News Media Industry
Abstract
The American news media industry is characterized by two competing dynamics -- traditional journalistic values and market demands for profit. Most within the industry consider themselves to be journalists first. In that capacity, they fulfill two key roles: providing information that helps the public act as informed citizens, and serving as a watchdog that provides an important check on the power of the American government. At the same time, the news media is an extremely costly, market-driven, and profit-oriented industry. These sometimes conflicting interests compel the industry to weigh the public interest against what will sell. Moreover, several fast-paced trends have emerged within the industry in recent years, driven largely by changes in technology, demographics, and industry economics. They include consolidation of news organizations, government deregulation, the emergence of new types of media, blurring of the distinction between news and entertainment, decline in international coverage, declining circulation and viewership for some of the oldest media institutions, and increased skepticism of the credibility of "mainstream media." Looking ahead, technology will enable consumers to tailor their news and access it at their convenience -- perhaps at the cost of reading the dull but important stories that make an informed citizenry. Changes in viewer preferences -- combined with financial pressures and fast-paced technological changes -- are forcing the mainstream media to re-examine their long-held business strategies. These changes will continue to impact the media's approach to the news and the profitability of the news industry. Though the number of news gatherers is falling in proportion to the news sources, the diversification of the means by which consumers can access news bodes well for an American public that takes pride in free and open access to information.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA475374
Entities
People
- Dave Bagnati
- Eric Hummer
- Howard Ferguson
- Jocelyn Seng
- Joseph Kinder
- Paul Aceto
- Rich Girven
- Rob Kaufman
- Sean Herr
- Tom Druggan
Organizations
- Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy