Tab Article

Genre: Nonfiction, Political Science, Media Studies, South Asian Studies, Sociology

Book Review:
''Press as Promoter'' by Victor Gunewardena is a scholarly examination of the role and function of the press within the socio-political landscape of South Asia, with a likely focus on Sri Lanka. Published under the auspices of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, this work critically analyzes how newspapers and media outlets operate not merely as informers but as active promoters of specific agendas, ideologies, and national development goals. Gunewardena likely explores the complex interplay between media, state power, civil society, and economic forces. This book is an essential resource for students and researchers of political communication, journalism, and South Asian studies. It offers valuable insights into the challenges of media independence, the ethics of reportage, and the transformative potential—as well as the risks—of the press when it consciously adopts the role of a promoter in shaping public discourse and policy. A thought-provoking read for anyone interested in the power dynamics of modern media.