Matthew Fraser
Associate Professor
- Department: Communication Media and Culture
- Complementary Department(s): History and Politics
- Graduate Program(s): Global Communications
- Office:G-401
- Office Hours:Wednesdays 12:00–15:00 or by appointment
- Personal Website:
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Professor Fraser is a specialist in the media, global politics, journalism, and the entertainment industries whose research focuses on the cultural, economic, political and social history and impact of media and online networks such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. He is also the author of several books, notably Weapons of Mass Distraction: Soft Power and American Empire, about the influence of pop culture on geopolitics. His most recent book, In Truth: A History of Lies from Ancient Rome to Modern America, offers an analysis of truth and falsehood throughout Western history. Before joining The American University of Paris faculty, he was a newspaper columnist, editor-in-chief and television host in Canada. He occasionally contributes to international media such as the BBC, CNN, The Guardian and New York Times on issues related to media, France society, and questions on truth and lies.
Dr Fraser's current research and speaking is focused on the issue of truth and lies, historically and in contemporary politics, and how they are fabricated and shape perceptions and mobilize action.
Education/Degrees
- DEA, PhD, Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris
- Graduate studies: London School of Economics, Oxford University, Paris-Sorbonne I
- MJ, Carleton University, Ottawa
- BAA, Ryerson University, Toronto
- BA, Victoria College, University of Toronto
News
June 11, 2018, "The legal fight against ‘fake news’ must not veer into censorship", The Conversation
Nov. 20, 2015, "For Parisians, shock is solidarity", CNN.com
January 12, 2014, "Alleged Hollande affair shows 'old rules no longer apply," CNN.com
Jan. 8, 2013, "Depardieu's puzzling love for Russia", CNN.com
June 6, 2011, "The French Fight U.S. Dominance, in All Its Forms", New York Times
Publications
- In Truth: A History of Lies from Ancient Rome to Modern America (Prometheus, 2020)
- Throwing Sheep in the Boardroom (Wiley, 2009)
- Weapons of Mass Distraction (St Martin's, 2005)
- Free for All (Stoddart, 1999)
- Quebec Inc (Key Porter, 1987)
Research Areas
Truth, lies, and misinformation in politics and warfare. The role of social media in civil engagement, election campaigns, political mobilization and protest. The emergence of digital models of journalism, advertising, and media production. The transformation of the entertainment industries and consumer behavior.
- Misinformation and propaganda
- Propaganda and war
- Social media
- Journalism
- Media ethics
- Media industries and economics