Sensational TV: Trash or Journalism? (Issues in Focus) [Library Binding]

Nancy Day (Author)

Book Description

Series: Issues in Focus | Publication Date: February 1996

Questions whether the mass media, especially television, present an accurate representation of the news or whether it is more concerned with the sensational story.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 9 Up?This book cuts right to the chase and asks readers thought-provoking, challenging questions about the content and purpose behind sensational television. Day begins with the O.J. Simpson trial and goes on to present chapters on "The Dumbing of America"; newsmagazines and tabloids; talk shows; sex, violence, and politics; and ethics in journalism. The last chapter considers the future of TV. The author brings up familiar examples, such as Geraldo Rivera's infamous on-air fistfight, as well as the important but more obscure commentary of media researchers and academics such as Vicki Abt. The text is well researched and up-to-date and cites many of the great names in broadcast journalism. It also includes examples of restraint and good taste to help build an understanding of the work that goes into responsible journalism. Black-and-white photographs are scattered throughout. This clearly and interestingly written title is definitely worth purchasing for its objective content; invigorating style; and broad, informative scope.?Joan Soulliere, Wenham Public Library, MA
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 7^-10. Day sticks close to the title of the book, and her examination of the topic is a service to readers. The book's framework includes a history of tabloid journalism, and it sets the current crop of print offerings and TV shows in historical context; it then goes on to describe the evolution of sensationalism in journalism, using everyday examples that anyone who has stood in a grocery line or turned on a television will recognize. Along the way, Day asks pointed questions of her audience: should journalists have a more active role in limiting sensationalism? People seem to like the excitement of conflict, but is it healthy? Are we losing the ability to tell what is real and what is not? Clearly, Day has done her homework, and although one might quibble with a couple of her assumptions (Rolanda Watt's talk show isn't better than the others of its ilk), there is no denying that this entry in the Issues in Focus series is a clearheaded, thought-provoking discussion of a very important topic. Illustrated throughout with black-and-white photographs. Ilene Cooper

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Library Binding: 112 pages
• Publisher: Enslow Pub Inc (February 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0894907336
• ISBN-13: 978-0894907333
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,467,621 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Nancy Day (Sakaduski) is the author of more than 100 articles and 15 books. Nancy has a B.A. in Communications from the University of Maryland and an Executive M.B.A. from Loyola College. She currently resides in Chadds Ford, PA, where she is working on the third edition of Scientific English (as co-author).

Nancy is President of Sakaduski Marketing Solutions, Inc., a consulting firm that works with companies in the dental industry.

In addition to her business and writing activities, Nancy is heavily involved in community service. She is the Chester County Master Gardener Coordinator;
serves on the Board of Directors and is Vice President of the Center for the Creative Arts, an arts center in Yorklyn Delaware; is a member of the Resource Development Committee for 4-H Creating Community Networks, an organization that provides outreach services in at-risk neighborhoods; and is on the Board of Directors of the Sanderson Museum in Chadds Ford.

AWARDS: Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Award for Nonfiction, 1995, for article "Mapping the Mind"; Best Social Studies Book of the Year designation from Society of School Librarians International, 2003 CALIFORNIA COLLECTION.