Journalism is the branch of mass communications that provides people with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about issues affecting their personal and public lives. Journalism not only provides news but also presents interpretation, evaluation, and persuasion. Any discussion about journalism requires a common understanding of basic terms and concepts. By defining what journalism is, this book provides the answers to many current questions and debates about the current state of the mass media: What is news? Is journalism concerned with more than news? What are the purposes of editorials? Is it good or bad to combine journalism and fiction? Is it possible to report the news objectively? How are public relations and advertising related to journalism?

This book will appeal to all persons seeking a solid understanding and knowledge about the functions and responsibilities of journalism. Terms are specifically defined and related to the broad context of mass communications.