It is not news that the the role of journalism/journalists has changed over time, and continues to change. For an overview, check out the youtube clip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uG355goqap4. Chapter three of "Journalism: Theory and Practice" provides a more substantial outline of the changed and changing nature of journalism, however both sources draw one conclusion: what was once an (in a way) natural extension of public conversation or communication, has now become a profession.
This has several affects on the role of journalism, which I noted from Chapter three:
a) Meadows explains that "the rise of journalism as an independent professional endeavour has disrupted its traditional links with the public" (2001, pg 40).
b) Journalists are no longer 'of the people for the people.' In fact, Meadows observes that particularly the 'fourth estate' function seperates journalists from the public is 'serves', and even poses journalists against the public (as well as against judiciary, executive and parliamentary bodies).
c) In accordance with the fact that journalism is to a much lesser extent representing or reflecting the public, it can be seen that instead, journalism forms the public's views and opinions.
These affects are consolidated by the development of national media systems, the growth of minority or alternative media, and new communication technologies. Respectively, the powerful players, the bias that is increasingly evident in the recent more personalalised mediums (blogs, youtube clips, facebook, Twitter), and the mere saturation of communication channels, contributes to the evolution of journalism from informing to influencing.
Sources:
Meadows, Michael., 2001, "A return to practice: reclaiming journalism as public conversation", Journalism: Theory and Practice, ed. Suellen Tapsall and Carolyn Varley, Oxford University Press, pgs 40-54.
Gant, Scott., 2010, "The History of Journalism", http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uG355goqap4, viewed 6th August, 2010.
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