"Every serious student of journalism should read this book... Denis McQuail has succeeded in producing a work of scholarship that shows what journalists do and what they should do."
- Stephen Coleman, University of Leeds
"For a half century we have spoken earnestly of journalism's responsibility to society instead of to business and government. Now this concept is given sophistication unmatched, by the best scholar of media theory of his generation."
- Clifford Christians, University of Illinois
"The grand old man of communication theory presents an overarching social theory of journalism that goes beyond the usual Anglo-American focus."
- Jo Bardoel, University of Amsterdam (ASCoR) and Nijmegen
"This book deals with the eternal question of how journalism is linked to society... I cannot think of a better staple food for students of journalism at all levels."
- Kaarle Nordenstreng, University of Tampere
This is a major new statement on the role of journalism in democracy from one of media and communication's leading thinkers. Denis McQuail leads the reader through a systematic exploration of how and why journalism and society have become so inextricably entwined and - as importantly - what this relationship should be like. It is a strong re-statement of the fundamental values that journalism aspires to. Written for students, this book:
Makes the theory accessible and relevant
Teaches the importance of journalism to power and politics
Explores the status and future of journalism as a profession
Outlines the impact and consequences of the digital
Reveals journalism as it is, but also as it should be
Takes each chapter further with guided reading list and free online journal articles.
This textbook is the perfect answer to the how and why of journalism. It is crucial reading for any student of media studies, communication studies and journalism.
Preface
WHAT IS JOURNALISM? HOW IS IT LINKED TO SOCIETY?
Introduction
Origins of Journalism
The Journalism-Society Link: Levels of Analysis and Theoretical Perspectives
The Main Concerns of Social Theory of Journalism
Diversity and Diversification of Journalism
Journalism and Changing Technology: Implications for Society
Defining Journalism and the News Today
The Press as an Institution
The 'Power of the Press'
What Society Expects from Journalism
The Self-Image of the Social Role of the Press
Conclusions: Questions to Be Addressed
JOURNALISTIC RESPONSIBILITY TO SOCIETY
Introduction
Defining Journalistic Responsibility
Publication and the Public Interest
The Foundations of Journalistic Obligation
Free Press Theory
Journalism as Meeting Essential Needs of Society
The Press as Fourth Estate
The Idea of a 'Public Sphere'
Social Responsibility Theory
Critical Theory
Minority Media Theory; Democratic-Participant Theory
New Movements in Journalism
Internet News Theory
Looking for a Structure in Social Theory of the Press
Conclusion
PRINCIPLES OF JOURNALISTIC PERFORMANCE
Introduction
Basic Publication Values in the Public Interest
Truth as a Principle
Freedom as a Principle
Equality, Diversity and Solidarity as Principles
Order and Cohesion as Principles for Journalism
Conclusion
TOWARDS A FRAMEWORK OF ANALYSIS FOR JOURNALISM
Introduction
Alternative Approaches
On Journalism as a Profession: A Unifying Approach
Does Journalism have its Own 'Ideology'?
The Occupational Roles of Journalism
Conflicts and Mixed Expectations
Demand versus Supply of News
Changing Goals and Types of Journalism
If Not a Profession, at Least a 'Public Occupation'
Conclusion
THE CENTRAL ROLE OF MONITOR AND MESSENGER
Introduction
The Main Roles or Functions of the Press
The Monitor and Messenger Role Characterized
Objectivity as a Guiding Principle
Limitations to Objectivity
Degrees of Purpose and Activity in Objective News Journalism
Tensions Internal to the Monitorial Role
The Monitorial Role and State Power
The Monitorial Role and Democracy
Sources of Bias in the Monitorial Role
'Media Logic' and 'Mediatisation' Effects on Monitoring
Conclusion
MEDIA STRUCTURE, PERFORMANCE AND THE 'POWER OF THE PRESS'
Introduction
What Is a Media System?
Influences from Social Structure on Media Systems
Political Factors
Economic Factors
Social Cultural Influences
Media System Influences on Journalism
Influences at the Level of Organisation
The Question of Press Effects on Society
Informational Effects of News
Persuasion Influences via News
Effects on Behaviour in Society - Individual and Collective
In Overview: Primary Determinants of the 'Power of the Press'
Conclusion
ACCOUNTABILITY OF JOURNALISM TO SOCIETY
Introduction
The Main Issues of Regulation and Accountability
Journalistic Responsibility
The Accountability of Journalism
Lines of Accountability of Journalism
Forms of Governance and Accountability Applied to Journalism
Mechanisms of Accountability: External
Mechanisms of Accountability: Internal
Informal and 'Illegitimate' Mechanisms of Control/Accountability
Three Frames of Accountability Relationship
Accountability in Overview
Conclusion
CHANGING MEDIA TECHNOLOGY: CONSEQUENCES FOR JOURNALISM, PRESS INSTITUTION AND ITS RELATIONS WITH SOCIETY
Introduction
The Potential of the Internet and Other New Media
Problematic Aspects of Media Change
Initial Signs of Change
The Internet: Liberating Promise Unfulfilled?
Effects of Media Change on Journalism Itself
The Future of the Press Institution
The Journalism-Society Relationship
The Question of Trust
Consequences for the Public Sphere
In Overview
Conclusion
IN CONCLUSION: STRIKING A NORMATIVE BALANCE
Introduction
A Frame of Reference for Journalism and Society
Normative Contexts and Choices: Different Levels of Application
Journalism in an Information Society
The Main Normative Issues of Journalism and Society in Review
Towards a Universal Normative Theory of Journalism?
The Consequences of Ongoing Changes in Media Technology and Structure for Normative Relations between Journalism and Society
What Can Be Done? Reflections on the Chances for Better Journalism
Last Word
Appendix: Selectde Documents Relating to Righrs and Obligations of News Media
References
Index
