Book Description
This new and highly readable textbook by Richard M. Perloff introduces students to the complex world of contemporary news and its theoretical underpinnings, engaging with debates and ethical quandaries.

The book takes readers on a concept-guided tour of the contours, continuities, and changing features of news. It covers a huge breadth of topics including: the classic theories of what news should do, its colorful history in America and popular myths of news, the overarching forces involved in contemporary news gathering, critical economic determinants of news and social system influences, and innovative trends in the future of journalism. Drawing on scholarship in the fields of journalism studies and sociology of news, Perloff offers readers a critical, in-depth exploration of news filled with relevant examples from newspapers, newscasts, and social media.

Students of journalism, communication, sociology, politics, and related courses, as well as inquisitive scholars, will find this book’s intellectual focus enriching, the writing and examples engaging, and the thoroughness of its search of the contemporary media scene invigorating. Boxes summarizing theory and key concepts help students to deepen their understanding of both what news is now and its future.

Table of Contents

Part 1: Foundations 1. Prologue: News in a Fragmented Age 2. News and Journalism in the 21st Century Milieu 3. Defining News and Journalism 4. What Should News Do?: Ideals and Complicating Realities 5. The Rich, Colorful History of American Journalism: Overview and Perspectives Part 2: What Makes News Tick? Concepts, Controversies, and Conclusions 6. Unpacking the News: Refracting, not Reflecting Reality Chapter 7. Do Journalists’ Personal Attributes Shape the News?: Myths and Realities 8. Journalistic Routines and Why They Matter 9. Organizational and Economic Influences 10. News and the Social System: Conformity or Change? 11. Epilogue