Media, Markets, and Democracy

Government interventions in media markets are often criticized for preventing audiences from getting the media products they want. A free press is often asserted to be essential for democracy. The first point is incorrect and the second is inadequate as a policy guide. Part I of this book shows that unique aspects of media products prevent markets from providing for audience desires. Part II shows that four prominent, but different, theories of democracy lead to different conceptions of good journalistic practice, media policy, and proper constitutional principles. Part II makes clear that the choice among democratic theories is crucial for understanding what should be meant by free press. Part III explores international free trade in media products. Contrary to the dominant American position, it shows that Parts I and II’s economic and democratic theory justify deviations from free trade in media products.

• Systematically critiques conservative arguments against government intervention in the media realm • Extends and develops democratic theory and shows the necessity of these extensions for understanding freedom of the press • Shows that the American position on international free trade in media products cannot be given a principled defense

Preface; Part I. Serving Audiences: 1. Not toasters: the special nature of media products; 2. Public gods and monopolistic competition; 3. The problem of externalities; 4. The market as a measure of preference; 5. Where to? Policy responses; Part II. Serving Citizens: 6. Different democracies and their media; 7. Journalistic ideas; 8. Fears and responsive policies; 9. Constitutional implications; Part III. An Illustration: International Trade: 10. Trade and economics; 11: Trade, culture, and democracy; Conclusion; Postscript: the internet and digital technologies.

‘Those readers looking for an exhaustive overview of the relationship between media, markets, and democracy are well served in this book.’ Trends in Communication