What Good Is Journalism?: How Reporters and Editors Are Saving America's Way of Life [Paperback]

George Kennedy (Editor), Daryl Moen (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0826217311 | ISBN-13: 978-0826217318 | Publication Date: June 11, 2007 | Edition: 1

To go by today s critics of media bias who have created a virtual cottage industry American journalism has reached a nadir, yet with all its well-documented faults, journalism is vital to the health of our democracy, the glue of information that holds this complex nation together. This book shows the most important roles that journalism plays in the world s oldest democracy. Two seasoned educators and practitioners of journalism have assembled a team of writers who look beyond the critics to show that there is much to be praised about the state of American journalism today. What good is journalism? This book spells out the answer and provides today s readers and tomorrow s journalists a fresh perspective on the press to remind us all where we would be without it.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

In this compilation of essays, journalism professors look beyond recent surveys, including one specifically conducted for this book, to talk to ordinary citizens about their declining opinions of the American press. Surveys, and the subjects interviewed for this book, criticize journalists for being too focused on negative or sensational news, too cozy with the powers that be, and too biased. But they still see journalism as important to the life of the democracy. Contributors trace the history of American journalism and examine how it has lost the public's confidence, spurring growing numbers of citizens to turn to digital sources of news. But they present some encouraging trends with stories of actual reporters and media: growth in listeners to NPR and readership of the Anniston Star, a small daily newspaper in Alabama, as well as a trend toward using computer-assisted reporting and the growth of media in emerging democracies. Students of journalism, as well as citizens interested in journalism's role in democracy, will appreciate this thoughtful look at positive trends in news gathering. Bush, Vanessa --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

About the Author

George Kennedy is professor emeritus and Daryl Moen is professor, both in the School of Journalism at the University of Missouri Columbia. With other Missouri colleagues, they wrote News Reporting and Writing, now in its ninth edition, and Telling the Story: The Convergence of Print, Broadcast and Online Media.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: University of Missouri; 1 edition (June 11, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0826217311
• ISBN-13: 978-0826217318
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #841,657 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Buy this book--and give it to your pals, August 30, 2007

By 

Ellen - See all my reviews

This review is from: What Good Is Journalism?: How Reporters and Editors Are Saving America's Way of Life (Paperback)

Okay, the title does invite parody (What Good is Journalism? Answer; Not much.) But in fact, the book clearly demonstrates why our democracy can't get along without journalism and provides considerable evidence to support that contention. The writers also invite citizens into the conversation, suggesting ways that news organizations and consumers can work together to foster the journalism our society needs to function. I'd also add that it's a good read from talented and accomplished writers. And your friends who are constantly complaining about the "mainstream media"? Give it to them for Christmas.