ABSTRACT
This book began by observing how the field of journalism and newsmaking appears to be in a state of flux or deep-seated change at the start of the twenty-first century. We also noted contested views as to whether the ‘modern’ Anglo-US model of journalism was becoming the universal standard or whether various forms of crisis were evident in this ‘news paradigm’ (Høyer and Pöttker, 2005). In order to examine the forms and extent of the unfolding changes (and continuities) in contemporary journalism, we identified five major explanatory perspectives within the relevant research literature. We also argued that each of these perspectives should be seen as complementary, alongside its associated sets of concepts and factors deemed to be major influences on newsmaking. The heart of this book, Chapters 3 through 7, was framed around each of these explanatory approaches in turn. We identified some seminal studies, key concepts and influencing factors highlighted by each of the five explanatory perspectives, together with findings from relevant empirical research. The analysis drew on seminal studies, and recent research published by others as well as findings from our own multi-country project. This final chapter will provide a summary recap of key trends and findings
concerning the contours of change in mediated newsmaking in the contemporary ‘network society’ or ‘knowledge economy’ setting. It will provide an overall sketch of major shifts and the ensuing challenges for the journalism profession and the prevailing news paradigm. It explores whether or how the predominant ‘modern’ model of professional journalism and newsmaking, which emerged in the early decades of the twentieth century, is now facing significant challenges and changes. Is the prevailing model of professional journalism, together with the associated conceptions of the relative autonomy of journalists, being challenged by an emerging new ‘news paradigm’ in the context of a neoliberal knowledge or information society? It also considers some of the requisite innovations and changes if journalism is to renew itself in keeping with its own self-understanding of its distinctive professional role, its values and norms and its orientation to the public.
