Publication
Title
Of lizards and ideological entrepreneurs : Alex Jones and Infowars in the relationship between populist nationalism and the post-global media ecology
Author
Abstract
This contribution analyses the nexus between contemporary US populist nationalism and the post-global media ecology through the case of US radio show host and ‘most paranoid man in America’ Alex Jones and his Infowars. It evaluates the role of Alt Right alternative/activist media and global digital platforms in the success of Jones as ideological entrepreneur. To this end, it looks at Jones’ and Infowars' message (mostly Falls Flag conspiracy theories and pseudo-science-meets-popular-culture fantasy), persona as celebrity populist spectacle, business model, political alliances with Alt Right and Trump, audience as diverse mix of believers and ironic spectators and, most of all, media. In particular, we analyse the mix of legacy and social media and their respective role in his rise and alleged downfall. We evaluate Jones’ efforts as effective ideological entrepreneur, pushing his counter-hegemonic ideology from the fringes to the mainstream.
Language
English
Source (journal)
International communication gazette. - Deventer, 2006, currens
Publication
Thousand oaks : Sage publications inc , 2020
ISSN
1748-0485 [print]
1748-0493 [online]
DOI
10.1177/1748048519880726
Volume/pages
82 :1 , p. 42-59
Article Reference
UNSP 1748048519880726
ISI
000490109000001
Medium
E-only publicatie
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 14.10.2019
Last edited 12.11.2024
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