Journalism: Normative Theories

Abstract

Normative theories of journalism concern ideal functions of the press, what the press do. These purposes are best understood in relation to larger claims about the go od s o cie d t y . In principle, there are as many normative shoul theories of journalism as there are political systems, from Marxism–Leninism to diverse conceptions of democracy. Nonacademics as well as academics may express these theories, which are relatively coherent conceptions that cluster together specific ideals (such as representation, deliberation, accountability, and the like) in different combinations with varying emphasis (→ News Values; Standards of News; Journalists’ Role Perception). Such broad theories are, to a certain extent, artificial constructs, because no one, from politicians to ordinary citizens, is entirely consistent in adhering to only one of them. Journalistic practice likewise does not always accord with normative theories of journalism, but these theories remain an important component of professional training (→ Journalism Education). Institutions and the state draw upon theories of journalism, implicitly or explicitly, when shaping media policies that carry real incentives or penalties for deviant behavior. Scholars