million participants. It emphasizes the role of creative individuals who seek to engage with media actively, expressing their thoughts and ideas rather than passively consuming content.
When News Lies is the untold story of media war behind Iraq; the American government's efforts to manipulate war coverage; and the media's own timidity and reluctance to do its job-report the news to the public.Veteran author, video journalist, and media critic, Danny Schechter, takes us on a sometimes frightening, sometimes humorous journey behind the scenes of the media machine that sold us Operation Iraqi Freedom.This innovative new publishing format includes the full length DVD of Danny's award winning and controversial documentary, WMD-Weapons of Mass Deception.
Focusing on underreported news, this annual volume highlights crucial stories overlooked by mainstream media due to bias and self-censorship. Since 1976, it gathers input from students, faculty, and a national panel to rank the most significant issues. Each featured story is presented in detail, accompanied by updates from the investigative reporters who originally uncovered them, ensuring a comprehensive view of important narratives that deserve greater attention.
The Many Faces of Nelson Mandela
Offering a unique thematic exploration, this biography delves into the life and thoughts of Nelson Mandela, South Africa's first Black president. Drawing on Danny Schechter's extensive relationship with Mandela over four decades, the book presents an unfiltered collection of Mandela's views and experiences. It also served as a crucial resource for the film adaptation, providing deeper insights into the iconic leader's legacy and the struggles he faced throughout his life.
Schechter's groundbreaking exploration of the Falun Gong crisis in China remains the only book-length investigative report on the subject. The New York Times recently described Schechter's book as a 'persuasive analysis of this strange and still unfolding story', and the Village Voice says that 'Schechter's answers are a fiery condemnation of China's government, complete with first-person reports from imprisoned Falun Gong members, propoganda reports, and writings by exiled Falun Gong leader Li Hongzhi'.
How the Media Failed to Cover the War on Iraq
The narrative explores the duality of conflict in Iraq, contrasting the physical warfare involving traditional military forces with a parallel battle of information waged through media and propaganda. It delves into the manipulation of perception surrounding the justification for military action, particularly the search for Weapons of Mass Destruction, while highlighting the role of media as a potent tool for shaping public opinion and narrative. This examination reveals how deception can be as impactful as conventional warfare.
Focusing on the Occupy Wall Street movement, Danny Schechter offers a critical and personal assessment through essays, blog reports, and movement documents. As a seasoned journalist and filmmaker, he highlights the urgency of the movement amidst rising debt and economic turmoil, emphasizing its democratic spirit and honesty. Schechter acknowledges both the potential and contradictions within Occupy, reflecting on its role as a grassroots response to systemic issues. His extensive background in media and activism lends depth to this exploration of a significant social uprising.
In this edition, modern-day muckraker Danny Schechter provides an exclusive introduction that contextualizes the work's relevance today. The book delves into themes of media influence, corruption, and the power dynamics within society, shedding light on the role of journalism in uncovering truths. It emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and vigilance in the face of misinformation, making it a compelling read for those interested in media ethics and social justice.
