Criticizing the Media: Empirical Approaches (Commtext Series)

By James B. Lemert

With all the criticism of the news media today, why have so many critics neglected to undertake an actual critical analysis? Criticizing the Media demonstrates--in specific and practical ways --how much has been missed by ignoring empirically based criticism, and how social science techniques can be used to evaluate and criticize the performance of present and future news media. Employing actual case studies and examples, Lemert discusses the application of empirical techniques to major unanswered questions facing the news media today. Further, he suggests areas where additional research is required and considers new questions critics should be asking about the news media. Criticizing the Media will serve as an excellent supplemental text for courses in mass communication, journalism, and broadcast courses. In addition, professionals in the above fields can benefit from the practical techniques suggested for analyzing the news media. " A] star among three recent books published on press criticism." --Journal of Mass Media Ethics "The book comprises seven chatty, easy-to-read chapters that build a case for the utility of empirical studies for the journalism profession. . . . It is a clear and helpful introduction to empirical research methods and their application to the production of news. Lemert provides a small but useful list of further sources to help students design and execute studies. . . . His study exercises and his topic suggestions could be a great help to students who are learning to think empirically, and his style. . . is clear and straightforward." --Journal of Communication "A spirited defense of the empirical tradition in media research. . . . For students, the book is an excellent introduction to qualitative criticisms. Most are presented in historical context and clearly explained. . . . Offers guidelines for future, empirical work." --Critical Studies in Mass Communication

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0803926375
• ISBN13: 9780803926370
• Release Date: March 1989
• Publisher: SAGE Publications, Inc
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.5" x 0.3" x 5.5"