Capitalism, philantropy and hidden power: treats to the journalistic profession [Review]

Abstract

The capitalism-philanthropy symbiosis constitutes a subjugating power to journalism. It is not a new phenomenon that donors permeates the media agenda. However, in this era marked by economic recession, philanthropists have emerged as one of the main guarantors of mass media independence and objectivity. It is, therefore, a double-edged sword. The media extol, to public opinion, the charitable works in many areas of philanthropic institutions. At the same time, this foundations, in collusion with neoliberal system, capitalise on the benefits generated by their supposedly altruistic acts. Consequently, these corporations consolidate, on one hand, the status quo to maintain their businesses in absolute hegemony; and, on the other hand, they earn the veneration of the public opinion through media legitimation. Journalism also is threatened by hidden power that strives to gag free press. It is, therefore, an asymmetric confrontation whose resolution through counter-power strategies offers a range of alternatives, not entirely feasible, to counter the triad: capitalism-philanthropy-hidden power.