Date of Award

4-26-2006

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MA Corporate and Professional Communication

Department

Communication and the Arts

Advisor

Patricia Kuchon

Keywords

Neo-populism, Political mass communication, Latin America, Media, Media access, Press freedom, Democracy

Abstract

This paper studies the relationship between neo-populism and political mass communication in Latin America. Through a quantitative assessment, this research aims to examine the role that media politics plays in strengthening democracy and neo­-populism in eighteen Latin American countries. In particular, the author examines two key elements of the political mass communication concept: press freedom and media access. Can neo-populism be understood without an assessment of media politics? Do political pressure and control of media content, combined with widespread access to different channels of mass communication strengthen neo-populism in Latin American? The author concludes that while Latin American countries are increasingly becoming more leftist, only three countries in Latin America are following a clear left-wing neo­ populist pattern: Venezuela, Peru, and Bolivia. In these countries, political pressure and control on media content are used as instruments to strengthen the neo-populist structure. More time and representative data is needed in order to consider neo-populism as a widespread practice in Latin America.

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