An excellent account of some very important and under-discussed issues. Sincerely wish it would get suitable attention.

Ed Baker's book is a superior examination of the notion of a free press and its relationship to market regulation and democratic values. Baker studiously and carefully lays out one of the finest critiques I have ever seen about the limitations of markets for democratic communication. I cannot exaggerate my enthusiasm for this book.

This book evaluates the role that government regulatory power can play in ensuring a free and dynamic press, using economic analysis and Bakerian democratic theory. I found the book to be very interesting, exceptionally well written, and singularly rectangular. The author has a deft touch and keen sense of his audience.

this insightful work expands greatly upon already existing media studies maxims put forth by authors such as ben bagdikian and michael moore. it hones the point that the people must be able to make informed decisions in order to rule a democratic society, thus naturally prompts the question: are we truly democratic if advertising distorts our information?