Review by Choice Review
In this counter to the prevailing notion that media determine the outcome of political conflicts, Wolfsfeld (Hebrew Univ., Jerusalem) establishes that media should be examined as part of a general contest for political control. The author presents five arguments: (1) the media process is reactive to the central political process; (2) the establishment's level of control over the political environment is a key variable determining media's role; (3) that role varies over time and circumstance; (4) antagonists and the media compete over access to and cultural meaning of the news; (5) challengers can sometimes use the media to overcome the establishment's advantage. Wolfsfeld uses three occurrences of controversy--the intifada, the signing of the Oslo Accords, and the Gulf War--to support these arguments. He bases his findings on 55 interviews with leaders, officials, and journalists on both sides and on content analysis of items appearing in The New York Times, Yediot Ahronot, and Ha'aretz. Although the presentation is clear, it lacks scholarly depth in part because the author presents little of his data. In addition, Wolfsfeld applies an antiquated concept of journalists as dedicated, neutral observers. Still, these insights by an outside observer will perhaps be useful to undergraduates. R. Cathcart; CUNY Queens College
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
