Robert W. McChesney

Robert McChesney is Gutgsell Endowed Professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Illinois. He hosts the program Media Matters on WILL-AM every Sunday afternoon from 1-2pm central time. He and John Nichols, The Nation's Washington correspondent, are the founders of Free Press, the media reform network, and the authors of Tragedy and Farce: How the American Media Sell Wars, Spin Elections, and Destroy Democracy (New Press) and The Death and Life of American Journalism (Nation Books). He has written sixteen books and his work has been translated into fifteen languages.

Free the Media!

Free the Media! Free the Media!

It’s time to get back to our roots—the grassroots—to fight for reform of an increasingly monopolistic and manipulative media.

Nov 6, 2013 / Editorial / John Nichols and Robert W. McChesney

Dollarocracy

Dollarocracy Dollarocracy

Special interests dominate Washington and undermine our democracy.

Sep 11, 2013 / Feature / John Nichols and Robert W. McChesney

Will Obama Defend Media Democracy? Will Obama Defend Media Democracy?

His next appointee for FCC chair could determine whether robber barons consolidate their domination of the public discourse.

Apr 3, 2013 / Editorial / John Nichols and Robert W. McChesney

After ‘Citizens United’: The Attack of the Super PACs

After ‘Citizens United’: The Attack of the Super PACs After ‘Citizens United’: The Attack of the Super PACs

These new political monsters have let loose an avalanche of scorched-earth, negative campaign ads—and enriched TV stations in the process.

Jan 18, 2012 / Feature / John Nichols and Robert W. McChesney

Comcast/NBC Merger Takes Media Consolidation to the Next Level

Comcast/NBC Merger Takes Media Consolidation to the Next Level Comcast/NBC Merger Takes Media Consolidation to the Next Level

It's past time for open hearings and a coherent policy on media ownership in the digital age.

Jan 20, 2011 / Editorial / Robert W. McChesney and John Nichols

The Money & Media Election Complex

The Money & Media Election Complex The Money & Media Election Complex

Unchecked by campaign finance regulation, unchallenged by a journalism sufficient to expose abuses, a nearly unbeatable force opposed progressives in 2010.

Nov 10, 2010 / Feature / John Nichols and Robert W. McChesney

How to Save Journalism How to Save Journalism

The patriotic case for government action.

Jan 7, 2010 / Feature / John Nichols and Robert W. McChesney

How to Save Journalism How to Save Journalism

To save news media, stop blaming the Internet and start thinking about how subsidies could revive a public good.

Nov 24, 2009 / Editorial / John Nichols and Robert W. McChesney

The Death and Life of Great American Newspapers The Death and Life of Great American Newspapers

The collapse of journalism threatens democracy itself--that's why we need a government rescue.

Mar 18, 2009 / Books & the Arts / John Nichols and Robert W. McChesney

Who’ll Unplug Big Media? Stay Tuned Who’ll Unplug Big Media? Stay Tuned

The media reform movement has made a few inroads, but there's still a long way to go.

May 29, 2008 / Feature / John Nichols and Robert W. McChesney

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