What's the Point of News?

This book questions whether the news we get is as useful for citizens as it could, or should, be. This international study of news is based on re-thinking and re-conceptualising the news values that underpin understandings of journalism. It goes beyond empirical descriptions of what journalism is to explore normative ideas of what it might become if practised alongside commitments to ethical listening, active citizenship and social justice. It draws lessons from both alternative and mainstream media output; from both journalists and scholars; from both practice and theory. It challenges dominant news values by drawing on insights from feminism, peace journalism and other forms of critical thinking that are usually found on the margins of journalism studies. This original and engaging contribution to knowledge proposes an alternative set of contemporary news values that have significant implications for the news industry, for journalism education and for democracy itself.

“Tony Harcup’s book What’s the Point of News? could be the first time many people will be forced to wholly examine the ethics of how journalism works. It’s so valuable to see passing thoughts, discussions I’ve had on Twitter or things that some journalists are actively trying to change spelt out and backed up with evidence. These conversations have always been vital but with traditional media losing power to social media, we need them more than ever.” (Robyn Vinter, Media North, Issue 7, June, 2020)

“Unlike many academic authors who like to flaunt their vocabulary and learning in a way that often hides their lack of analysis, Harcup's writing is as transparent as ever ... This is a book that should be on the reading list of every undergraduate and postgraduate media course.” (Journalism Education)

“Harcup offers up a convincing argument for news media practitioners to think harder and deeper about the editorial choices they make and whether their stories are serving the public good. It is a timely contribution to the debate about the future and purpose of journalism at a time of uncertainty ... What’s the point of news? tackles ongoing questions of the role of journalism in society and makes a thought-provoking contribution to considerations about the future of journalism.” (Caroline Fisher, Digital Journalism)

“Tony Harcup’s re-imagining of news and re-thinking of news values is bold and innovative yet simultaneously based on empirical research on innovations that actual journalists have undertaken. His solution, therefore, is both practical and ethical, showing a pathway to a journalism that really does serve the public interest. His use of feminist theory, especially feminist standpoint epistemology, is the most sophisticated I've seen in journalism studies. Everyone interested in journalism - scholars, practitioners, critics, students - should read this book.” (Linda Steiner, Professor of Journalism, University of Maryland, USA)

 “At a time of unprecedented turbulence for journalism, this book makes a ground-breaking contribution by asking the fundamental question: What is news for? Challenging received understandings of news values, the book develops the idea that news should, first and foremost, serve the public good. Essential reading for scholars, students and practitioners of journalism.” (Karin Wahl-Jorgensen, Professor of Journalism Studies, Cardiff University, UK)

“The news media is facing a serious crisis that is driving an incredibly damaging democratic deficit. Tony Harcup analyses the news, its meaning, its point and some of its impediments. He concentrates on why journalists produce news – whatever its uses – and avoids popular, if important, distractions such as fake news. I have no hesitation in recommending this book to practitioners and students.” (Chris Frost, Professor of Journalism, Liverpool John Moores University, UK)

Tony Harcup is Senior Lecturer in Journalism at the University of Sheffield, UK. He worked as a journalist within mainstream and alternative media before becoming a teacher, researcher and author. His books include the Oxford Dictionary of Journalism (2014); Alternative Journalism, Alternative Voices (2012); and Journalism: Principles and Practice (2015), which has been translated into several languages.