ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides an overview of the state of the art of journalism studies. Journalism studies has evolved as a field of inquiry over the better part of a century and a half, passing through a variety of stages. Journalism around the world is battling against increased efforts of political and state authorities to restrict editorial autonomy. Efforts at undermining the autonomy of journalism have contributed to further erosion of public confidence in the news media and its authority around the world. The relative neglect of journalists’ safety and impunity issues by “mainstream” journalism research is one of several deficits of international scholarship, likely owing to a continued Western hegemony in the field. Journalism scholars continue to prefer forms of journalism and journalistic practices perceived to be central to the democratic process.
