Robert Mcchesney Summary

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The article “Be Realistic, Demand the Impossible: Three Radicaly Democratic Internet Policies” by Robert McChesney provides us with a look into the world of corrupt internet policies and explains why they should be reformed. McChesney argues that internet policy is determined by a small percentage of the wealthy population and is not a free enterprise (92). He insists that the policy be amended so that the internet can become a force of democracy (93). He suggests change by proposing three policy ideas (93). According the McChesney, in order for the internet to become a platform of true democracy we must end the ISP cartel, treat monopolies like monopolies and treat journalism like a public good (93). McChesney’s claims are based on a series …show more content…

Instigating competition will force better rates for American’s and destroy any possibility of a controlled monopoly among the companies. The problem is in the probability of this being likely. These deep-pocketed firms will stop at nothing to make sure this solution is not possible. The potential for this break down is quite minimal. So does this improbability lead us back to the idea of government directed industry? If so, then we are back to the dilemma of whether or not government controlled industry promotes true democracy. I believe the solution lies in deciding between the lesser of two evils, monopolies or government control. In my opinion both options reject the idea of true democracy but then again I do not believe a true democracy is even attainable. The only true solution to the issue of control is smaller units that promote competition, for that is what true capitalism …show more content…

The internet essentially suppresses journalism (96). There are currently few real journalists and less media coverage as a whole (97). Originally, the internet was intended to bring forth a new age of advanced journalism, it has instead killed the industry altogether (97). The fall of journalism can be credited to advertisers who no longer need journalistic media to thrive (98). The internet provides an alternative for advertisers that is far more profitable than journalism media. McChesney suggests that if we intend to remain democratic, we need journalism to survive (98). This can only be achieved through the support of the public to reject censorship (98). Free press must continue to be supported even in a digital age (99).
I believe this point is essential in the preservation of democracy. Without true journalism, we censored in our understanding of our own society. The fundamental point of democracy is the knowledge and voice of the people, which without journalism is not possible. The only we can save journalism is by treating it as a public good. We must become aware of the internets censorship and fight to save the integrity of journalism. Without journalism the people have no voice and without a voice, society is not truly

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