The News About the News

The News About the News examines the state of American journalism at the turn of the 21st century, focusing on major newspapers, broadcast networks, and emerging digital media. The authors draw from their extensive experience at The Washington Post to analyze how news organizations operate and make decisions. Through case studies and behind-the-scenes reporting, the book documents how economic pressures, corporate ownership, and technological changes have impacted newsrooms across the country. It features interviews with journalists, executives, and industry leaders who provide insight into the challenges of maintaining journalistic standards while meeting business demands. The narrative tracks several pivotal moments in recent media history, including coverage of major political scandals, the rise of 24-hour cable news, and the early effects of internet news consumption. The authors present both successful and problematic examples of how news organizations have adapted to shifting industry dynamics. This examination of American journalism raises fundamental questions about democracy, corporate responsibility, and the public's right to quality information. The book stands as both a snapshot of a critical transition period in media history and a warning about forces that threaten journalistic independence.

Readers note this book provides details about news media operations and ownership changes in the late 20th century. Multiple reviewers highlight the authors' insider knowledge from their Washington Post careers. Readers appreciated: - Clear examples of how business decisions impact news quality - Historical context of newspaper industry changes - Case studies of successful and failing newsrooms - Specific suggestions for improving journalism Common criticisms: - Too focused on traditional newspaper model - Dated content (published 2002) missing digital media transformation - Writing style can be dry and academic - Repetitive points about corporate ownership Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (43 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (21 ratings) One reader called it "required reading for understanding media consolidation," while another noted it "reads like an industry whitepaper." Several reviewers mentioned the book feels incomplete without coverage of post-2002 digital disruption.

Breaking News by Alan Rusbridger An insider's account of how The Guardian navigated digital transformation and major stories like Wikileaks demonstrates the evolution of journalism in the internet age.

Merchants of Truth by Jill Abramson The former New York Times executive editor examines four major news organizations as they confront declining print readership, digital competition, and financial pressures.

Flat Earth News by Nick Davies A reporter's investigation reveals how news organizations process information and how outside forces shape what becomes news.

The Powers That Be by David Halberstam The history of four media organizations shows the development of modern American journalism through the mid-twentieth century.

The Elements of Journalism by Bill Kovach, Tom Rosenstiel Research drawn from interviews with journalists and news consumers identifies the core principles that make journalism matter to democracy.

📰 Co-author Leonard Downie Jr. was the Executive Editor of The Washington Post during the paper's coverage of the Watergate scandal and served as an editor there for 44 years. 🗞️ The book was published in 2002, just as the internet was beginning to dramatically transform how people consumed news, making many of its observations about traditional media particularly poignant in hindsight. 📱 Both authors argue that the rise of 24-hour news channels led to a "get it first" rather than "get it right" mentality in journalism, a problem that has only intensified in the social media era. 💼 Co-author Robert G. Kaiser spent nearly 50 years at The Washington Post, serving as Managing Editor and Associate Editor, making both authors uniquely qualified to discuss the inner workings of major news organizations. 📊 The book reveals that by 2000, more than 80% of American newspapers were owned by large corporations, marking a significant shift from the family-owned newspapers that dominated most of the 20th century.