What IS News?

This book explores contemporary news values and the fake news phenomenon, shedding light on the implications of compromised news products and their impact on perceptions. It expands on mass communication theory frameworks to better understand the role of media in defining, shaping, and amplifying news. The chapters were originally published as a special issue of "Mass Communication and Society."

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 180 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive volume delves into contemporary perspectives on news values and the pervasive phenomenon of fake news, while also presenting significant and groundbreaking research that sheds light on the profound implications of compromised news products and their impact on perceptions.

News, as an integral part of our societal fabric, cannot be isolated from its broader context. Journalism, a practice with a distinct milieu, involves the intricate process of gathering, organizing, and disseminating information. This complex and subjective endeavor shapes the end product that we consume as news. The social significance of revisiting Herbert Gans' seminal ethnographic query, "What is News?" in 1979, reached a pivotal point in 2020. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans witnessed a proliferation of politicized health information, encompassing conflicting reports from experts, conspiracy theories, vaccine resistance, and racist language directed towards China and individuals of Asian descent. This collection builds upon the frameworks of mass communication theory established since the 1970s, empowering us to better operationalize and comprehend the role of mass media in defining, shaping, and amplifying news.

The chapters included in this book were originally published as a special issue of "Mass Communication and Society." Each chapter offers a unique perspective on the evolving landscape of news and its implications. The authors, drawn from various disciplines, employ a range of research methodologies to explore the complex dynamics of news production, consumption, and dissemination. They examine the role of media institutions, journalists, and audiences in shaping news narratives, the impact of misinformation on public opinion, and the strategies employed by media organizations to combat fake news.

Through their insightful analyses, the authors provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the media industry in the era of digital communication. They advocate for greater media literacy, transparency, and accountability to ensure that the news we receive is reliable, accurate, and unbiased. This book serves as a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, media professionals, and anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of news and its impact on our society.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032010304