Noam Chomsky in 1989, USA, part 1

Kagi summary:

Noam Chomsky evaluates how the American power structure and mass media manufacture consent in a democratic society through techniques of indoctrination and public relations.
Early 20th century intellectuals like Reinhold Niebuhr believed the average person follows faith over reason and requires "necessary illusion" provided by mythmakers.
During WWI, the government used propaganda to impose its will on a reluctant public and enter the war.
The public relations industry was created to control public opinion and ensure a favorable climate for business.
Elite observers believe they should impose their will for the common good and that the public is not the best judge of its own interests.
Post-WWII, there was concern over controlling public opinion through deception during the Cold War era.
Periods of social unrest like the 1960s lead to a "crisis of democracy" as more groups demand participation.
The media controls the boundaries of debate and frames issues to ensure discussion stays within limits.
Coverage of press freedom issues focuses overwhelmingly on a single Latin American newspaper rather than broader issues.
Closing of newspapers by allies like Israel received little coverage compared to criticism of actions by opponents like Nicaragua.