Episode One: In The Beginning

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the podcast, "House of Dissent," where we delve into the realm of media criticism and radical ideas for social change. Our host, David Berry, introduces the concept of "radical mass media criticism," distinguishing it from traditional critiques and exploring its deep historical roots. He recounts his collaboration with John Theobald on the influential book "Radical Mass Media Criticism, A Cultural Genealogy," aiming to trace the lineage of critical media discourse.

David highlights the misunderstandings surrounding media studies, notably the erroneous associations with the Frankfurt School and the hypodermic needle theory. He acknowledges the pioneers of media criticism preceding the Frankfurt School, notably Karl Kraus, Karl Bucher, Ferdinand Tonnies, and others. The episode sets the stage for examining the evolution of media criticism across five significant historical periods, urging listeners to contribute to identifying contemporary writers who continue this critical tradition.

Join us as we explore the revolutionary implications of radical mass media criticism and its enduring impact on discourse and cultural action. Stay tuned for the next episode, where we unpack the radical elements of our research and unravel the genealogy of critical ideas.