This new and highly readable textbook by Richard M. Perloff introduces students to the complex world of contemporary news and its theoretical underpinnings, engaging with debates and ethical quandaries.
The book takes readers on a concept-guided tour of the contours, continuities, and changing features of news. It covers a huge breadth of topics including: the classic theories of what news should do, its colorful history in America and popular myths of news, the overarching forces involved in contemporary news gathering, critical economic determinants of news and social system influences, and innovative trends in the future of journalism. Drawing on scholarship in the fields of journalism studies and sociology of news, Perloff offers readers a critical, in-depth exploration of news filled with relevant examples from newspapers, newscasts, and social media.
Students of journalism, communication, sociology, politics, and related courses, as well as inquisitive scholars, will find this book's intellectual focus enriching, the writing and examples engaging, and the thoroughness of its search of the contemporary media scene invigorating. Boxes summarizing theory and key concepts help students to deepen their understanding of both what news is now and its future.
About the Author: Richard M. Perloff, Professor of Communication, Political Science, and Psychology at Cleveland State University, is the author of well-regarded scholarly textbooks on political communication and persuasion. Perloff's articles on communication theories, the hostile media effect and third-person-based perceptions of news have appeared in Communication Theory, Communication Research, and Mass Communication and Society. He was the recipient of the University of Amsterdam School of Communication Research McQuail Award for the Best Article Advancing Communication Theory, 2012-2013. He is the recipient of Ohio journalism awards, including 2018 and 2019 Press Club of Cleveland, Ohio Excellence in Journalism Awards for Best in Ohio Essay Writing.
