ABSTRACT
Engaged journalism appeared in the past decade in the US and Europe in response to a raft of financial and audience issues faced by local and regional news companies, as people shifted attention to information from social media sources and as trust in traditional sources of news sank to new lows. It is ironic that, nonetheless, engaged journalism often cites the philosopher most associated with the analysis that is needed, John Dewey. Public relations departments are not the only local agency to impact democratic practices. John Forester is to be credited for shedding light on the role of city planners, who he believed could enhance democratic participation in local communities. Engaged journalism has superseded public journalism but with a focus on audience involvement in the news production process. A closer look at Dewey’s philosophy should open our eyes to what prevents democracy from functioning and to the part played by news organizations in perpetuating the problem.
