The Invention of Journalism Ethics, First Edition: The Path to Objectivity and Beyond (Volume 38) (McGill-Queen's Studies in the History of Ideas)

Ward, Stephen J.A.

ISBN 10: 0773528113 / ISBN 13: 9780773528116

Published by McGill-Queen's University Press, Montreal, QC, 2006

About this Item

INSCRIPTION FROM STEPHEN J.A. WARD on title page; Clean, tight, unmarked; light wear to inside corners; otherwise very minimal wear; spine straight and uncreased; Ward explores the ethical assertions of journalists over the past centuries, focusing on the changing relationship between journalist and audience. This historical analysis leads to an innovative theory of "pragmatic objectivity" that enables journalists and the public to recognize and avoid biased and unbalanced reporting. Ward convincingly demonstrates that journalistic objectivity is not a set of absolute standards but the same fallible but reasonable objectivity used for making decisions in other professions and public institutions.

Seller Inventory # 005702

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Invention of Journalism Ethics, First Edition: The Path to Objectivity and Beyond (Volume 38) (McGill-Queen's Studies in the History of Ideas)
• Publisher: McGill-Queen's University Press, Montreal, QC
• Publication Date: 2006
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0773528113
• ISBN 13: 9780773528116
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: Very Good
• Signed: Inscribed by Author(s)

About this title

Synopsis

Does objectivity in the news media exist? In "The Invention of Journalism Ethics", Stephen Ward argues that, given the current emphasis on interpretation, analysis, and perspective, journalists and the public need a new theory of objectivity. He explores the varied ethical assertions of journalists over the past few centuries, focusing on the changing relationship between journalist and audience. This historical analysis leads to an innovative theory of pragmatic objectivity that enables journalists and the public to recognize and avoid biased and unbalanced reporting. Ward convincingly demonstrates that journalistic objectivity is not a set of absolute standards but the same fallible but reasonable objectivity used for making decisions in other professions and public institutions.

About the Author

Stephen J.A. Ward is associate professor of journalism ethics, University of British Columbia, and a former Canadian Press foreign correspondent for Europe and the Middle East.