Journalistic Standards in Nineteenth-Century America [Paperback]

Hazel Dicken-Garcia (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0299121747 | ISBN-13: 978-0299121747 | Publication Date: November 15, 1989

In the early nineteenth century, critics believed the press was destroying social structure—eroding law and order and the institutions of the family, religion, and education. To counter these effects they advocated, among other things, eradicating Sunday newspapers and “subversive” content such as news of crime, sex, and sporting events.
    Dicken-Garcia traces the relationship between societal values and the press coverage of issues and events. Setting out to tame the press by understanding it, she argues, critics had begun to dissect it. In the process, they articulated the rudiments of journalistic theory, and proposed what issues should be addressed by journalists, what functions should be undertaken, and what standards should be imposed.

 

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About the Author

Hazel Dicken-Garcia is associate professor in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Minnesota. She is coauthor of Communication History.

Product Details

• Paperback: 343 pages
• Publisher: University of Wisconsin Press (November 15, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0299121747
• ISBN-13: 978-0299121747
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 1.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,756,661 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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0 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars A dull history of an interesting topic, March 6, 2005

By 

Bomojaz (South Central PA, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Journalistic Standards in Nineteenth-Century America (Paperback)

"News" in the earliest American newspapers was primarily idea-oriented and political. By the Civil War, it was becoming more personal and sensational. By the end of the century, an entertainment factor was added to the equation. What should be an interesting and lively account of a fascinating subject, however, comes across as a mere textbook--dull and superficial. A disappointing book.