Journalism and Society

Abstract

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