Journal article
Of lizards and ideological entrepreneurs : Alex Jones and Infowars in the relationship between populist nationalism and the post-global media ecology
International communication gazette, v 82(1)
01 Jan 2020
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.
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Details
- Title
- Of lizards and ideological entrepreneurs : Alex Jones and Infowars in the relationship between populist nationalism and the post-global media ecology
- Creators
- Hilde Den BulckAaron Hyzen - University of Antwerp
- Publication Details
- International communication gazette, v 82(1)
- Publisher
- Sage
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Communication
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:000490109000001
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-85074559294
- Other Identifier
- 991019173782404721
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Communication