Public Relations, Publics, Publicity: Neoliberal Capitalism’s Media and Mediation

Abstract

In this chapter Cronin outlines today’s media landscape and sets it in the context of democracy in neoliberal capitalism. Drawing on empirical data, the chapter discusses the profound changes that are occurring in journalism and the new opportunities such changes offer public relations to speak to publics. Cronin outlines how Hannah Arendt’s account of the social contract as ‘promise’ between government and people is a useful tool for understanding today’s ‘democratic deficit’ or ‘crisis in democracy’ and can offer important ways of analysing the new social and political role that public relations plays.