Review
Beckett (London School of Economics) sees the growth of new media and technologies as an opportunity for, rather than a threat to, the traditional practices of journalism. However, he observes, those practices will need to change and adjust to take advantage of the opportunities offered by what he calls networking journalism. He believes that the many sources and voices competing, particularly on the Web, can and do produce better journalism in traditional media as well as on the Web--a contention he illustrates with case studies. Unfortunately, Beckett's idealism does not address the major problem of false information that infects the public sphere: as the 2008 presidential election demonstrated, too many people repeated lies that they had "read somewhere." Truth seldom travels as quickly as lies. What remains in question is what would happen to thoughtful, investigative, long-piece journalism in Beckett's scheme. The author provides brief bibliographies for each of the five chapters and helpful endnotes.
Summing Up: Recommended. Professionals and general readers. --
P. E. Kane, emeritus, SUNY College at Brockport (
Choice, February 2009)
"This is a strongly argued, well-sourced, knowledgeable piece of work, informed by Beckett's time working on news and current affairs programmes at both the BBC and Channel 4 television. It is the most sustained and enthusiastic endorsement of citizen journalism I have read, displaying a faith in the power of journalism allied to that of an active citizenry." (Financial Times)
"Consider this a hearty recommendation ... British broadcast journalist Charlie Beckett stays on point in 170 pages of well-reasoned argument about exactly how journalism has already changed - and how today’s journalists and journalism educators need to understand that so they can go forward, and not sit inert as their world collapses on their heads ... It’s a positive book with clear, real-world examples from real journalism. It does not waste words and it doesn’t lose itself in philosophical boilerplate. I think all journalists and journalism educators should read this book." (Teaching Online Journalism (blog))
Review
"Charlie Beckett provides a serious but accessible introduction to the challenges facing contemporary journalism, intellectually and professionally. Presenting an argument for the importance of journalism in society, whilst also recognising the impact of business and technology on that contribution, S
uper Media will be invaluable to media students wanting a cutting-edge survey from an experienced and reflective practitioner."
–
Adrian Monck, head of the Department of Journalism and Publishing, City University, London
"The idea and practice of networked journalism needs this thorough examination and this manifesto in its favor. And I second Charlie Beckett's contention that we in the news business and in society need networked journalism not just to protect but to expand journalism's future."
–Jeff Jarvis, blogger and professor, CUNY Graduate School of Journalism
"Charlie Beckett knows the business from the inside, and in Super Media it shows. A powerful analysis of the great challenges facing all of us, whether reporters readers, bloggers or viewers. Read it, and act!"
–Jon Snow, Presenter, Channel 4 News
"This important book charts a course through journalism's current crises of Trust, Economics and Technology and points to a way of reconnecting with a broad social purpose."
–Richard Sambrook, BBC News
