What Are Journalists For?

American journalists in the 1990s confronted disturbing trends -- an erosion of trust in the news media, weakening demand for serious news, flagging interest in politics & civic affairs, & a discouraging public climate that seemed to be getting worse. In response, some news professionals sought to bridge the growing gap between press & public with public journalism (PJ). This book is an account of the movement for PJ, or civic journalism. Recalls the events that led to the movement's founding & gives a range of examples of how PJ is practiced in American newsrooms. PJ is not only a way for journalists to find a renewed sense of civic purpose for their craft but also as a way to improve civic life & strengthen democracy.Rosen, Jay is the author of 'What Are Journalists For?', published 2005 under ISBN 9780756797348 and ISBN 0756797349.