Beyond Mainstream Media: Alternative Media and the Future of Journalism

Beyond Mainstream Media offers a comprehensive assessment of alternative media, analyzing their content and editorial strategies, and exploring why people go beyond the mainstream for news and information. It argues that alternative left-wing media should focus on converging into the mainstream to promote their politics. The book draws on over 3,500 articles and 17,000 social media posts, extensive interviews, and a survey of over 2,700 media users.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 178 pages
Publication date: 26 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Beyond Mainstream Media is a comprehensive assessment of alternative media that delves into its rise over the past decade, analyzing its changing content and editorial strategies. It explores why many individuals seek news and information beyond the mainstream media, considering the differing agendas between the two. The book sheds light on why right-wing alternative media have gained prominence in national media systems compared to left-wing sites in the Western World. Author Cushion argues that alternative left-wing media should focus less on attacking professional journalism and more on converging with the mainstream to promote their politics.

Drawing on over 3,500 articles and 17,000 social media posts, extensive interviews with editors and contributors, and a survey of over 2,700 media users, the book develops a comparative international perspective by explaining how findings and concepts can be applied to understanding broader issues such as public distrust in the mainstream media and the influence of different media and political systems on the production of alternative media.

Written in clear, jargon-free language, Beyond Mainstream Media is an essential read for advanced students undertaking courses in Alternative Media and Political Journalism. It provides both an introduction to the field and a critical analysis of the current state of alternative media, offering valuable insights into this evolving media landscape.

Weight: 306g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032420264