Robert W. McChesney, a prominent media critic, passed away at the age of 72 due to glioblastoma. Throughout his career, he argued that corporate ownership in media compromised democracy and that Silicon Valley monopolies posed a threat to freedom of information. McChesney believed that capitalism’s influence on the internet was restricting access to diverse viewpoints. He advocated for a government-funded voucher system to support nonprofit news outlets.
He gained recognition for books like “Rich Media, Poor Democracy” and “Digital Disconnect,” which critiqued the impact of corporate consolidation on journalism. Additionally, McChesney was an avid supporter of Senator Bernie Sanders and was critical of mainstream media bias in the 2016 presidential election. However, he was also controversial, landing on lists of both influential visionaries and dangerous academics.
McChesney co-founded Free Press to combat corporate consolidation in news and promote net neutrality. He proposed nationalizing internet giants like Facebook and Google to ensure a fair and free flow of information. Despite his provocative ideas, his work was instrumental in sparking conversations about media ownership and democracy.
A Ph.D. holder and university professor, McChesney had a diverse background in academia and journalism. His legacy lives on through his books and advocacy for a more equitable media landscape. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, and a brother. His contributions shed light on the intersection of technology, capitalism, and democracy in the modern era.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
