The New Political Economy of the Media

Module description

This module will give students an understanding of how the structures of news and information media shape our political environment - and how these structures are shifting as the media landscape transforms. Students will learn why and how the political economy of the media (including information intermediaries such as Meta, Amazon and Google) is critical to the functioning of democratic politics, and the ways in which technological change is reshaping our communications environment. The course will explore the implications of fundamental changes to the economic foundations of journalism – and of information sharing across society – to the operation of stable civil society.

Assessment details

1,500 word essay (33% of overall module mark)

2,500 word essay (67% of overall module mark) 

Educational aims & objectives

• To chart the evolution of a new political economy of the media and evaluate its fundamental importance to democratic politics and society
• To investigate different models of media power within the political communication process, and assess how this power is shifting in a digital age
• To demonstrate the extent to which the State is necessary to the development and sustainability of a democratic media ecosystem (particularly with regard to legislation, regulation, subsidies and infrastructure)
• To evaluate the implications of different funding models for how news and journalism are constructed and communicated
• To explain the predisposition of media – and technology – towards monopoly and the implications of this for competition and diversity
• To explore the degree to which traditional media is losing its civic functions and how these are – or are not – being taken over by new technology platforms
• To examine the emerging responsibilities of the citizen in the collection, production, and distribution of news and information in a digital environment

Learning outcomes

On completing the module successfully, students will be able to:

1. Critically analyse a range of theories that conceptualise the role of the news media in politics and their relationship with the State
2. Examine and explain how the economic underpinnings of journalism and news media shape their operation in democratic politics
3. Provide insight into how developments in digital technology are effecting change in the political economy of the media and the ways in which this influences citizen and media behaviour
4. Recognise the associations between structural and instrumental factors with regard to the media and politics
5. Find and evaluate academic and non-academic resources relevant to understanding the political economy of media and communication

Teaching pattern

1-hour weekly lecture and 1-hour weekly seminar

Suggested reading list

• Benkler, Yochai, Robert Faris and Hal Roberts (2018) Network Propaganda: Manipulation, Disinformation, and Radicalization in American Politics, New York: Oxford University Press
• Castells, Manuel (2009) Communication Power, Oxford: Oxford University Press
• Moore, Martin and Damian Tambini (eds) (2018) Digital Dominance: the Power of Google, Amazon, Facebook and Apple, New York: Oxford University Press
• Moore, Martin and Damian Tambini (eds) (2021) Regulating Big Tech, New York: Oxford University Press
• Moore, Martin (2018) Democracy Hacked: How Technology Is Destabilising Global Politics, London: OneWorld Publications
• Shirky, Clay (2008) Here Comes Everybody: The Power of Organizing Without Organizations, London: Allen Lane
• Wu, Tim (2010) The Master Switch: The Rise and Fall of Information Empires, New York: Alfred A. Knopf
• Zuboff, Shoshana (2019) The Age of Surveillance Capitalism: The Fight for a Human Future at the New Frontier of Power, London: Profile Books

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.