American News Media:

Systems, Theory and

Practice
Dr. Lydia Timmins
What is a “Free Press”?

 American news media based on Founders concepts

of what freedom means.
 Refusing the rule of one person or family,
choosing a government comprised of citizens.
 American journalism and media follows the same
ideals.
The First Amendment to the
Constitution
 “Congress shall make no law respecting an
establishment of religion, or prohibiting the
free exercise thereof; or abridging the
freedom of speech, or of the press; or the
right of the people peaceably to assemble,
and to petition the government for a
redress of grievances.”
Quick history of American Journalism

 Early American press was partisan, aimed at leaders.

 “Yellow journalism” led to the Spanish American war when
newspapers made up stories about fake attacks to sell papers.
 The muckrakers of the early 20th century swung journalism the other
way. They investigated social and government controversies, calling
public attention to unsafe and unfair conditions.
 The “Golden Age” in the post WW2 era saw the codification of
objective, unbiased reporting ideals.
 Currently, 24/7/365 news cycle challenges traditional values.
News Media Ownership

 Commercial based, market-driven

 No government interference on content or news decisions (in theory)
 Government can deny or refuse to give information, but journalists can still
seek out other sources.
 Journalists protected (in most cases) from punishment, unless story is false or
has the potential to harm the homeland.
 Commercial ownership means news becomes entertainment, because it must
bring in ratings and ad dollars. It has to amuse before it informs.
 Consolidation means more corporate owners and fewer voices in the
marketplace.
Local-National news companies:
One corporate owner, different voices

This Photo by Unknown Author is

licensed under CC BY-SA

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA
 News Vs. Commentary:
Important Distinctions

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-ND

Commentator who uses facts to support what can be

Journalist who focuses on
a personal point of view.
reporting facts as objectively as possible.

Neither person is inherently better.

You the viewer are responsible for knowing the difference.
Bright Spots for Journalists

 Rise of digital news sources. They are small, but can be more
independent. Vice
 Comedy/satire news. Appeals to younger viewers because of humor,
but also imparts news knowledge. Samantha Bee
 Podcasts. Allow long-form narrative journalism. Serial
 Social media. Finding out what’s happening as it happens, and finding
the eyewitnesses. Storyful
 Technology. Worldwide internet, fast access and drones allow
journalists to get stories faster than ever before.
Drone Journalism Lab
Benefits and Drawbacks of American-
style Journalism
 Marketpressures can influence or determine
content.
 Veryloud voices can drown out thoughtful
discourse.
 The U.S. is so big that there’s no one national
identity, so there are many chances for a variety
of voices to be heard.
Questions?

My email:
lydiat@udel.edu