Manufacturing Consent

Consent in democracies is being manufactured.

Introduction

Noam Chomsky, along with Edward S. Herman, developed the Propaganda Model, which describes how propaganda and systemic biases function in mass media. The model outlines five filters that determine the type of news that gets published and the way it is shaped.

The 5 Filters of the Mass Media Machine

1. Ownership

Mass media firms are often large corporations or part of conglomerates. Their primary goal is profit, which influences their news coverage. Media ownership impacts which stories are reported and how they are framed, favoring narratives that align with the owners' interests.

2. Advertising

Advertising is a significant source of revenue for media outlets. Consequently, media firms may avoid content that could upset advertisers. Stories that challenge corporate interests or consumer culture might be underrepresented or omitted.

3. Sourcing

News organizations rely on information from government, business, and 'experts' funded by these primary sources and agents of power. This creates a symbiotic relationship where the media requires a steady flow of news, and the sources provide it. However, this can lead to biased reporting that favors powerful interests.

4. Flak

Negative responses to a media statement or program can come from powerful individuals, organizations, or the government. This 'flak' can be in the form of lawsuits, complaints, or even threats, discouraging the media from pursuing certain stories or viewpoints.

5. Common Enemy & Fear: Communism, Terrorism etc...

An ideological control mechanism. During the Cold War, anti-communism served as a national religion and control mechanism. Today, other ideologies like the "War on Terror" serve a similar purpose. They create a dichotomy of 'us vs. them' that can justify various actions and shape public perception.

Conclusion

Chomsky's Propaganda Model and its five filters illustrate how media content is influenced and controlled by powerful economic and political forces. Understanding these filters helps to critically evaluate the information presented by the mass media and recognize potential biases.