Jeff Cohen (media critic)

Jeff Cohen is an American media critic, journalist, and author known for his progressive viewpoints and activism regarding media bias and corporate influence. He co-founded the media watch group Fairness & Accuracy In Reporting (FAIR) in 1986 and served as its executive director until 2006.

Cohen's work focuses on analyzing news coverage across various platforms, including television, print, and online media. He frequently critiques what he perceives as right-wing or pro-corporate biases in mainstream news outlets and advocates for greater media diversity and independent journalism. He argues that concentrated media ownership and reliance on corporate advertising can lead to a narrowing of perspectives and the suppression of alternative viewpoints.

Throughout his career, Cohen has been a commentator and analyst for numerous television and radio programs, offering his perspectives on media coverage of political events and social issues. He has also written extensively on media-related topics, including books such as Through the Media Looking Glass: Decoding Bias and Blather in the News (1995) and Cable News Confidential: My Misadventures in Corporate Media (2006).

Cohen has been a strong advocate for media reform, pushing for policies that would promote greater public access to information and challenge the dominance of large media conglomerates. He is often described as a prominent voice in the media criticism landscape, challenging the status quo and advocating for more responsible and equitable news reporting. Since leaving FAIR, he has continued his media criticism and activism through writing, speaking engagements, and other forms of public engagement.