The last two generations have seen a key shift in political organizing, one in which television coverage is regarded a harbinger of success. And since the 1990s, that media-centric focus accelerated with the ascension of the Internet, social media and affordable, high-quality audio and video equipment (itself facilitated by cheaper parts and labor offered by globalization). Thus outgrowths like Indymedia became a companion to the notion that media engagement could press public opinion. Dozens of websites and organizations are dedicated to this aspiration. But is it successful? And can it create the desired change?
Sarah Sobieraj, in her book Soundbitten: The Perils of Media-Centered Political Activism (New York University Press, 2011), puts forward a sobering analysis as well as challenge to the left's orientation toward media catering and media creation. Her book should be read by devotees of the media approach as well as critics alike.
Glancing back at election cycles and varied protest movements, Soundbitten explores how activists orient themselves to mainstream media. The research compiled is fascinating. How groups calculate campaigns based on what media will report, assumptions and understandings of membership based on reporting and more are intriguing. In addition, more provocative assumptions and questions, such as polished as inauthentic or how participating in journalists' conceptions of events and history validates such ideas, are sure to give everyone food for thought.
Sobieraj is not the first to write about these issues, but her ideas are some of the best at opening up a positive conversation about inclusion and exclusion. Notes on how focus on talking points undercuts organizing by distilling complex matters down to media-friendly gruel, as well as damaging the art of conversing with affected communities, deserve review. In many ways, media focus, in truth, becomes a distraction for movements away from popular education. How that plays out is outlined in the book, but certainly requires people keep local debate on this going.
Soundbitten is further a wonderful reminder that there bears some need to more thoroughly dissect the current infatuation among activist circles with media creation, and its broader implications for social action. Blogging, accessibility of tools and the contention that anyone can be a journalist has, in some circles, created the illusion that anyone can, in fact, be a journalist. And though tons of activists can make laminated media badges and post online, Sobieraj's examination of what journalism consists of, and how it mediates our collective understanding, are valuable departure points.
Overall, Soundbitten is a fantastic start to so many important discussions.
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