Why Voice Matters

Nick Couldry has emerged as one of the most brilliant critics we have of neoliberalism and its assault on almost every aspect of public life. What is unique about this book is that it not only understands neoliberalism as an economic discourse but also, if not more importantly, as a profound and powerful mode of cultural politics. This is one of the best books I have read in years about what it means to engage neoliberalism through a critical framework that highlights those narratives and stories that affirm both our humanity and our longing for justice. This book should be read by everyone concerned with what it might mean to not only dream about democracy but to engage it as a lived experience and political possibility -- Henry Giroux
An important and original book that offers a fresh critique of neoliberalism and its contribution to the contemporary crisis of ‘voice’. Couldry’s own voice is clear and impassioned - an urgent ‘must-read’.  -- Rosalind Gill
Nick Couldry sets out a provocative critique of the democratic shortcomings of the neoliberal social order, while offering some compellingly radical arguments for the role of the media in creating new spaces of citizen-government relations.  -- Stephen Coleman
This is an important book... In focusing our attention on the importance of voice, in putting it at the heart of contemporary political and economic change, and in summoning an array of contrasting services, Couldry has done us a very valuable service. -- John Street
A valuable contribution to the field... Resisting a familiar tendency of scholarship in which a critique of neoliberalism is paired either with Utopian thought experiments [or] with an ennui toward practical action, Couldry′s work is refreshingly productive in its scope. The author not only skilfully outlines the problems that are present in the age of neoliberalism, but offers a platform to discuss how scholars and citizens can spur shifts in values in order to move forward towards a more democratic post-neoliberal world today and into the future... Why Voice Matters is a grounded, imaginative and valuable piece of writing that will appeal to a broad-based audience of scholars in the field of communication and beyond. -- Garrett Broad
"Nick Couldry gives a very interesting analysis of the challenge of ′voice′ in our times." -- Emile McAnany * Communication Research Trends v30-4 *
"Why Voice Matters" is an interesting book. It is extremely valuable for post-graduate students be able to discuss critically the evolution of neoliberalism and in particular the voices (and silences) that this particular mode of governance creates and stimulates. Nevertheless I have found the textbook too advanced for undergraduate level (where I teach these topics). I believe it is a supplemental reading for Economics and Sociology majors." -- Dr Hugo Pinto * drupal *
Excellent book for Intro to Cultural Studies in Education doctoral course.

Great text for navigating the complexity of voice in a neoliberal society. -- Dr John Lupinacci * drupal *
I found this book engaging, theoretically solid and wide-ranging--and written in a clear and accessible way to boot. I am recommending it to my students in the Communication Culture and Media MA course.

-- Dr Mafalda Stasi * drupal *
An excellent book that seeks to explore the actual title from the outset. Has been recommended for further reading. -- Mr Amer Shehzad * drupal *
An interesting and though-provoking thesis. Effective critical analysis. -- Mr David Ness * drupal *
Interesting arguments. Not relevant for module at this stage. -- Mr David Ness * drupal *
This book provides interesting theoretical discussions regarding voice. It would be suitable for both academic students and social scientists who are interested in the way that voice can be manipulated and manifested.
It gives a clear and precise account of the tensions between neoliberalism and the real world.
I will recommend this book as a supplementary resource to my Sociology of Education students. -- Mr Graham Downes * drupal *
Nick Couldry stresses in a elaborated way the complicity of politics and media in actual society. His arguments helps a lot to define the difference between traditional mainstream media and community media which rather aims at giving back voice to the people. I recommend this book to my students as a supplementary text as it will help to explain the communicative gap community media are filling in our democracy. -- Mr Helmut Peissl * drupal *
I recommed this book for all working in the area of political culture and citizenship. -- Mr Niels Kristensen * drupal *
Excellent recap of neoliberalism and lead into post neoliberalism - useful chapter summaries, text and line spacing a bit small -- Ms Maria Faraone * drupal *
This is an absolutely essential book for anyone wanting to understand what neo-liberalism is, how it has been sold to the public, and the immense damage which it has already done to the social, political and cultural fabric. Its relevance goes far beyond media studies, but Chapter 4 provides a much-needed critique of the way in which the media, including the public service broadcasters, have helped to sell and spin neo-liberal values. -- Professor Julian Petley * drupal *