The Free Press


Read by Sean McClain

(4.9 stars; 19 reviews)

In The Free Press, Hilaire Belloc presents a critical examination of the modern capitalist press and its influence on public opinion. Written in 1918, this thought-provoking work delves into the ways in which mass media can distort truth and empower those with questionable motives.

Belloc argues for the necessity of independent media outlets as a counterbalance to the dominant narratives propagated by larger, profit-driven organizations. He explores the potential for these smaller voices to foster a more informed and engaged citizenry, highlighting the importance of diverse perspectives in a healthy democracy.

With a keen eye for the interplay between media and power, Belloc's insights remain relevant today, inviting listeners to reflect on the role of journalism in shaping societal values and political landscapes.

Chapters

Select a chapter to play

00 - Dedication 5:26 Read by Sean McClain
01 - Chapter 1 2:51 Read by Sean McClain
02 - Chapter 2 5:13 Read by Sean McClain
03 - Chapter 3 2:34 Read by Sean McClain
04 - Chapter 4 2:44 Read by Sean McClain
05 - Chapter 5 8:10 Read by Sean McClain
06 - Chapter 6 4:27 Read by Sean McClain
07 - Chapter 7 5:12 Read by Sean McClain
08 - Chapter 8 6:34 Read by Sean McClain
09 - Chapter 9 8:39 Read by Sean McClain
10 - Chapter 10 0:59 Read by Sean McClain
11 - Chapter 11 12:15 Read by Sean McClain
12 - Chapter 12 18:12 Read by Sean McClain
13 - Chapter 13 1:50 Read by Sean McClain
14 - Chapter 14 2:09 Read by Sean McClain
15 - Chapter 15 2:22 Read by Sean McClain
16 - Chapter 16 2:20 Read by Sean McClain
17 - Chapter 17 6:14 Read by Sean McClain
18 - Chapter 18 1:26 Read by Sean McClain
19 - Chapter 19 3:30 Read by Sean McClain
20 - Chapter 20 4:47 Read by Sean McClain

Reviews


(5 stars)

An excellent criticism of capitalist press in the first half. The second half is primarily of historical interest, as the nature of "the free press" has been drastically altered since the Internet. The reader did a fine job and Belloc is a great author.

Things can only get better because they can't get much worse!


(5 stars)

This longstanding problem has shifted into high gear when The Fairness Doctrine was removed by the FCC. Soon, the editorial page became the front page and objective truth became extinct! Phil Donahue and Chris Hedges were fired for exposing what is now generally agreed upon a rationale for war based upon a non-existent foundation of lies- The Iraq War! Now, a concerted effort to divide and conquer the American people with one side calling the other nazis and the other communists- when both parties are actually neoliberals bought by essentially the same money men! Also, the people are conned into believing "if only the reps" and "if only the dems" weren't in the way, the economy would right itself, great manufacturing jobs would return to America, and the streets would be paved with gold. Unfortunately, both parties split on relatively minor issues like abortion and gun control, meanwhile; taking bribes to enact legislation that has been, and is destroying the middle class!