The Mexican Press and Civil Society, 1940–1976

Stories from the Newsroom, Stories from the Street

Nonfiction, History, Americas, Latin America, Mexico, Reference & Language, Language Arts, Journalism
Cover of the book The Mexican Press and Civil Society, 1940–1976 by Benjamin T. Smith, The University of North Carolina Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Benjamin T. Smith ISBN: 9781469638119
Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press Publication: August 7, 2018
Imprint: The University of North Carolina Press Language: English
Author: Benjamin T. Smith
ISBN: 9781469638119
Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press
Publication: August 7, 2018
Imprint: The University of North Carolina Press
Language: English

Mexico today is one of the most dangerous places in the world to report the news, and Mexicans have taken to the street to defend freedom of expression. As Benjamin T. Smith demonstrates in this history of the press and civil society, the cycle of violent repression and protest over journalism is nothing new. He traces it back to the growth in newspaper production and reading publics between 1940 and 1976, when a national thirst for tabloids, crime sheets, and magazines reached far beyond the middle class.

As Mexicans began to view local and national events through the prism of journalism, everyday politics changed radically. Even while lauding the liberty of the press, the state developed an arsenal of methods to control what was printed, including sophisticated spin and misdirection techniques, covert financial payments, and campaigns of threats, imprisonment, beatings, and even murder. The press was also pressured by media monopolists tacking between government demands and public expectations to maximize profits, and by coalitions of ordinary citizens demanding that local newspapers publicize stories of corruption, incompetence, and state violence. Since the Cold War, both in Mexico City and in the provinces, a robust radical journalism has posed challenges to government forces.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Mexico today is one of the most dangerous places in the world to report the news, and Mexicans have taken to the street to defend freedom of expression. As Benjamin T. Smith demonstrates in this history of the press and civil society, the cycle of violent repression and protest over journalism is nothing new. He traces it back to the growth in newspaper production and reading publics between 1940 and 1976, when a national thirst for tabloids, crime sheets, and magazines reached far beyond the middle class.

As Mexicans began to view local and national events through the prism of journalism, everyday politics changed radically. Even while lauding the liberty of the press, the state developed an arsenal of methods to control what was printed, including sophisticated spin and misdirection techniques, covert financial payments, and campaigns of threats, imprisonment, beatings, and even murder. The press was also pressured by media monopolists tacking between government demands and public expectations to maximize profits, and by coalitions of ordinary citizens demanding that local newspapers publicize stories of corruption, incompetence, and state violence. Since the Cold War, both in Mexico City and in the provinces, a robust radical journalism has posed challenges to government forces.

More books from The University of North Carolina Press

Cover of the book "No Juan Crow!": Documenting the Immigration Debate in Alabama Today by Benjamin T. Smith
Cover of the book Congressional Careers by Benjamin T. Smith
Cover of the book The Carnivore by Benjamin T. Smith
Cover of the book Blackbeard's Sunken Prize by Benjamin T. Smith
Cover of the book Intellectual Manhood by Benjamin T. Smith
Cover of the book Southeastern Geographer by Benjamin T. Smith
Cover of the book A Thousand Thirsty Beaches by Benjamin T. Smith
Cover of the book Literary Trails of the North Carolina Piedmont by Benjamin T. Smith
Cover of the book Authorized to Heal by Benjamin T. Smith
Cover of the book Critical Regionalism by Benjamin T. Smith
Cover of the book Tar Heel Laughter by Benjamin T. Smith
Cover of the book Southern Cultures: Remembering the Civil War Issue by Benjamin T. Smith
Cover of the book Mapping Diaspora by Benjamin T. Smith
Cover of the book Congress at the Grassroots by Benjamin T. Smith
Cover of the book Mapping the Country of Regions by Benjamin T. Smith
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy