Final answer:
Robert McChesney is a key figure in the study of the political economy of media, examining the influence of economic interests on media institutions and their socio-political impacts.
Step-by-step explanation:
Robert McChesney is a key figure for learning more about the political economy of media. His work, particularly his book 'Rich Media, Poor Democracy: Communication Politics in Dubious Times,' discusses how media institutions are controlled and influenced by economic interests, thus shaping the public discourse and democracy. McChesney emphasizes the importance of studying the interplay between economic power and the production and distribution of media content to understand its socio-political impact.