Political Entertainment in a Post-Authoritarian Democracy: Humor and the Mexican Media

The book offers an analytical and empirical account of the specificities of political entertainment in post-authoritarian democracies.

Centered around Mexico as a case study, the book explores the production of political entertainment in post-authoritarian legacy media and how political and economic conditions constrain the range and edge of discourse; how political entertainment in social media is shaped by the structure of platforms, as creators are encouraged to conform to specific norms such as constant publication; and the impacts of these media on attitude formation among the population. The book proposes a theoretical framework for identifying the specific conditions of post-authoritarian democracies that constrain the production of political entertainment, as well as its outcomes in terms of content and effects. This framework can be applied to the analysis of similar case studies, particularly in the Global South at large.

With an analysis drawing on hard data, historical accounts, and anecdotal evidence, this volume will resonate within academic communities interested in political communication, media studies, transitional democracies, and popular culture.

Martin Echeverría is Full Professor at the Center of Studies in Political Communication at the Autonomous University of Puebla, Mexico. His work has been published in the International Journal of Press/Politics, International Journal of Communication, Journalism Studies, Journalism Practice, Journal of International Communication and Communication & Society, as well as other leading Latin American journals. Co-Chair of the Political Communication Section of the International Association for Media and Communication Research (IAMCR).

Frida V. Rodelo is Full Professor in the Department of Social Communication Studies at the University of Guadalajara, Mexico. Her work has been published in the International Journal of Communication, Television and New Media, Global Media and Communication, Cuadernos.info, and other leading journals in Communication Studies.