This book explores the place of Media Studies in the age of 'fake news',
analysing the calls for a curriculum of critical news literacy as part
of a cyclical policy debate. With the need for young people in
democracies to understand mainstream news agendas and take a critical
perspective on social media news, including so-called 'fake news', this
book argues for Media Studies as a mandatory subject. However, 'fake
news' is not presented in the book as a stable, neutral term with a
clear definition, but is instead defined as an idea that risks obscuring
the key critical and political premise of Media Studies. All media
representation requires critical deconstruction: therefore, any
distinction between 'real' and 'fake' media is a false binary. The
author draws together two narrative strands: one analysing contemporary
news and journalism, featuring interviews with journalists and news
commentators, and the other re-appraising the discipline of Media
Studies itself. This bold and innovative book will appeal to all those
interested in the nebulous and often confusing media landscape, as well
as students and practitioners of Media Studies.