Objectivity in Journalism
Key Concepts in Journalism
1. Auflage November 2012
248 Seiten, Hardcover
Wiley & Sons Ltd
Objectivity in journalism is a key topic for debate in media, communication and journalism studies, and has been the subject of intensive historical and sociological research. In the first study of its kind, Steven Maras surveys the different viewpoints and perspectives on objectivity. Going beyond a denunciation or defence of journalistic objectivity, Maras critically examines the different scholarly and professional arguments made in the area. Structured around key questions, the book considers the origins and history of objectivity, its philosophical influences, the main objections and defences, and questions of values, politics and ethics. This book examines debates around objectivity as a transnational norm, focusing on the emergence of objectivity in the US, while broadening out discussion to include developments around objectivity in the UK, Australia, Asia and other regions.
Acknowledgements x
Introduction 1
1 Why and when did journalistic objectivity arise? 22
2 What are the main objections to journalistic objectivity? 58
3 Why is there so much dispute over 'the facts'? 82
4 What are the grounds on which journalistic objectivity has been defended? 104
5 Is objectivity a passive or active process? 122
6 Can objectivity coexist with political or ethical commitment? 140
7 Is objectivity changing in an era of 24/7 news and on-line journalism? 173
8 Is objectivity a universal journalistic norm? 201
References 230
Index 254
invaluable resource for students and researchers alike for years to
come."
Journalism: Theory, Practice and Criticism
"A comprehensive, academic, and focused examination of journalistic
objectivity."
Journalism and Mass Communication
"In what amounts to a comprehensive review of the academic
literature, from classic studies by Walter Lipmann to more
contemporary critics such as as Jay Rosen, Maras shows that
journalistic objectivity is a much more slippery and fluid concept
than the one defined by Walter Kronkite as 'the reporting of
reality, of facts, as nearly as they can be obtained without the
injection of prejudices and personal opinion'."
The Failed Estate
"An invaluable guide to the debates about objectivity. At a time
when superficial attacks on objectivity proliferate, Maras forces
us to think more deeply about the issue, as journalism undergoes a
revolution in its ethics. This is a solid, accessible book for
anyone who cares about responsible journalism."
Stephen Ward, University of Wisconsin-Madison
"Continuing debate about the meaning and significance of
journalistic objectivity will, as a result of this book, be much
more informed and nuanced. Steven Maras does an excellent job in
providing us with both an account of the idea of journalistic
objectivity and an interpretation of its various meanings,
shortcomings and continuing significance. A very thoughtful book on
all counts."
Jacqueline Harrison, Sheffield University
"The technological and business revolutions that have transformed
journalism have brought new attention to whether 'objectivity' is
possible or even desirable. Steven Maras offers many valuable
insights into the origins of this tangled concept, and the best
ways for journalists, and the public that relies on them, to think
about 'objectivity' now."
James Fallows, The Atlantic, author of Breaking the
News
"This book makes a significant contribution to the field of
journalism studies because it offers new ways of thinking about
important matters that revolve around objectivity and are deeply
connected with journalism.The beauty of this book is its thoughtful
exploration of how and why it takes such a complex form and the
value of considering objectivity in all its guises."
Lisa Waller, Deakin University
communications at the University of Sydney, Australia.
