Contentious Journalism and the Internet: Towards Democratic Discourse in Malaysia and Singapore

The Internet has been used to democratize public discourse in Malaysia and Singapore, two countries in the zone between liberal democracies and authoritarian states. Web sites that have emerged on the margins of the political system engage in a contentious style of journalism challenging the consensus that prevails over and through mainstream media.

Cherian George, a well-known Singaporean intellectual and journalist before he embarked on an academic career, provides detailed case studies of online alternative media sites in Singapore and Malaysia, and examines arguments that explain their development in terms of technology and of differing norms of journalism and democracy.

This nuanced work draws on social movement studies and media studies to challenge current understandings of the relationship between media and the internet. The book’s lively style will make it relevant for anyone interested in politics and media in Malaysia and Singapore.