Bagdikian h b 2004 the new monopoly beacon press

You're referring to the book "The New Monopoly: In Quest of Power" by Ben H. Bagdikian, published in 2004 by Beacon Press.

Ben Bagdikian was a renowned American journalist and author who wrote extensively on media and politics. In this book, he examines the concentration of media ownership and its impact on the quality of journalism, democracy, and society.

Here's a brief summary of the book:

Bagdikian argues that the media landscape has undergone a significant transformation since the 1980s, with a small number of large corporations acquiring and consolidating ownership of newspapers, television stations, radio stations, and other media outlets. This concentration of ownership has led to a loss of diversity in media voices, perspectives, and reporting, as well as a decline in the quality of journalism.

The author contends that this new monopoly has resulted in:

  1. Homogenization of news content: With fewer owners controlling more outlets, there is less diversity in the types of news stories that are reported and the perspectives that are represented.
  2. Censorship: The pressure to appeal to a broad audience and avoid controversy can lead to self-censorship and the suppression of important stories.
  3. Lack of accountability: With fewer owners and less competition, there is less incentive to hold those in power accountable for their actions.
  4. Decline of investigative journalism: The resources required to conduct in-depth investigations are often not available to smaller, independent outlets, leading to a decline in the quality of investigative reporting.

Bagdikian also explores the implications of this new monopoly on democracy, arguing that it undermines the ability of citizens to make informed decisions and participate in the political process.

Overall, "The New Monopoly" is a thought-provoking critique of the media landscape and its impact on society. It is a must-read for anyone interested in media studies, journalism, and the role of the press in a democratic society.