What Is Journalism For? by Jon Allsop

What Is Journalism For? by Jon Allsop

What is at stake when journalism is threatened? Does society still need journalists? Journalism faces multiple threats today all over the world: economic decline, online disinformation, the rise of AI, authoritarian curbs on freedom of the press, and violence against journalists. In such a climate, it’s more urgent than ever to ask what journalism is for. Drawing on his experience as a journalist and media commentator, and on interviews with journalists from the US to Myanmar, Jon Allsop examines key concepts that constitute journalism’s role: good judgement, concern for truth and critical scrutiny of one or more communities. Along the way, he also considers the relationship between journalism and activism; whether journalists should aspire to change the world and whether they can be seen as champions of democracy.

“Jon Allsop brings his trademark blend of expert knowledge and astute analysis to bear on this pressing topic at a crucial time for the global press and publicIf you care about democracy, you'll want to read it.” Margaret Sullivan, Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism

"A powerful call to action for journalists and citizens alike to defend democratic values and protect the vital role of journalism in shaping a just and informed society." Laurent Richard, investigative reporter and founder of Forbidden Stories

“A veritable feast of Jon Allsop! This great book serves up delicious insights about the nature of journalism and its future.” Joel Simon, Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY

"Jon Allsop acknowledges journalism's flaws yet defends its necessity. Through vivid examples from Myanmar, the US and the UK, he illustrates how journalism's commitment to seeking and sharing truth is more vital than ever – especially amid democratic erosion and technological disruption." Sheila S. Coronel, Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism

Jon Allsop writes for the Columbia Journalism Review, editing its flagship “Media Today” newsletter.

He also writes widely about politics and other topics for publications including the New York Review of Books, The Guardian, N+1, Foreign Policy, The Atlantic, Vanity Fair, The Nation, and The Intercept. His investigative journalism has been published in national and local titles in the US and South Africa.

Jon has been a finalist for a prestigious Mirror Award for his media criticism on three occasions, and his work has often been cited by major publications in the US and globally, from the Washington Post to Politico. He has regularly been invited to appear as an expert commentator on the media, including on US public radio stations, Al Jazeera, and CNN and was a juror for the Pulitzer Prizes in 2024.

Originally from the UK, Jon holds degrees in political science from the London School of Economics and journalism from Columbia University.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9781529238556
ISBN 10	1529238552
Title	What Is Journalism For?
Author	Jon Allsop
Series	What Is It For?
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Paperback
Publisher	Bristol University Press
Year published	2025-04-08
Number of pages	180
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
Note	Unavailable