Eric Alterman

Eric Alterman is a prominent American historian, journalist, media critic, and author, born in 1960. He is best known for his incisive commentary on politics and media, particularly through his long-running column "The Liberal Media" in The Nation and his work as a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress. Alterman earned his Ph.D. in U.S. history from Stanford University and has taught at institutions such as Brooklyn College and CUNY Graduate School of Journalism, combining academic insight with journalistic precision.

As an author, Eric Alterman has written numerous influential books, including What Liberal Media?: The Truth About Bias and the News, Why We’re Liberals, and The Cause: The Fight for American Liberalism from Franklin Roosevelt to Barack Obama. His work critically examines the role of media in shaping public perception and the challenges faced by liberalism in American society. Blending historical narrative with media analysis, his books advocate for progressive values while challenging myths about media bias and political discourse.

Alterman is known for sharp, thought-provoking commentary. One of his notable quotes is, "The myth of the liberal media is one of the most successful and cynical propaganda campaigns ever launched in American politics." He has also said, "Journalism is what we need to make democracy work," underscoring his belief in the essential role of a free and fair press. Reflecting his ideological stance, he once declared, "Liberalism is not a dirty word—it's a tradition worth fighting for." Through his writing and public commentary, Alterman continues to influence debates on media, politics, and democracy.