Robert McChesney: Career and Critique of the Modern Media System
Robert McChesney has spent his career navigating the intersection of professional journalism, academic research, and media criticism. From his early days documenting the rise of the Seattle rock scene to his tenure as a distinguished professor, McChesney has consistently analyzed how the structure of media ownership impacts the health of democratic societies.
Professional Journey and Academic Background
McChesney's entry into the world of media began with practical experience. After completing college, he served as a sports stringer—a freelance contributor—for United Press International (UPI) and published his own weekly newspaper. In 1979, he founded The Rocket, a Seattle-based rock music magazine. This publication became a vital chronicle of the Seattle rock scene during its formative years in the late 1980s and 1990s.
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Driven by an interest in the media industry itself, McChesney transitioned into academic study to better understand the systemic forces shaping communication. He earned a PhD in Communications from the University of Washington in 1989. His academic career led him to several prestigious positions, including serving as the Gutgsell Endowed Professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, as well as teaching at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Analyzing the Media Landscape
McChesney argues that the term "deregulated media" is a misnomer. Instead, he describes the current state of media organizations as a government-sanctioned oligopoly—a market structure where a small number of highly profitable corporate entities hold dominant power. According to McChesney, these entities possess significant legislative influence, allowing them to control news coverage and potentially distort the public's understanding of critical media issues.
The Decline of Journalism
In his 2012 article, "Farewell To Journalism," McChesney detailed what he viewed as the deterioration of the United States media system. He asserted that this "freefall" poses a direct threat to the democratic system. By contrasting the current state of the industry with the characteristics of healthy journalism, he argued that the media system must be restructured to make high-quality journalism a realistic expectation for all citizens.
Proposed Solutions and Political Critique
To combat the decline of independent reporting, McChesney proposed the implementation of a Citizenship News Voucher, a $200 annual subsidy designed to support journalism. His critiques also extended to political coverage; as a supporter of Bernie Sanders's 2016 and 2020 presidential campaigns, McChesney was critical of the way major news outlets reported on Sanders's bids for office.
Key Facts
- Founding Publisher: Established The Rocket in 1979, documenting the Seattle rock scene.
- Academic Credentials: PhD in Communications from the University of Washington (1989).
- Teaching History: Held positions at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign and the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
- Core Theory: Views the media as a government-sanctioned oligopoly rather than a truly deregulated market.
- Policy Proposal: Suggested a $200 annual Citizenship News Voucher to fund journalism.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Early Career | UPI sports stringer, weekly newspaper publisher, founder of The Rocket |
| Academic Roles | Gutgsell Endowed Professor (UIUC), University of Wisconsin–Madison |
| Media Critique | Identifies media as a corporate oligopoly with legislative influence |
| Key Publication | "Farewell To Journalism" (October 2012) |
| Proposed Reform | $200 Citizenship News Voucher |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was The Rocket?
The Rocket was a rock music magazine based in Seattle, founded by McChesney in 1979, which documented the birth of the city's influential rock scene in the late 1980s and 1990s.
Why does McChesney dislike the term "deregulated media"?
He believes the term is inaccurate because media organizations actually operate as a government-sanctioned oligopoly, where a few powerful corporations control the market and influence legislation.
What is the Citizenship News Voucher?
It is a proposal by McChesney to provide a $200 annual voucher to citizens to help financially support and sustain professional journalism.
What are McChesney's concerns regarding the U.S. media system?
In his writing, specifically "Farewell To Journalism," he argues that the deterioration of the media system threatens the stability and function of the democratic system.
Which academic institutions is McChesney associated with?
He obtained his PhD from the University of Washington and taught at both the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign and the University of Wisconsin–Madison.