Global University Rankings and the Mediatization of Higher Education

Michelle Stack is Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Studies at the University of British Columbia, Canada. Her research centers on the role of media and market logics in the transformation of education; media education; and media-academic communication aimed at expanding public debate about what a good education is. Prior to becoming an academic Michelle was a communications director and policy consultant.

​“This is an excellent read which gives both conceptual and empirical analysis on the mediatization of higher education. The key strength of the book is the rich data used by Stack to challenge the claimed neutrality of rankings. … This helps readers to understand her arguments, even if readers do not have a background in media education. This book is relevant not only to communications professionals, but also policymakers, university staff, educators, as well as university students.” (Dorothy Ferary, Compare: A Journal of Comparative and International Education, June 05, 2019)

• Introduction1. The Spectacle of Global Rankings2. Seeing is Believing: University Websites3. Who is Watching the Watchdogs? The Business of Rankings4. Visualizing Excellence: The Times Higher Education Ranking5. Mediatization and University Websites6. Boundary Workers: University Public Affairs StaffConclusion