Denis McQuail 
Journalism and Society [EPUB ebook] 

Every serious student of journalism should read this book… Denis Mc Quail 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 (ASCo R) 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 Mc Quail 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.

Зміст

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

Про автора

Denis Mc Quail (1935-2017) was Emeritus Professor at the School of Communication Research (ASCOR) University of Amsterdam and Visiting Professor in the Department of Politics at the University of Southampton. He studied history and sociology at the University of Oxford and received his Ph.D. from the University of Leeds. He is an Honorary Doctor of the University of Gent. He has published widely in the field of media and communication, with particular reference to audience research, media policy and performance, and political communication. His most recent book publication is Mc Quail′s Media and Mass Communication Theory, 7th edition., SAGE, 2020, co-authored by Mark Deuze.