Media Mythmakers: How Journalists, Activists, and Advertisers Mislead Us (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "Americans are flooded with words..." (more)
Key Phrases: New York, Associated Press, United States (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...a provocative, well-researched book...gives an apt overview of many of the problems facing modern society." -- Oakland Press/Pontiac, MI, Jan. 4, 2004

"...offers hundreds of examples of deceptive practices in journalism, advertising, political activism, public relations, and charity appeals." -- The Futurist, January-February 2004

"Many editors and TV news directors will find it uncomfortably close to the truth… it is unsparing in its criticism." -- Sacramento Bee, December 2003

"Should be required reading …peels away myths and provides the facts. Should be on every library shelf. Essential." -- Current Review for Academic Libraries April 2004

Product Description

This hard-hitting critique of our media culture examines not only the ways in which we are deceived, but also the media's role in propagating those deceptions. But "Media Mythmakers" goes beyond criticism to give concrete examples of the damage that manipulation of the news causes. From missing children to the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, from the efforts to end slavery to AIDS education, myths and deception in the media threaten us all. While the public is being misled, real problems go unaddressed and resources are wasted on misguided ideas. In an increasingly complex world, where accurate and unbiased information is more important than ever, this book provides a timely and much-needed analysis.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 230 pages
• Publisher: Prometheus Books (July 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1591020727
• ISBN-13: 978-1591020721
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #764,052 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars devastating critique of the corporate promulgation of bunk, November 12, 2004

By	NonCynicalSkeptic (St. Louis) - See all my reviews

The fourth estate is supposed to expose nonsense in the public interest, but in this book, Radford exposes how the media itself purveys nonsense, betraying its contract with the American people.

Should be required reading for everyone -- arms you with the weapons you need to defend yourself from the daily onslought of error, half-truth, and ratings-pandering fake news.

There are hundreds of examples in this well-researched book of how the media distorts facts and displays its bias (not liberal or conservative, per se, but a coporate bias that panders to viewers who want spectacle, not facts).

Not since Neil Postman has there been a media critic who is so on the side of the critical thinker and so incisive in his critiques of the power of the media.

Highly recommended.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Real Eye Opener!, October 30, 2003

By	Megan Connors (Buffalo, NY) - See all my reviews

This book is a real eye opener to the truth behind the media's myths. Radford comes at everyday events, from 9/11/01 to mundane product advertising, at an angle that most of us never even considered. Communications and Media Majors will certainly appreciate his fresh takes on things that the public has become oblivious to. I highly recommend this entertaining and informative book to anyone who watches the 6 O Clock news!

12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Uneven but Interesting, January 2, 2005

By	Randall Christison (San Diego) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

. I recommend this book for his discussions of the media and of advertising--his critique of AOL is worth the price of admission alone.
. When Radford is addressing the press, he's right on. As he accurately points out, the media's efforts to keep the populace worked up and scared yields some untoward results, for example, fear legislation. He's right on the money.
. His crusade, that we as Americans are lacking critical thinking skills, is an accurate assessment. But when he addresses matters of science and law, he's sometimes off the mark. Although he labels himself as a skeptic, it seems much of his approach is that of the modern American cynic--if you can attribute an action to base motives, then you must be right.
. On matters of law, I wish he and other writers would understand that the making of a claim, or even the filing of a lawsuit, is evidence of nothing beyond the claimant or counsel could afford the filing fee. A court judgment means something. A settlement sometimes does and sometimes doesn't. But filing a complaint means nothing.