Books by David Cromwell

A powerful, forensic critique of the mainstream media in the era of 'Fake News'

One of the unspoken assumptions of the Western world is that we are great defenders of human rights, a free press and the benefits of market economics. Mistakes might be made along the way, perhaps even tragic errors of judgement such as the 2003 invasion of Iraq. But the prevailing view is that the West is essentially a force for good in the wider world. Why Are We The Good Guys? is a provocative challenge of this false ideology. David Cromwell digs beneath standard accounts of crucial issues such as foreign policy, climate change and the constant struggle between state-corporate power and genuine democracy. The powerful evidence-based analysis of current affairs is leavened by some of the formative experiencesthat led the author to question the basic myth of Western benevolence: from schoolroom experiments in democracy, exposure to radical ideas at home, and a mercy mission while at sea; to an unexpected encounter with former Foreign Secretary Robin Cook, the struggles to publish hard-hitting journalism, and the founding of Media Lens in 2001.

Media Lens' mission is to correct the distorted vision of the liberal media. A thorn in the side of the Guardian, Independent, Channel 4 and the BBC, among many others, it is constantly under counterfire by those it attacks.*BR**BR*These responses are collected in Newspeak. They expose the arrogance and servility to power of our leading journalists and editors, starring Andrew Marr, Alan Rusbridger, Roger Alton, Jon Snow, Jeremy Bowen and even George Monbiot.*BR**BR*Packed with forensic media analysis, revealing the lethal bias in 'balanced' reporting. Even the 'best' UK media turn out to be cheerleaders for government, business and war. *BR**BR*Alongside an A-Z of BBC propaganda and chapters on Iraq and climate change, Newspeak focuses on the demonisation of Iran and Venezuela, the Israel-Palestine conflict, the myth of impartial reporting and the dark art of smearing dissidents.

Guardians of Power is a thought-provoking and controversial challenge to the idea that western media is unbiased, fearless and open to different ideas. *BR**BR*This book argues that a corporate media system be never be expected to tell the truth about a world dominated by corporations. It challenges the complacent view that newspapers, including the 'liberal' Guardian and the Independent, tell the truth about climate change, war and problems in society when they are profit-oriented businesses dependent on advertisers for 75% of their revenues.*BR**BR*Guardians of Power is a radical intervention which will spark debate amongst media students and journalists, and all those who believe in the values of a free and independent media.