News Media
Abstract
The American news media industry fulfills two key roles in American society: (a) it provides information that helps the people of the United States act as informed citizens, and (b) it functions as a watchdog that provides an important set of checks on the power of the American government. The news media industry consists mainly of profit-oriented businesses that continually must make judgments about what they report as news, what is truly public service, and what will sell. Several trends have emerged within the industry in recent years: consolidation of news organizations, government deregulation, digital delivery and continued emergence of new media, news as entertainment, decline in international coverage, declining circulation and viewership of the oldest media institutions (metropolitan dailies and networks), increased skepticism of the credibility of mainstream media, and embedded war reporters. Increasingly, the fragmentation of viewership combined with the financial pressures of turning a profit has challenged the mainstream media as they struggle to retain their core viewers. They also have been hit by a series of verification scandals that have reinforced many consumers skepticism of the press's power and biases. Looking ahead, the ability of news consumers to tailor news to their own needs and to access it at their convenience will continue to affect news organizations approach to the news and their profitability. However, the increasingly diverse means by which consumers may access news and the rising number of news options bodes well for an American public that takes pride in a free and open press.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA449507
Entities
People
- Dan Cloyd
- Dan Cottrell
- Eric Glaser
- Jeff Domm
- Julie Nutter
- Larry Morris
- Mary Beth Harney
- Mary Cerniglia-mosher
- Phil Chandler
- Roxanne Jaramillo-banks
Organizations
- Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy