The Politics of News: The News of Politics

by Doris A. Graber, Denis McQuail, Pippa Norris

Books on journalists typically focus on the dynamics of the newsmaking process. The Politics of The News of Politic s extends this examination to explore the struggle between journalists, political actors, and the public for control of the news in democratic countries. The book shows how the news media function as an intermediary between governments and citizens, as well as between political actors (such as parties and interest groups) and the public.

Essays present a diversity of views and are written by a distinguished group of authors that includes such luminaries as Jim Lehrer, Kathleen Hall Jamieson, Robert Picard, and Andrew Kohut. The Politics of News is policy-oriented. By diagnosing problems faced by those whose influence affects newsmaking in both existing and emerging democracies, authors generate ideas about possible reforms. Several chapters offer comparative analysis that offer students insight into the impact of cultural factors on newsmaking.

Accessible yet sophisticated, this anticipated second edition covers significant issues surrounding political news, ranging from the limits of press freedom during times of war and the implications of media concentration for democratic participation, to the ingenious ways that governments and interest groups draw attention to their concerns.

277 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1998

Reviews

[Donna]

This is a book I use in teaching an undergraduate course in media and politics. This book includes chapters by T. Patterson and Kathleen Jamieson Hall, along with many other top scholars in the field. Though it is becoming a bit dated (the case studies involve the 2004 presidential election for instance) several of the foundational ideas presented by the authors are first rate. And I think it is written in an attainable way for the non-academic. Statistics and research are presented but in a way that is interesting and practical, not in academic-speak.

This is a good volume to introduce yourself to some of the pivotal thinkers in politics and media and understand the issues that are paramount, as well as what certain scholars think of those issues.