Introduction

Understanding most kinds of journalism requires an appreciation of the fact that somebody has to pay for it to take place. There are exceptions because, as in many sectors of economic activity, there are situations in which some people are prepared to work without payment. Many of the philosophical theories of political economy can be traced back to the writings of Karl Marx. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book considers in greater detail issues around technology and how it is used by broadcast journalists, but it is important to note in passing that the broadcast media were not alone in benefiting from technological change. It discusses how the relatively unregulated newspaper industry contrasts with the highly regulated environment of broadcasting – a quite common feature of many Western democracies – and how this impacts on the importance of journalism that is broadcast.