This book is based on an in-depth conversation between Howard Burton and Nick Couldry, Professor of Media, Communications and Social Theory in the Department of Media and Communications at the London School of Economics. This wide-ranging conversation explores how the media can be used as a filter to examine power structures, political movements, economic interests, democracy and our evolving notion of culture. Prof. Couldry conveys the importance of voice and the challenge posed by media institutions that order the social, political, cultural, economic, and ethical dimensions of our lives.

This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Looking into the Mirror, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:

1. Round the Houses - From Classics to Media Studies


2. Deconstruction - Probing the Media


3. Investigating Power - Political and economic issues


4. The Future of Media - Ruminations and speculations


5. Ever Onwards - Listening to alarms, big data and making a difference

About Ideas Roadshow Conversations Series (100 books):

Presented in an accessible, conversational format, Ideas Roadshow books not only explore frontline academic research featuring world-leading researchers, including 3 Nobel Laureates, but also reveal the inspirations and personal journeys behind the research. Howard Burton holds a PhD in physics and an MA in philosophy, and was the Founding Director of Canada’s Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics.