Case studies of two corporate media barons Conrad Black and Paul Desmarais demonstrate their neoconservative ideology, their influence and their quest for power. Contains truths which only those in an advanced state of denial could ignore. Clearly, one doesn't have to believe in any kind of grand conspiracy to see why ownership of the news media by a handful of people can't be good for democracy. Winter's book is an invaluable reference tool. Its research is particularly strong in the profiles of Black, his fellow baron Paul Desmarais, and the publishing giant Quebecor.
Winter admirably writes in direct and accessible language.
Winter's main point that the left needs to develop and vastly expand its own media is undeniable. Winter presents a well-documented case that Black has a definite political agenda, and his acquisition of newspapers the world over is a conscious grab for political power. One of the best things about Winter's work is that it stands outside the loop, where the flatness of the media landscape isn't so evident. In the wake of Conrad Black's grab of Southam, James Winter's book could not be more timely. I unreservingly recommend it.