New book alert (particularly aimed at those who want a bit more 'critique of capitalism' in the analysis of tech).

Capitalism and the Media: Key Concepts for Understanding Communications and Technology (Polity 2026)

Des Freedman, Goldsmiths, University of London

The blurb:

Capitalism is the most powerful, creative and destructive social system the world has ever seen. Vigorously celebrated and fiercely contested, it provides the backdrop for the pipelines and platforms that supply audiences with entertainment, information and connection. This book provides an accessible introduction to the key characteristics of capitalism and illustrates how they shape and distort our media and communications landscapes. Exploring concepts including accumulation, exploitation, ideology, oppression, commodification and colonization, the book discusses the impact of these processes on everything from our experiences online and the dynamics of algorithms to the power of oligarchs and the media's role in the escalating environmental crisis. At a time when tech is often heralded as either the cause or the solution to issues of polarization, disinformation and atomization, an understanding of the simultaneous resilience and fragility of capitalism is essential. Capitalism and the Media will be (at least I hope) useful reading for students of media, communications, cultural studies and politics and provides a valuable resource for scholars and activists.

AOIR list members can order the book directly from politybooks.com and receive a 30% discount using the code DFM30.

Full details at: https://www.politybooks.com/bookdetail?book_slug=capitalism-and-the-media-key-concepts-for-understanding-communications-and-technology--9781509565306

All the best

Des