Eric M. Klinenberg (born November 14,[citation needed] 1970) is an American sociologist and a scholar of urban studies, culture, and media.

[4] His second book, Fighting for Air: The Battle to Control America’s Media, was called "politically passionate and intellectually serious",[5] "a must-read for those who wonder what happened to good radio, accurate reporting and autonomous public interest".

"[9] In 2013, Klinenberg wrote an influential article in the New Yorker on Hurricane Sandy and climate change adaptation, in which he explained the role of social infrastructure in protecting cities and communities.

[13] Klinenberg analyzes the role of public spaces such as libraries, parks, gardens, and universities among other investments help to strengthen and heal communities and build social capital.

In addition to his books and scholarly articles, Klinenberg has contributed to The New York Times Magazine, Rolling Stone, The London Review of Books, The Nation, The Washington Post, Mother Jones, The Guardian, Le Monde diplomatique, Slate, Playboy, the radio program This American Life [14] and the television program Real Time with Bill Maher.