Roots of Fake News: Objecting to Objective Journalism

The Roots of Fake News argues that the roots of the current crisis in journalism are in the ideological foundations of professionalism, neutrality, and objectivity, and that the rise of "fake news" is not an attack on these ideologies but an inevitable result of their flaws and vulnerabilities.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 02 September 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Roots of Fake News contends that the issue of "fake news" is not solely attributed to the power of the internet or the failure of good journalism to assert itself. Rather, the true roots of the current "crisis" can be found within the ideological foundations of journalism itself, namely professionalism, neutrality, and objectivity. By examining the concept of media objectivity in a broader historical context, this book explores how current perceptions of a crisis in journalism align with a long history of media attempts to evade, obscure, or ignore the challenges associated with achieving objectivity and truth.

The book delves into the relationships between journalism and other spheres of human endeavor, such as science, law, and philosophy, that are dedicated to the pursuit of objective truth. It argues that the rise of "fake news" is not an attack on the traditional ideologies that have supported journalism but rather an inevitable outcome of the inherent flaws and vulnerabilities within these ideologies.

This book is a valuable resource for students and scholars of journalism and history who are interested in understanding the historical roots, philosophical context, and contemporary implications of the issue of fake news. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the factors that have contributed to the proliferation of false information and offers insights into the strategies that can be employed to combat its spread.

Weight: 356g
Dimension: 156 x 231 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367145460