Journalism and Newspapers: Chapter 4

Chapter 4 Study Notes

Section 2: A History of Newspapers

• American newspapers trace their origins to European models.
• The Zenger trial was pivotal in establishing freedom of the press.
• The First Amendment protects freedom of speech and the press.
• The Penny Press made newspapers more affordable and accessible to a wider audience.

Section 3: Objectivity and Other Models of Journalism

• Objectivity in journalism is linked to economic factors.
• "Both-sides-ism" describes presenting all sides of an issue equally without necessarily endorsing any.
• The inverted pyramid style is beneficial for readers and editors as it prioritizes crucial information.
• Literary journalism incorporates storytelling techniques to present news.

Section 4: The Role of Newspapers in American Culture

• The New York Times, through agenda setting, significantly influences public discussion by highlighting certain issues and events.
• Public reaction to the Times’ coverage of the Iraq War was controversial.
• Watchdog journalism scrutinizes power institutions and individuals.

Section 5: Trends in Newspaper Publishing: News Deserts

• The closing of the Rocky Mountain News highlights difficulties in the newspaper industry.
• The New York Times has financial stability.
• A paywall limits access to news content to paying subscribers.
• The shift in ownership and business strategies led to the economic struggles of the Washington Post.

Section 6: The Future of Newspapers in the 2020s

• Factors such as declining ad revenue and the rise of digital competitors have contributed to the closures of local newspapers.
• A news desert is an area lacking access to local news sources.
• News deserts can hamper local government transparency and responsiveness, impacting public affairs.