Remembering Bob McChesney: A Scholar Who Shaped Media and Democracy
Bob McChesney, a distinguished communication professor at the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign, has left an indelible mark on media scholarship and public discourse. He was notably the Gutgsell endowed professor in the Department of Communication and played a pivotal role in founding the Illinois Initiative on Global Information and Communication Policy alongside Dan Schiller.
Influence in Media and Academia
Tributes from peers and admirers highlight McChesney’s profound impact as a scholar whose insights transcended academic walls. Craig Aaron, president and co-CEO of Free Press, remarked, “Bob McChesney was a brilliant scholar whose ideas and insights reached far beyond the classroom.” Aaron emphasized McChesney’s belief in the public’s capacity to address media system issues and champion democracy.
McChesney’s work often criticized the corporate structures in media, advocating for a system that prioritizes public interest over profit. “He had little patience for tinkering around the edges,” Aaron added, capturing McChesney’s bold approach to reform. Through engaging metaphors like hockey, he challenged conventional ideas, urging for a broader perspective on media reform.
A Lasting Legacy in Journalism
Jon Queally, managing editor at Common Dreams, shared how McChesney’s 1999 book, Rich Media, Poor Democracy, transformed his understanding of media control and corruption in journalism. “It explained… how corrupting the news and information landscape can be when it is controlled wholesale by corporate interests,” he noted, reflecting McChesney’s ability to connect complex concepts with accessible language.
The loss of McChesney is felt deeply within the journalism community, as expressed by academia peers like Rutgers University’s Andrew Kennis. Kennis underscored the crucial role McChesney played in shaping discussions around the political economy of media. He characterized McChesney as a public intellectual whose critiques of capitalism dramatically informed the discourse on democracy in the contemporary landscape.
Understanding Dollarocracy
In a notable 2013 interview on PBS’s Moyers & Company, McChesney and collaborator John Nichols addressed the themes of their book, Dollarocracy: How the Money and Media Election Complex Is Destroying America. McChesney illustrated the tension between democracy and dollar influence: “Democracy means rule of the people: one person, one vote. Dollarocracy means the rule of the dollars: one dollar, one vote,” he stated. This fundamental contrast is vital in understanding the challenges facing democratic institutions today.
A Commitment to Independent Journalism
McChesney’s work extended beyond academia to include grassroots activism and independent journalism. Jeff Cohen, founder of Fairness and Accuracy in Media (FAIR), remembered McChesney as a “proud socialist” deeply committed to social justice issues, specifically in the realm of media integrity. During the 2016 and 2020 presidential campaigns, he actively supported Bernie Sanders, reflecting his conviction in advocating for systemic change.
Musical Roots and Journalistic Beginnings
Interestingly, McChesney’s journey into journalism began in the vibrant music scene of Seattle in the late 20th century. Kennis remarked on McChesney’s early involvement with the grunge movement, noting, “Bob was doing some independent journalism… closely covering the emergence of Nirvana and other garage bands.” This intersection of academia and culture showcases the multifaceted nature of McChesney’s career and his commitment to issues of representation and expression.
Conclusion
Bob McChesney’s profound contributions to media scholarship, public engagement, and journalism will resonate for years to come. His unwavering dedication to a media system that serves democratic needs underscores a legacy that will inspire future generations of scholars and activists alike. As Kennis aptly put it, “Bob was a towering character… dedicated from the beginning to the end to the good fight.”
