Reviving the Fourth Estate (Paperback)

Julianne Schultz

ISBN 10: 0521629705 / ISBN 13: 9780521629706

Published by Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1998

About this Item

Paperback. The news media is traditionally the watchdog of democracy. Today, it is also one of the most pervasive global industries. In this lively and accessible book, Schultz systematically analyses the role of journalism in Australia and the scope of its democratic purpose. She examines key news stories, and looks at the attitudes of Australian journalists themselves. The fourth estate remains the ideal of most journalists, but the reality has been impaired by the increasing concentration of media ownership and by political, ethical and occupational interests. While Australian journalism has become bolder and more investigative, increasing commercialism and decreasing ethical standards have left the public sceptical. Schultz argues for a revival of the fourth estate based on journalistic independence and poltical autonomy, together with increased accountability and responsiveness. This book analyses the role of journalism and the scope of its democratic purpose. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability.

Seller Inventory # 9780521629706

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Reviving the Fourth Estate (Paperback)
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press, Cambridge
• Publication Date: 1998
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521629705
• ISBN 13: 9780521629706
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis

This lively and accessible book analyzes the role of journalism and the scope of its democratic purpose. Schultz examines key news stories, and looks at the attitudes of Australian journalists themselves. The ideal of the fourth estate has been impaired by concentrated media ownership and by commercial, political, ethical and occupational interests. Schultz argues for a revival of the fourth estate based on journalistic independence and political autonomy, together with increased accountability and responsiveness.

Review

"In this important new book, journalist and academic Julianne Schultz observes that the commercial nature of the news media is a source of both strength and weakness. Its publishers have rightly described it as a ground-breaking text that makes a major contribution to debates about the media and public interest in Austrialia." John Tidey, Pacific Area Newspaper Publishers Association

"Books on the media are relatively few. Generally, they range between two extremes: austerely academic and inconsequently anecdotal. `Reviving the Fourth Estate' is one of the exceptions. Julianne has combined learning with experience. The result is a work of intelligence and authority." Brian Johns, Managing Director, Australian Broadcasting Corporation