What Is Journalism For?
1st Edition
Published on 8. April 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
180 pages
978-1-5292-3855-6 (ISBN)
Description
What is at stake when journalism is threatened? Does society still need journalists?
Journalism faces multiple threats today all over the world: economic decline, online disinformation, the rise of AI, authoritarian curbs on freedom of the press, and violence against journalists. In such a climate, it's more urgent than ever to ask what journalism is for.
Drawing on his experience as a journalist and media commentator, and on interviews with journalists from the US to Myanmar, Jon Allsop examines key concepts that constitute journalism's role: good judgement, concern for truth and critical scrutiny of one or more communities.
Along the way, he also considers the relationship between journalism and activism; whether journalists should aspire to change the world and whether they can be seen as champions of democracy.
Journalism faces multiple threats today all over the world: economic decline, online disinformation, the rise of AI, authoritarian curbs on freedom of the press, and violence against journalists. In such a climate, it's more urgent than ever to ask what journalism is for.
Drawing on his experience as a journalist and media commentator, and on interviews with journalists from the US to Myanmar, Jon Allsop examines key concepts that constitute journalism's role: good judgement, concern for truth and critical scrutiny of one or more communities.
Along the way, he also considers the relationship between journalism and activism; whether journalists should aspire to change the world and whether they can be seen as champions of democracy.
Reviews / Votes
"An excellent book: a must-read for anyone who cares about or is interested in journalism." Steven Barnett, University of Westminster "Highly recommended for journalism and mass communication programs and for general audiences." CHOICE "Jon Allsop brings his trademark blend of expert knowledge and astute analysis to bear on this pressing topic at a crucial time for the global press and public. If you care about democracy, you'll want to read it." Margaret Sullivan, Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism"A powerful call to action for journalists and citizens alike to defend democratic values and protect the vital role of journalism in shaping a just and informed society." Laurent Richard, investigative reporter and founder of Forbidden Stories "A veritable feast of Jon Allsop! This great book serves up delicious insights about the nature of journalism and its future." Joel Simon, Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY
"Jon Allsop acknowledges journalism's flaws yet defends its necessity. Through vivid examples from Myanmar, the US and the UK, he illustrates how journalism's commitment to seeking and sharing truth is more vital than ever - especially amid democratic erosion and technological disruption." Sheila S. Coronel, Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism
More details
Series
Edition
First Edition
Language
English
Place of publication
Bristol
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
12 s/w Abbildungen
12 Illustrations, black and white
Dimensions
Height: 199 mm
Width: 125 mm
Thickness: 12 mm
Weight
198 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-5292-3855-6 (9781529238556)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Jon Allsop
What Is Journalism For?
E-Book
04/2025
1st Edition
Bristol University Press
€14.49
Available for download
Person
Jon Allsop writes for the Columbia Journalism Review, editing its flagship "Media Today" newsletter.
He also writes widely about politics and other topics for publications including the New York Review of Books, The Guardian, N+1, Foreign Policy, The Atlantic, Vanity Fair, The Nation, and The Intercept. His investigative journalism has been published in national and local titles in the US and South Africa.
Jon has been a finalist for a prestigious Mirror Award for his media criticism on three occasions, and his work has often been cited by major publications in the US and globally, from the Washington Post to Politico. He has regularly been invited to appear as an expert commentator on the media, including on US public radio stations, Al Jazeera, and CNN and was a juror for the Pulitzer Prizes in 2024.
Originally from the UK, Jon holds degrees in political science from the London School of Economics and journalism from Columbia University.
He also writes widely about politics and other topics for publications including the New York Review of Books, The Guardian, N+1, Foreign Policy, The Atlantic, Vanity Fair, The Nation, and The Intercept. His investigative journalism has been published in national and local titles in the US and South Africa.
Jon has been a finalist for a prestigious Mirror Award for his media criticism on three occasions, and his work has often been cited by major publications in the US and globally, from the Washington Post to Politico. He has regularly been invited to appear as an expert commentator on the media, including on US public radio stations, Al Jazeera, and CNN and was a juror for the Pulitzer Prizes in 2024.
Originally from the UK, Jon holds degrees in political science from the London School of Economics and journalism from Columbia University.
Content
1. Introduction
2. Democracy
3. Judgment
4. Criticism
5. Community
6. Beyond
2. Democracy
3. Judgment
4. Criticism
5. Community
6. Beyond