Critical political economy: inside or outside the tent?

This chapter provides a brief overview of how the critical political economy of communication (CPEC) tradition has been conceived and highlights ways that research within this tradition might inform and influence issues of media governance and policy. Although the neo-Marxist framework remains a central pillar of the CPEC paradigm, it also encompasses several other approaches. Consequently, defining what constitutes ‘critical’ political economy is contested. The critical-versus-administrative debate is briefly revisited and suggests praxis is the definitive criterion, in the sense of orienting towards effecting progressive interventions in the media systems and the political-economic structures underpinning them. For critical researchers seeking to influence media/communication governance and policy, different opportunities for praxis arise at different phases in the ‘policy cycle’. The chapter concludes that, while critical analysis of political-economic macro-structures underpinning governance arrangements remains vital, effective CPEC praxis must also engage industry and policy at an institutional level.