News (The Illusion of Politics)

Author: W. Lance Bennett (USA), translated by Yang Xiaohong and Wang Jiaquan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-01
Features: This is not only a book worth serious reading for journalists but also one worth patient reading and reflection for every leader living in modern media society. — Li Xiguang, Director of the Center for International Communication Research, Tsinghua University, and Vice Dean of the School of Journalism and Communication. Whether in political activities, economic operations, or social life, there are clues that can be found by analyzing media activities to better understand their secrets. To truly understand how the United States operates, how it views itself and the world, one must also see how American scholars dissect their press. From News: The Political Illusion, we can sense how Americans think, make choices and decisions, and implement and adhere to their decisions. More importantly, in today's world where the power of the media deeply influences people's minds, it also offers insights into how to grasp the contemporary world. — Lu Xiaohua, Director of the News Research Institute of Xinhua News Agency and Editor-in-Chief of China Journalist.
For a long time, the Chinese people have had many misunderstandings about American journalism: either viewing it as an angel, believing it to be the guardian of American political freedom and democracy, or denouncing it as a demon, thinking it manipulates politics and twists the truth. In reality, journalism is essentially an ordinary profession that operates independently yet cannot escape social influence. Thus, it is both an angel and a demon. On one hand, it opens the eyes of the American people, allowing them to touch the truth; on the other hand, it cuts down facts and distorts information. News: The Political Illusion has made great contributions in observing American journalism. Because it does not indulge in either side, it meticulously analyzes the habits and techniques of American journalism in handling information, calmly revealing its dual identity as both an angel and a demon, restoring journalism to its true face, and providing the public with a way to seek the truth through the. Even in the highly regarded field of American journalism theory, I believe this book holds an important position. Calling it a new classic would not be an exaggeration. — Lian Qingchuan, a veteran Chinese journalist and visiting scholar at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
From news studios to war rooms, and then to the living rooms of politicians. This book provides an in-depth analysis of the behind-the-scenes activities of American politics from the perspective of media-politics, attempting to address a crucial question: As the core of the national political information system, how can journalism better serve democratic politics? What is reflected by news is the truth, but is that what we need? How significant is the fairness and objectivity of journalism? In the process of seeking these answers, we see various political figures—from presidents to members of Congress to important organization leaders and citizen activists—all using their own influence to shape news and the industry. At the same time, the author offers a comprehensive perspective on the journalistic profession, strongly focusing on the roles of citizens, politicians, and journalists within the news system, provoking deep reflection. This book is part of the "Pearson Classics" series by the Pearson Group in the United States, written by contemporary scholars of the highest acclaim in America. It will present mature and profound insights through vivid case studies and cutting-edge research findings.