Robert W. McChesney, a prominent media critic known for his impassioned arguments against corporate ownership of media and the dominance of Silicon Valley billionaires in online information, passed away on March 25 at the age of 72. He fought against mainstream media bias and promoted the idea of a more democratic and independent press.
McChesney believed that corporate-owned news outlets were too compliant with political powers and limited the scope of information available to the public. He also warned about the dangers of online platforms being controlled by a few large companies, stifling diversity of opinion and undermining democracy.
Throughout his career, McChesney wrote numerous books and articles challenging the influence of capitalism on the media landscape. He advocated for government intervention in the form of $200 vouchers for Americans to support nonprofit news organizations. He was a vocal supporter of Senator Bernie Sanders and criticized mainstream media bias against him during the 2016 presidential primary.
McChesney co-founded the public interest group Free Press, which campaigned for net neutrality and opposed corporate consolidation in the news industry. He called for the nationalization of internet giants like Facebook and Google to ensure equal access to information for all.
Despite facing criticism from some conservative circles, McChesney was recognized as a visionary by publications like Utne Reader. His work highlighted the need for a more inclusive and democratic media landscape in the face of technological advancements that threatened traditional journalism.
Survived by his wife and two daughters, McChesney leaves behind a legacy of challenging the status quo and advocating for a more transparent and equitable media environment. His impact on media criticism and advocacy for media reform will continue to inspire future generations.
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