The News as Myth: Fact and Context in Journalism
(Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 1990)
In plain, non-t
echnical language, this book
argues that "the myth of the news is its supposed objectivity" and that the very
forms which presumably guarantee veracity ultimately lead to consistently incomplete and
misleading news reports. It draws a distinction between "true fictions",
articles whose general accuracy is demonstrable, even when the standards of contemporary
reportage are not met, and 'false truths' in which a correctly attributed and formally
appropriate news story is so incomplete or unbelievable as to constitute a demonstrable
falsehood. Its analysis begins with the most basic of reportorial tasks, obituary writing,
and then proceeds to issues of investigative reportage. Since its publication it has been
used not only in journalism courses, but also as a text in basic writing at the college
level.
Reviews:
- "It is a critical, iconoclastic book, but thought-provoking rather than a mindless broadside. . . definitely worth reading." The IRE Journal
- "A sincere attempt to help reporters ask more probing questions. It is well written and features interesting notes at the end of each chapter." Choice, 1990
- "A clear, lively book, one that is enthusiastically recommended." ALRB, 1990
Order Information:
Available from Praeger Books, a division of Greenwood
Publishing Group
Ordered through bookstores, or directly from the publisher (1-800-225-5800).