THE BIG PICTURE: Why Democracies Need Journalistic Excellence
A press in crisis is a democracy endangered, argues Jeffrey Scheuer--cultural critic and author of The Sound Bite Society. In his new book, The Big Picture, Scheuer argues that in order for a democracy to thrive it is not enough for its press simply to be free--the press must be exceptional. This book explores journalistic excellence and its essential relationship with democracy, explaining why democracies depend on it and are only as good as their journalism.
In The Big Picture, Scheuer explores journalistic excellence from three broad perspectives. First, from the democratic perspective, he shows how journalism is a core democratic function, and journalistic excellence a core democratic value. Then, from an intellectual perspective, he explores the ways in which journalism addresses basic concepts of truth, knowledge, objectivity, and ideology. Finally, from an institutional perspective, he considers the role and possible future of journalism education, the importance of journalistic independence, and the potential for nonprofit journalism to meet the journalistic needs of a democratic society.
In lucid and accessible prose, The Big Picture provocatively demonstrates why we must all be vigilant about the quality of journalism today.
The Big Picture: Why Democracies Need Journalistic Excellence (Routledge, 2007)
PRAISE FOR THE BIG PICTURE
A lively and extended essay on the importance of the craft of journalism in maintaining American democracy...a readable and engaging text.
S. Oates
Journalism Studies
Lively and provocative...a sharp, accessible, often funny book...suitable for scholars and graduate students alike.
M. Feldstein
Journalism
Scheuer brilliantly makes the case for journalism as well as anyone ever has… If you are looking for one book to put the matter in context and make the case for journalism, this beautifully written book is it.
Robert W. McChesney
Author of Communication Revolution
Stylistic clarity and argumentative linearity add to the merit for a … work that offers, even to a less experienced public, the conceptual tools to critically engage with the linkage between media and democracy.
M. Stocchetti
Media International Australia
