Can we talk about the news media without proclaiming journalism either
our savior or the source of all evil? It is not easy to do so, but it
gets easier if we put the problems and prospects of journalism in
historical and comparative perspective, view them with a sociological
knowledge of how newsmaking operates, and see them in a political
context that examines how political institutions shape news as well as
how news shapes political attitudes and institutions.
Adopting this approach, Michael Schudson examines news and news
institutions in relation to democratic theory and practice, in relation
to the economic crisis that affects so many news organizations today and
in relation to recent discussions of "fake news." In contrast to those
who suggest that journalism has had its day, Schudson argues that
journalism has become more important than ever for liberal democracies
as the keystone institution in a web of accountability for a
governmental system that invites public attention, public monitoring and
public participation. For the public to be swayed from positions people
have already staked out, and for government officials to respond to
charges that they have behaved corruptly or unconstitutionally or simply
rashly and unwisely, the source of information has to come from
organizations that hold themselves to the highest standards of
verification, fact-checking, and independent and original research, and
that is exactly what professional journalism aspires to do.
This timely and important defense of journalism will be of great value
to anyone concerned about the future of news and of democracy.
