Corporate-Market Power and Ideological Domination: The Propaganda Model after 30 Years – Relevance and Further Application

Abstract

This two-part-essay postulates the continued relevance of the Herman-Chomsky Propaganda Model in the Internet age. Part one of the essay investigates the institutional composition of the digital media environment. It is demonstrated that corporate-market constraints still constitute major ‘filters’ of information: the online realm is highly commercialised and dominated by giant companies as well as advertising sponsors. Part two of the essay addresses the issue of ideology, arguing that humanitarianism and selective atrocity shaming have become major reference points to legitimise Western militarism. The concluding section of the essay outlines a set of broad research areas for scholars concerned about applying the Propaganda Model.