Description
Book SynopsisJournalism is in crisis. The rise of the internet through social media and citizen journalism and the financial crisis of 2008 have taken their toll. Thousands of reporters and editors have been laid off; nightly news on the major networks is losing close to one million viewers a year; newspapers have seen declining ad revenues and circulation figures cut in half; and the old business model for newspapers based on advertising and subscriptions appears to be collapsing.
Filling the void is commentary, punditry, and even bigotry. It may have an audience, but it's not journalism in the professional sense: a commitment to objectivity and a separation of news and opinion. At this important juncture in the evolution of journalism,
Media Smackdown takes a close look at the history of the news media in America in order to address the historical, legal, economic, theoretical, and political issues that affect the practice as well as the changing face and future of journalism.
Trade Review«The rise and fall of newspapers presents a failed business model but not failed journalism. Major issues in journalism are thoroughly explored and a roadmap for the future of journalism concludes this book.»
(James W. Brown, Indiana University School of Journalism)
«…Journalism is in trouble, largely from its own hand. The authors navigate the current state of the field and conclude with a much-needed call to action for students and practitioners.» (Hal W. Fulmer, Troy University)
«This is a thoughtful, well-researched book crafted with an eye toward readability ... Whether a journalist, academic, or interested general reader,
Media Smackdown will offer insights into the contemporary difficulties and possibilities facing journalism today.»
(Robert E. Denton, Jr., Virginia Tech)
«This book is written in blunt language. It pulls no punches in its dissection of the news industry’s malaise, and it plays no favorites. In short, it's the kick in the pants that's long overdue.»
(Stephen D. Cooper, Marshall University)
«Readers get an encyclopedic review of the tumultuous and painful transition of newspapers in the technology age.» (Ward Bushee, Editor of the San Francisco Chronicle)
«The rise and fall of newspapers presents a failed business model but not failed journalism. Major issues in journalism are thoroughly explored and a roadmap for the future of journalism concludes this book.»
(James W. Brown, Indiana University School of Journalism)
«…Journalism is in trouble, largely from its own hand. The authors navigate the current state of the field and conclude with a much-needed call to action for students and practitioners.» (Hal W. Fulmer, Troy University)
«This is a thoughtful, well-researched book crafted with an eye toward readability ... Whether a journalist, academic, or interested general reader,
Media Smackdown will offer insights into the contemporary difficulties and possibilities facing journalism today.»
(Robert E. Denton, Jr., Virginia Tech)
«This book is written in blunt language. It pulls no punches in its dissection of the news industry’s malaise, and it plays no favorites. In short, it's the kick in the pants that's long overdue.»
(Stephen D. Cooper, Marshall University)
«Readers get an encyclopedic review of the tumultuous and painful transition of newspapers in the technology age.» (Ward Bushee, Editor of the San Francisco Chronicle)
Table of ContentsContents: Abe Aamidor/Jim A. Kuypers: Why Journalism Matters – Abe Aamidor: The Rise and Fall of the Newspaper Industry – Susan Wiesinger: The Evolution of Media Technologies – Abe Aamidor: Regulating the Press, Guaranteeing a Free Press – Abe Aamidor: New Business Models for Journalism – Jim A. Kuypers: Issues of Bias in the News Media: How Our Reality Is Shaped by the News – Abe Aamidor: What Liberal Media? – Abe Aamidor/Jim A. Kuypers/Susan Wiesinger: The Future of Journalism.
