In the course of elaborating "la technique," Jacques Ellul stoutly contradicts the democratic assumption that citizens can have sufficient information to participate knowledgeably in the governing process. "La technique" converts message systems into propagandization networks and erects an inflexible boundary which democracy…

Traces the historical background of such areas as journalism education, debate about ethics in journalism and advertising, and the development of professional standards for journalists; calls on the academic community to focus on problems of community and to develop new value-centered communication theories. (GT)

Examines the contributions of Jacques Ellul to the area of communication research through his principle of "la technique," which offers a primary focus for theoretical considerations of modern communications media and their role in human society. (JMF)