ABSTRACT
Given the importance of a healthy economy to daily life, the sound, comprehensive coverage of economics would seem to be one of the most important and prominent tasks of journalism. But, in fact, economics as a subject presents a myriad of challenges to journalism and to journalists. First and foremost, it is complicated, demanding training and sophistication of those who cover it. Second, its complexity makes it less enticing for media consumers and for the editors who decide what content should be delivered to them. This chapter explores these and related issues that have inhibited coverage of economics, both from the perspectives of journalists who recognize the problem and from economists who study the interaction between economics journalism and the economy. While the 2008–2009 recession moved economic news to increased prominence worldwide, coverage is improving but remains problematic, particularly at smaller publications. Moreover, an overall contraction in news industries in the past two decades further threatens coverage of such a highly specialized topic.
