Media and Philanthropy

Media and philanthropy refers to an interdisciplinary area of research and practice that combines and integrates theories and models from the fields of both communication and philanthropy. Scholars and practitioners investigate theoretical, political, social, cultural, financial, and practical attributes of media coverage and contributions to philanthropy. The mass media assist non-profit organizations (NPOs) and charitable organizations to promote their mission, fundraising, and public support but also monitor their operations and when necessary offer criticism.

The blurring boundaries between the post-welfare state, the free market, and the philanthropic sector have reinforced the role of philanthropy as a critical instrument for dealing with social problems governments often fail to resolve. In covering philanthropy, the media serve not only as an observer and reporter of what is happening but ...