Normative theories of the media : journalism in democratic societies / Clifford G. Christians ... [et al.].

Format:

Book

Contributor:

Christians, Clifford G.

Series:

History of communication.

History of communication

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Journalism--Political aspects.

Journalism.

Journalism--Social aspects.

Democracy.

Press and politics.

Freedom of the press.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (297 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Urbana : University of Illinois Press, c2009.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

In this book, five leading scholars of media and communication take on the difficult but important task of explicating the role of journalism in democratic societies. Using Fred S. Siebert, Theodore Peterson, and Wilbur Schramm's classic Four Theories of the Press as their point of departure, the authors explore the philosophical underpinnings and the political realities that inform a normative approach to questions about the relationship between journalism and democracy, investigating not just what journalism is but what it ought to be. The authors identify four distinct yet overlapping roles for the media: the monitorial role of a vigilant informer collecting and publishing information of potential interest to the public; the facilitative role that not only reports on but also seeks to support and strengthen civil society; the radical role that challenges authority and voices support for reform; and the collaborative role that creates partnerships between journalists and centers of power in society, notably the state, to advance mutually acceptable interests. Demonstrating the value of a reconsideration of media roles, Normative Theories of the Media provides a sturdy foundation for subsequent discussions of the changing media landscape and what it portends for democratic ideals.

Contents:

Introduction. Beyond Four theories of the press

Theory. Evolution of normative traditions

Characteristics of normative theory

Democracy. The principles and practice of democracy

Roles of news media in democracy

Roles. The monitorial role

The facilitative role

The radical role

The collaborative role

Prospects

Media roles under challenge.

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

9786613070098

9781283070096

128307009X

9780252090837

0252090837

OCLC:

733775547