The toll of professional journalism

Type :

Term papers

Pages :

3 pages

Format :

.doc

Published date :

07/28/2009

Category :

Arts & media

Sub category :

Journalism

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Summary :

Introduction
The official basis of journalism
The standardization of journalism
The legitimacy of the source
The major ideological conflicts
Conclusion
References

Abstract

The nightly news is a ritual that millions of Americans are attune to from California to New York. For many people, their busy lives have slowed down enough to sit and watch the news: people are home from work, supper is over, dishes are done, children are in bed. This may be the only time during the day that people can keep themselves informed of the local, national and international events, and they are expecting to catch a factual account of the day's happenings. No biases, no BS, just facts.
Unfortunately, the media has not shown to be the most reliable source for information. The media has exercised their power over the people of the United States by picking and choosing what we should be watching or listening to. The rise of professional journalism has also compromised the integrity of the news that is delivered. The entertainment that is available to Americans exists only to further profit the owners of the media companies. The institution of the media has the power to control what we watch (news, entertainment, advertising) and it is important to know where this power comes from so that you become knowledgeable of the truth.

The official basis of journalism in a democratic society is the direct presentation of multiple perspectives, without commentary or analysis. However, the purpose of journalism is described by McChesney (2004) as follows: "To act as a rigorous watchdog of the powerful and those who wish to be powerful; to ferret out truth from lies; and to present a wide range of informed positions on key issues" (p. 57).