Discovering the News

by Michael Schudson

Book Overview

This book traces the development of the American newspaper...thoughtfully and intelligently, and provocatively enough to raise legitimate doubts about the usefulness of most published histories of the American press. Professor Schudson analyzes the shifts in reportorial style over the years and readers alike that newspapers must be objective still lives on.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0465016693
• ISBN13: 9780465016693
• Release Date: November 1978
• Publisher: Basic Books
• Length: 228 Pages
• Weight: 0.98 lbs.

Customer Reviews

need a new edition of this book

Schudson gives a lively explanation of American newspapers, up to 1980. Much of the discussion is about how things worked in the 19th century, when reporting was far more partisan and less regulated by convention or professional codes. As the 20th century proceeded, the quality of reporting tended to rise; to become more objective, at least on the surface. And even partisan newspapers like the Wall Street Journal improved the accuracy of their front page articles. Alas, the book needs a serious updating [if the author is still around], to take into account the Web 2.0 and its effect on newspapers.