Introduction
Released in 1992 Noam Chomsky’s documentary Manufacturing Consent presents a natural expansion on the ideas about how information about the world is transmitted to the public at large that was stated in his book of the same name. In the film, Chomsky provides an analysis of the mainstream USA media work. Even though the book has contributed much to the understanding of the problem of mass media and their presentation of information to a general audience, with the advent of internet communications the approach to Chomsky’s suggestions differed. Thus, in this paper, I’m going to critically assess and discuss Chomsky’s analysis by considering how the advent of internet communications might relate to the operation of the three filters Chomsky singles out in his film.
Chomsky’s three filters
According to Chomsky’s Propaganda Model stated in his book “media serves the purpose to mobilize support for the special interests that dominate the state and private activity and that their choices, emphases, and omissions can often be understood best by analyzing them in such terms” (Edwards 8). In the film Chomsky provides his theory about three filters “by which money and power can filter the news fit to print” (Edwards 10). These filters are corporate ownership, the bounding of debate, and concision. Chomsky believes that before making some information public it goes through these three filters.
The first filter “corporate ownership”
As far as the first filter is concerned, i.e. corporate ownership, the business connections and personal biases of individuals and organizations may greatly affect the way the information is presented. This point of view is based on the fact that almost all mainstream media corporations are owned by media tycoons or corporations whose prior pursuit is gaining profit and ensuring their safe operation.
The second filter “the bounding of debate”
The second filter concerns the bounding of debate by these corporations. This means that “the mainstream media sets the general agenda, selects the appropriate topics, determines emphasis and the framing of issues, as well as careful filtering of information, i.e. the “bounding” of debate, all in the service of dominant interest groups” (Edwards 30).
The third filter of concision
Chomsky emphasizes that the principles of concision imply that using concision as a cover “you can only repeat conventional thoughts. If you repeat conventional thoughts, you require zero evidence” (Edwards 37). According to Chomsky, this means that you use exact definitions refraining from some conventional patterns people will want to know evidence and details, which mass media tries to avoid in this case.
The relations of Chomsky’s ideas to the internet
However, with the development of internet communications and alternative mass media, Chomsky’s filters may be argued. Nowadays, people may access any news or evidence of the news online and get to know every aspect and point of view concerning any piece of news. In this respect, the internet provides a vast amount of unbiased views and opinions. The beneficial factor of the internet is that it allows a person to shape their own opinion not being influenced by media organizations that select the information that should be laid open to the public.
It is doubtful that internet services use these filters. Let’s take for example the filter of concision. Taking into account the popularity of blogs focusing on different political, economic, and social issues available online it is hard to believe that they may be influenced by some organizations. On the contrary, blogs and alternative news services allow forming democratic process. Certainly, internet blogs can’t be regarded as true rivals of mainstream television channels, newspapers, and radio but they unquestionably contribute to the process of democratization. On the whole, the internet fosters shaping more informed public views.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is necessary to say that Chomsky’s ideas made a great impact on many people, however debatable his ideas might seem with the invention of the internet.
Works Cited
Edwards, David. Burning All Illusions: a Guide to Personal and Political Freedom. NY: South End Press, 1996.