'Inventing Reality: The Politics of News Media' by Michael Parenti is a critical analysis of western media manipulation and propaganda, drawing parallels with Noam Chomsky's 'Manufacturing Consent'. The book delves into how the news media, influenced by corporate power and the military-industrial complex, distorts facts, omits crucial information, and perpetuates inequality and imperialism. Parenti's writing style is described as engaging and accessible, providing concrete examples of how the media serves political and economic agendas, while highlighting the importance of understanding the tactics used to control information.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging, concise, and effectively uses examples to convey its points.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot addresses the impact of corporate and political influence on the news media, emphasizing misinformation and propaganda.

Setting:

The setting is the American media landscape, with a focus on both historical and contemporary influences.

Pacing:

The pacing is steady, combining in-depth analysis with historical context, although some feel it becomes biased later.

For many people an issue does not exist until it appears in the news media. Indeed, what we even define as an issue or event, what we see and hear, and what we do not see and hear are greatly determin...

Genres:

nonfiction

political commentary

media analysis

Topics:

media manipulation

corporate influence on news

political agendas

propaganda techniques

left vs. right politics

critique of mainstream media

propaganda analysis

political bias exposure

Notes:

Michael Parenti's book examines how politics and economics affect the American press.

Parenti argues that misquotes and misinformation are often intentional and serve corporate or political agendas.

He highlights that omission is a key part of propaganda in media.

The book critiques how the corporate nature of newspapers prioritizes profits over labor rights.

Younger readers may find it amusing that criticism of liberal media has been around since the 1980s.

The recent paperback edition has been criticized for having small print and large margins, making it hard to read.

Some readers recommend looking for different editions or checking local libraries for a better copy.

The book challenges the left vs right political dichotomy and exposes the ruling class's control over media narratives.

Parenti's work is said to be available in public domain as a PDF online.

The author’s style is described as engaging and accessible, making complex topics more understandable.

Many readers suggest this book is essential for understanding western media influences and practices.

It has been compared to Noam Chomsky's 'Manufacturing Consent' but is considered more complete by some.

The book is considered important for exploring how media sells wars to the American public.

Readers found the content impactful despite issues with the print quality in the current edition.

From The Publisher:

Argues that the news media are subtly controlled by sponsors and the government, shows examples of press bias, and identifies the means by which the media misrepresent reality

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Inventing Reality: The Politics of News Media

Michael Parenti