The Free Press
Hilaire Belloc
Read by Sean McClain
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
Andrew Kinney
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!
Bobby Maxwell
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!