Journalism, Culture and Society
A Critical Theoretical Approach to Global Journalistic Practice
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Book Description
Drawing upon a range of theoretical perspectives, including cultural studies, postcolonial theory, critical race studies, political economy and sociology, Journalism, Culture and Society examines journalism as a democratic necessity that often fails to live up to its promise.
This text takes a step back from prevailing idealistic approaches in which theory is often seen as a threat rather than a service to the better understanding of practice, and mainstream journalism in western democracies is seen as unproblematic. Instead, using international examples, the authors provide a critique for those who seek to improve journalistic practice, whilst not losing sight of the profound practical dilemmas that journalists around the world experience in their working lives – from the resources available to them, to the institutions and political contexts in which they work. Readers are encouraged to consider why journalists choose (or are expected to choose) particular subjects or tropes in their work, and the implications of these choices.
Journalism, Culture and Society is a valuable resource for students, academics, and practitioners in the areas of media, journalism and communication.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Why Journalism Matters
1 Public Spheres and National Media Systems
2 News Production in Democracies
3 Choosing News
4 Ideology in Practice
5 Representing "Others"
6 Sources Matter
7 Audiences, Algorithms and Optimisation
8 Advertising, The Devil’s Pact?
9 The Role of Public Service Media
10 Press Freedom, Regulation, and the Law
11 Ethics in Practice
12 Global Flows
Author(s)
Biography
Omega Douglas is a Lecturer at Goldsmiths, University of London.
Angela Phillips is Emeritus Professor at Goldsmiths, University of London.
Reviews
"This book takes stock of journalism in contemporary global societies, taking theory seriously without resorting to idealistic notions about journalism’s democratic potential or assuming the universal relevance of Western experience. Presented in an accessible format and taking its examples from topical events and movements such as Extinction Rebellion and Black Lives Matter, the book will inspire students of journalism to reflect critically on the diversity and complexity of journalism as it is practiced around the world today."
Herman Wasserman, Professor of Media Studies, University of Cape Town.
"Journalism Studies can no longer proceed from an uncritical belief in the good of journalism for democracy. This book is a welcome intervention and a must-read for anyone who wishes to better understand how power, profit and culture shape and are shaped by journalism."
Nikki Usher, author of News for the Rich, White, and Blue: How Place and Power Distort American Journalism
"Journalism, Culture and Society is literally the book that has been 'missing' from studies about journalism in liberal democracies. It not only explores the role that journalism plays in society but also places journalism in the wider context of being a product of liberal democracies, as opposed to being separate from it. Its analysis of modern journalism is piercing and beautifully marries theory and practice as informing and shaping one another."
Marcus Ryder, Head of Consultancies, Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity, Birmingham City University.
"Journalism, Culture and Society offers excellent, very accessible discussions connecting social and cultural theories with journalism studies and examining the key concepts and latest developments in journalism from theoretical perspectives and with examples from around the world."
Dr Jingrong Tong, Senior Lecturer in Digital News Cultures, Department of Journalism Studies, University of Sheffield.