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A Time to Revisit Foundational Arguments in Journalism Studies? If so, Which Ones?

Sat, May 26, 14:00 to 15:15, Hilton Prague, Floor: M, Karlin I

Abstract

Foundational arguments about journalistic practice were developed in the North Atlantic at a particular period, namely, a time of liberal-centrist, elite political consensus and limited news availability during the second half of the 20th century. In past years, the upsurge of populist, authoritarian politics coupled with news abundance has upended the old political-media order. If the old order is in shambles, should we continue to uphold arguments produced at a different time as if nothing has changed? This paper addresses this question by critically examining foundational arguments about both the production of news in light of recent developments. Traditional arguments about elite-centered news, professional ethics, mainstream news, and the social construction of news require important corrections not only to capture changing dynamics amid the chaos of contemporary public communication, but also to understand how journalism aids or, instead, challenges creeping authoritarianism and right-wing politics that exploit intolerance and ignorance.

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