"Journalism faces multiple threats today all over the world: economic decline, online disinformation, the rise of AI, authoritarian curbs on freedom of the press, and violence against journalists. In such a climate, it’s more urgent than ever to ask what journalism is for. Drawing on his experienc ... e as a journalist and media commentator, and on interviews with journalists from the US to Myanmar, Jon Allsop examines key concepts that constitute journalism’s role: good judgement, concern for truth and critical scrutiny of one or more communities. Along the way, he also considers the relationship between journalism and activism; whether journalists should aspire to change the world and whether they can be seen as champions of democracy." (Publisher description) more

"Social media platforms hold vast amounts of biographical data about our lives. They repackage our past content as ‘memories’ and deliver them back to us. But how does that change the way we remember? Drawing on original qualitative research as well as industry documents and reports, this book c ... ritically explores the process behind this new form of memory making. In asking how social media are beginning to change the way we remember, it will be essential reading for scholars and students who are interested in understanding the algorithmically defined spaces of our lives." (Publisher description) more

"Media freedom is primarily the freedom of diverse forms of media and sources of communication. Traditionally, freedom of the press is conceptualized as the freedom to publish; however, the notion of media freedom is much broader as it encompasses the freedom both to publish and to broadcast, emphas ... izing the idea that media in information societies consist of more than print sources (e.g. newspapers and magazines) and incorporates electronic sources of communication as well, such as radio, television, and the Internet. Hence, freedom of the media is indispensable for democratic societies given that the media are an outlet for public discussion and opinion and basically operate to seek the truth, educate the public, and serve as a watchdog over government. Threats to journalists and attacks on media freedom undermine the proper functioning of the United States as a democratic society, as the ability of journalists to investigate and report on controversial topics becomes threatened by the government and pressure groups such as criminal gangs, terrorists, and corporate giants. In the U.S., as elsewhere, freedom of expression is a fundamental human right, and a precondition for many other democratic rights. According to the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution: Restrictions on freedom of expression can be direct (such as stringent laws) and in direct (such as censorship pressure from the government and military), and vary relative to social contexts. In democratic systems, media organizations and journalists have been the lifeline of freedom of expression and public accountability. The existence of free and pluralistic media is indispensable to democratic governance, and media freedom is vital to the practice of journalism. Media professionals and journalists need the freedom to perform their jobs without undue constraints. Journalists report on issues of public interest, including government policies, and have a key role to play in democracies by revealing truth and disseminating information indispensable to sustainable knowledge societies. Threats and violence against journalists and media professionals can stop the public from exercising their fundamental right to seek, receive, and impart information." (Abstract) more

"Radio produced and broadcast behind prison walls is redefining traditional meanings of 'public service broadcasting' and disrupting traditional power structures within the prison system. Focusing on one of the most interesting developments in UK prisons over the past 10 years, this book examines th ... e early history of the Prison Radio Association and the formation of the first national radio station for prisoners. Highlighting the enduring importance of social values in broadcasting, this book shows how radio can be used as a powerful force for social change. It will be of interest to those involved in media, criminal justice and social activism." (Back cover) more