Principles of American Journalism ─ An Introduction

In a rapidly changing media landscape, what becomes of journalism? Designed to engage, inspire and challenge students while laying out the fundamental principles of the craft, Principles of American Journalism introduces students to the core values of journalism and its singularly important role in a democracy. From the First Amendment to Facebook, Stephanie Craft and Charles N. Davis provide a comprehensive exploration of the guiding principles of journalism—the ethical and legal foundations of the profession, its historical and modern precepts, the economic landscape, the relationships among journalism and other social institutions, and the key issues and challenges that contemporary journalists face. Case studies, discussion questions and field exercises help students to think critically about journalism’s function in society, creating mindful practitioners of journalism and more informed media consumers.

With its bottom line under assault, its values being challenged from without and from within and its future anything but certain, it has never been more important to think about what’s unique about journalism. This text is ideal for use in introductory Principles of Journalism courses, and the companion website provides a full complement of student and instructor resources to enhance the learning experience and connect to the latest news issues and events.

Stephanie Craft is Associate Professor of Journalism Studies at the Missouri School of Journalism. Before earning a doctorate in Communication from Stanford University, she worked as a newspaper journalist in California, Arkansas, and Washington.

Charles N. Davis is Professor of Journalism Studies at the Missouri School of Journalism and is the former executive director for the National Freedom of Information Coalition (NFOIC), headquartered at the School. In 2008, Davis was named the Scripps Howard Foundation National Journalism Teacher of the Year.