Summary

This update to The Troubles of Journalism continues the work of the first edition, focusing on both the strengths and the weaknesses of American journalism at a time of societal flux and economic change. Author William A. Hachten's analysis comes out of his own 50-year involvement with newspapers and journalism education. He evaluates the significant changes in the journalism industry and suggests what these changes may mean for the nation and for the world at large.

All chapters have been updated for this edition, with additional emphasis on the press's role in covering air wars in Kosovo and Serbia, media ownership consolidations, news on the Internet, and other factors affecting the way news is gathered and reported. A new chapter examines the role of the press in the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal.

At a time when the journalism profession is undergoing significant change and criticism, this critique offers valuable insights for current and future journalists. In presenting American journalism in its international, historical, legal, and economic contexts, Hachten provides the basis for understanding why journalism today is the way it is and sets a course for its future direction.