Journalism and the End of Objectivity

Events of the last two decades including the Gulf War, 9/11 and the War in Afghanistan have called into question the role of journalism and news media. The meaning of objectivity is particularly contested. This book is a current, timely analysis of the meaning of objectivity and its role in contemporary journalistic practice.

News objectivity has been debated for many decades. Yet the new communications environment, marked by technological, social and political innovations, invites us to re-examine objectivity. To what extent can news reporting be objective? What is objectivity? How is it affected by the rise of new forms of journalism, such as citizen and participatory journalism? Tumber and Prentoulis set out to re-work and define the concept and how it correlates to today's 'crisis' in journalism. Each of the key types of journalism are analysed, including literary journalism, public journalism, peace journalism, online journalism and journalism of attachment. The book opens up new insights and new understanding of the changing world of journalism. It will be important for all students and researchers interested in the sociology of journalism, news reporting and communication.