6. Journalism as Practice
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Abstract
In this chapter we propose to adopt a practice theory approach to theorize and examine journalism as an open, diverse and dynamic practice. We first highlight how the ways in which journalism is defined and how the journalistic profession is conceptualised are in flux, and journalistic norms, work routines and audience interactions are changing. We propose practice theory as it allows us to provide a bottom-up theorisation of journalism practices, avoiding the pitfalls that come with a priori definitions of what journalism and its societal function are. We address the issues currently prevalent in the field of journalism studies: a) the normative approach to journalism; b) the fixed definition of journalism; c) newsroom- centricity; d) human- and technocentrism. We then provide a general introduction to practice theory, highlighting some of its main features. Third, we illustrate how practice theory allows us insight into key tensions: The question of who is a journalist; the relation between normative ideals of journalism and the everyday practices; how to locate and study the site of journalism, if not focusing on the newsroom; and how to include materiality in journalism studies.
Abstract
In this chapter we propose to adopt a practice theory approach to theorize and examine journalism as an open, diverse and dynamic practice. We first highlight how the ways in which journalism is defined and how the journalistic profession is conceptualised are in flux, and journalistic norms, work routines and audience interactions are changing. We propose practice theory as it allows us to provide a bottom-up theorisation of journalism practices, avoiding the pitfalls that come with a priori definitions of what journalism and its societal function are. We address the issues currently prevalent in the field of journalism studies: a) the normative approach to journalism; b) the fixed definition of journalism; c) newsroom- centricity; d) human- and technocentrism. We then provide a general introduction to practice theory, highlighting some of its main features. Third, we illustrate how practice theory allows us insight into key tensions: The question of who is a journalist; the relation between normative ideals of journalism and the everyday practices; how to locate and study the site of journalism, if not focusing on the newsroom; and how to include materiality in journalism studies.
Kapitel in diesem Buch
- Frontmatter i
- Preface to Handbooks of Communication Science series v
- Acknowledgements ix
- Contents xi
- 1. Journalism 1
- 2. Journalism history 19
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I Foundations of the Field
- 3. Roles of Journalists 43
- 4. Epistemologies of Journalism 63
- 5. Journalism Ethics 83
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II. Conceptualizing the Field
- 6. Journalism as Practice 105
- 7. Journalism as Institution 125
- 8. Journalism as Public Sphere 149
- 9. Journalism as Memory 169
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III. Theorizing the Field
- 10. Journalism as Agenda Setting 189
- 11. Journalism as Framing 205
- 12. Journalism as Gatekeeping 235
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IV. Journalism via the Disciplines
- 13. The Sociology of Journalism 257
- 14. The Economics of Journalism and News Provision 281
- 15 Politics and Policies of Journalism and Free Press 297
- 16. The Technology of Journalism 321
- 17. Journalism and Geography 335
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V. The Journalism Ecology
- 18. Entrepreneurial Journalism 355
- 19. Mapping the Citizen News Landscape: Blurring Boundaries, Promises, Perils, and Beyond 373
- 20. Advocacy Journalism 391
- 21. Documentary Journalism 415
- 22. Lifestyle Journalism 433
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VI. The Issues of Journalism
- 23. Journalism, War, and Peace 453
- 24. Journalism, Censorship, and Press Freedom 473
- 25. Journalism, Pluralism, and Diversity 493
- 26. Journalism, Gender, and Race 511
- 27. Journalism, Audiences and Community Engagement 531
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VII. Conclusion
- 28. Journalism and Change 555
- 29. The Future of Journalism Scholarship 575
- Biographical sketches 587
- Index 591
Kapitel in diesem Buch
- Frontmatter i
- Preface to Handbooks of Communication Science series v
- Acknowledgements ix
- Contents xi
- 1. Journalism 1
- 2. Journalism history 19
-
I Foundations of the Field
- 3. Roles of Journalists 43
- 4. Epistemologies of Journalism 63
- 5. Journalism Ethics 83
-
II. Conceptualizing the Field
- 6. Journalism as Practice 105
- 7. Journalism as Institution 125
- 8. Journalism as Public Sphere 149
- 9. Journalism as Memory 169
-
III. Theorizing the Field
- 10. Journalism as Agenda Setting 189
- 11. Journalism as Framing 205
- 12. Journalism as Gatekeeping 235
-
IV. Journalism via the Disciplines
- 13. The Sociology of Journalism 257
- 14. The Economics of Journalism and News Provision 281
- 15 Politics and Policies of Journalism and Free Press 297
- 16. The Technology of Journalism 321
- 17. Journalism and Geography 335
-
V. The Journalism Ecology
- 18. Entrepreneurial Journalism 355
- 19. Mapping the Citizen News Landscape: Blurring Boundaries, Promises, Perils, and Beyond 373
- 20. Advocacy Journalism 391
- 21. Documentary Journalism 415
- 22. Lifestyle Journalism 433
-
VI. The Issues of Journalism
- 23. Journalism, War, and Peace 453
- 24. Journalism, Censorship, and Press Freedom 473
- 25. Journalism, Pluralism, and Diversity 493
- 26. Journalism, Gender, and Race 511
- 27. Journalism, Audiences and Community Engagement 531
-
VII. Conclusion
- 28. Journalism and Change 555
- 29. The Future of Journalism Scholarship 575
- Biographical sketches 587
- Index 591
