Paul Starr's "The Creation of the Media" offers an intriguing exploration of the evolution of communication in the United States, tracing its roots from colonial times to the cusp of World War II. The book provides a historical perspective that uncovers the political underpinnings of modern media development. Starr's analysis goes beyond the confines of current media debates, looking instead at technological revolutions that have shaped democracy in America and comparing them with developments in Europe.

Historical Examination of Media Development

Contrary to immediate expectations, "The Creation of the Media" does not delve into modern-day media controversies such as political advertising or the internet's influence on public opinion. Instead, Starr embarks on a historical journey, examining how communication forms have evolved in America from colonial days up to the onset of World War II. He highlights the technological advancements that transformed information dissemination long before the digital age. By providing a historical context, Starr contrasts the American trajectory with the communication evolution in Western Europe, specifically England, France, and Germany.

The Role of Government in Media Evolution

Starr articulates that government approaches to controlling or facilitating communication methods have significantly influenced both the media industry's growth and governmental structures in the U.S. and Europe. He argues that the historical review is essential as we navigate the twenty-first century, acknowledging the unique role the U.S. has played in shaping communication channels and safeguarding those who challenge governmental transparency. With the shift from an industrial to an information society, understanding the political roots of communication media is crucial for informed policymaking.

Politics and Media Development

Starr posits that the growth of America's media is best understood in three overlapping phases: from colonial times to the Civil War, from the Civil War through the Great Depression, and from the Civil War to 1941. In each era, government intervention varied, sometimes actively supporting technological advancements, at other times allowing market forces to drive progress. The media's evolution is thus inseparable from the political landscape of these periods.

Education and Political Journalism

In early colonial America, political journalism's rise was intertwined with education, which primed colonists for political discourse. Education systems in New England and the mid-Atlantic empowered colonists to engage in ideological debates that influenced the path to independence. Starr's insights into the early U.S. government's role in media control reveal intriguing perspectives, highlighting the significance of constitutional protections for free speech and the postal system's role in media expansion. These factors collectively underpinned the communications industry's growth, contrasting sharply with European governments' tighter control over media and postal services.

Technological Advances and Political Change

The book's middle section, concise yet impactful, delves into four key technological advances: the telegraph, telephone, cable, and radio. These innovations revolutionized information dissemination and had significant political ramifications. Starr notes that while the U.S. government maintained a laissez-faire stance on print media, concerns over monopolies in communications industries led to antitrust measures. Regulators aimed to prevent monopolies from stifling competition or controlling public access to information.

Contrast with Europe's Approach

Unlike the U.S., European countries like England, France, and Germany opted for government control over communication sectors such as telegraph and radio. This trend of nationalization, contrasted with American privatization, highlights different political philosophies toward media development. Starr suggests that the U.S.'s hands-off approach allowed for a dynamic communications industry to flourish, contributing to the nation's global prominence in the field.

The Emergence of Modern Media

In the latter part of his study, Starr examines how modern media forms, specifically network radio and television, prompted a more assertive government role. Post-World War I, the U.S. government sought to...