In this episode of the House of Dissent podcast, we delve into Chapter Three written by Slavko Splichal of Radical Mass Media Criticism: A Cultural Genealogy, as we explore the profound critiques of the press by influential thinkers like Karl Marx, Karl Bücher, and Ferdinand Tönnies. Our guest, David, a renowned academic, guides us through the historical journey of these 19th-century German intellectuals, revealing their impact on the development of mass media and its commercialization. From Marx's early journalistic endeavors to Bücher's pioneering of journalism as an academic discipline, this episode uncovers the intertwined narratives of media, power, and capitalism. Discover how Tönnies' concepts of Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft offer insights into the societal shift driven by communication advancements. Join us as we investigate press reform, the role of public opinion, and the enduring influence of these radical ideas on modern journalism.