Daniel Lerner

Daniel Lerner (1917 - 1980) was an American scholar and writer known for his studies on modernization theory. Lerner's study of Balgat Turkey played a critical role in shaping American ideas about the use of mass media and US cultural products to promote economic and social development in post-colonial nations. In 1958, he wrote the seminal book ''The Passing of Traditional Society: Modernizing the Middle East''. Scholars have argued that the research project that formed the basis of the book emerged from intelligence requirements in the US government, and was a result of the contract between the Office of International Broadcasting and Columbia University.

He, along with Wilbur Schramm and Everett Rogers, were influential in launching the study and practice of media development and development communication. Provided by Wikipedia