Journalism, Culture and Society: A Critical Theoretical Approach to Global Journalistic Practice / Omega Douglas.

Introduction: Why Journalism Matters

1 Public Spheres and National Media Systems

2 News Production in Democracies

3 Choosing News

4 Ideology in Practice

5 Representing "Others"

6 Sources Matter

7 Audiences, Algorithms and Optimisation

8 Advertising, The Devil’s Pact?

9 The Role of Public Service Media

10 Press Freedom, Regulation, and the Law

11 Ethics in Practice

12 Global Flows

Drawing upon a range of theoretical perspectives, including cultural studies, postcolonial theory, critical race studies, political economy and sociology, Journalism, Culture and Society examines journalism as a democratic necessity that often fails to live up to its promise.

This text takes a step back from prevailing idealistic approaches in which theory is often seen as a threat rather than a service to the better understanding of practice, and mainstream journalism in western democracies is seen as unproblematic. Instead, using international examples, the authors provide a critique for those who seek to improve journalistic practice, whilst not losing sight of the profound practical dilemmas that journalists around the world experience in their working lives – from the resources available to them, to the institutions and political contexts in which they work. Readers are encouraged to consider why journalists choose (or are expected to choose) particular subjects or tropes in their work, and the implications of these choices.

Journalism, Culture and Society is a valuable resource for students, academics, and practitioners in the areas of media, journalism and communication.