How the conservative opinion media attack the democratic opposition -- How the conservative opinion media defend conservatism -- Conservative opinion media : the players -- The conservative opinion media as opponents of liberalism and custodians of the Reagan narrative -- Effects of an echo chamber -- Speaking to the Republican base : an analysis of conservative media's audience -- Vetting candidates for office -- Stirring emotion to mobilize engagement -- Framing and reframing the mainstream media -- Engendering and reinforcing distrust of mainstream media -- Defining and defending an insular interpretive community -- Balkanization of knowledge and interpretation -- Distortion and polarization -- Conclusion: Echo chamber : cause for concern or celebration?