Democratic Delusions

A free media is inextricably linked to a healthy democracy, but in many parts of the world liberal democracies are deemed to be dying or on the demise ¿ a demise that many forms of media have enabled while heralding themselves as democracy¿s saviour. The hollowing out of democracy in these ways has left many people questioning the value of (neo)liberal democratic societies. What can we do about it? Democratic Delusions explores the potential of our media and tech systems to be democratic and contribute to a just and transformative democracy. This is only possible, Natalie Fenton argues, by first situating our political systems and mediated worlds within global capitalism. By interrogating different media and their relationship to seven key elements of democracy ¿ power, participation, freedom, equality, public good, trust, and hope ¿ the book asks: What is the response of society when the ability of news media to speak truth to power has been restricted by corporate logic? And, how do