Eric Alterman

Eric Alterman is an American historian, journalist, and academic who has significantly contributed to political media criticism and contemporary liberal thought. As a CUNY Distinguished Professor of English and Journalism at Brooklyn College, he has established himself as a prominent voice in political commentary and media analysis. For 25 years, Alterman served as "The Liberal Media" columnist for The Nation, where he developed a reputation for incisive criticism of American media and politics. He has authored twelve books, including "What Liberal Media? The Truth About Bias and the News" and "Sound and Fury: The Making of the Punditocracy," which examine media bias and political discourse in America. His academic credentials include degrees from three prestigious institutions: a BA from Cornell University, an MA from Yale University, and a PhD in U.S. history from Stanford University. His work frequently focuses on presidential politics, media criticism, and the role of journalism in American democracy. Alterman continues to contribute to various publications and maintains his newsletter "Altercation," which moved to Substack in 2023 after its run at The American Prospect. His writing consistently examines the intersection of media, politics, and public discourse in American society.

Readers view Alterman's political commentary with strong reactions based on their ideological alignment. Left-leaning readers appreciate his media criticism and analysis of conservative bias in news coverage, particularly in "What Liberal Media?" Many cite his thorough research and documentation of media ownership patterns. Common praise: - Clear writing style that breaks down complex media topics - Detailed research and extensive citations - Effective debunking of right-wing media claims Common criticism: - Perceived partisan bias in analysis - Repetitive arguments across books - Can be dry and academic in tone Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: "What Liberal Media?" - 3.8/5 (500+ ratings) "Sound and Fury" - 3.7/5 (200+ ratings) Amazon: "What Liberal Media?" - 3.9/5 (150+ reviews) "Lying in State" - 4.3/5 (100+ reviews) Multiple readers note his books work better as reference materials than cover-to-cover reads. Conservative readers frequently give one-star reviews claiming bias, while progressive readers tend to rate his works 4-5 stars.

What Liberal Media? The Truth About Bias and the News (2003) Examines the claim of liberal bias in American media, arguing that conservative viewpoints actually dominate many mainstream outlets.

Sound and Fury: The Making of the Punditocracy (1992) Analyzes the rise and influence of political pundits in American media and their impact on public discourse.

Why We're Liberals: A Political Handbook for Post-Bush America (2008) Presents a historical examination of American liberalism and its core principles.

When Presidents Lie: A History of Official Deception and its Consequences (2004) Investigates significant cases of presidential deception throughout American history and their long-term effects.

It Ain't No Sin To Be Glad You're Alive: The Promise of Bruce Springsteen (1999) Explores Bruce Springsteen's musical career and cultural impact through a political and social lens.

Who Speaks for America? Why Democracy Matters in Foreign Policy (1998) Examines the relationship between American foreign policy and democratic principles.

The Cause: The Fight for American Liberalism from Franklin Roosevelt to Barack Obama (2012) Chronicles the development of American liberalism through major political figures and movements.

Kabuki Democracy: The System vs. Barack Obama (2011) Analyzes the structural challenges faced by the Obama administration in implementing progressive policies.

Todd Gitlin wrote extensively about media, politics, and social movements from a critical left perspective. His work "The Whole World Is Watching" and "Media Unlimited" analyze media's role in shaping political discourse and social consciousness.

Jay Rosen focuses on journalism criticism and press reform through his academic work and PressThink blog. His analysis of journalistic practices and media institutions parallels Alterman's examination of political media coverage.

Michael Schudson examines journalism history and the sociology of news in works like "Discovering the News" and "The Power of News." His research into how news shapes democratic society aligns with Alterman's interest in media's political impact.

Robert McChesney investigates media ownership, political economy, and democratic communications. His books on corporate media control and journalism reform complement Alterman's critique of media bias and institutional power.

Thomas Frank writes about American politics and culture with focus on populism and class dynamics. His analysis of conservative movements and media narratives in works like "What's the Matter with Kansas?" shares Alterman's interest in political discourse and media influence.