The Politics of News: The News of Politics

by Doris A. Graber (Editor), Denis McQuail (Editor), Pippa Norris (Editor)

Who influences press coverage of the public policy agenda in democratic political systems? Should journalists be impartial observers or advocates who participate in the political game? Twelve contributions address these questions by looking at the ways in which the media operate as an intermediary between government and citizens, between political actors, and among citizens. Topics include the public journalism movement and the global impact of new technologies. Paper edition (unseen), $27.95. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

268 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1998

Reviews

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.