Reinventing Professionalism: Journalism and News in Global Perspective 1st Edition

The saying, ‘Do not judge a book by its cover’, was never truer. While the cover is dull, the book is interesting, engaging and penetrating. It is full of interesting observations and is very well-written.Waisbord attempts to explain the controversy around journalism as a profession, why it has never been recognised as a profession in a similar fashion that we understand medicine, for instance. He examines the field of journalism in its historical context, explaining the obstacles for making it a profession and why it is in the interest of journalists to make journalism a defined profession.Many, if not most journalists perceive themselves as ‘hacks’, involved in a trade or craft. As Michael Jordan was born with a basketball in his hand and Lionel Messi with a football at his feet, so they believe they were born with a pen (or keyboard) in their hands. They are blessed with a gift of God to write and uncover ‘the truth’. This gift, this talent, is enshrined in them. They do not need to study it. Thus, they wish to have some elements of professionalism: first and foremost work autonomy, but they do not welcome other trademarks such as accreditation, examinations, monitoring bodies, responsible ethics, and the possibility of sanctions.Waisbord concludes by explaining why journalism should be a fully recognised profession. If it is not able to control professional boundaries, journalism is vulnerable to powerful external interests and it cannot be the kind of public-minded institution that makes significant contributions to democratic life (p. 226). Journalists will not be able to maintain and promote their autonomy and withstand political and economic pressures as long as they are perceived as mere hacks.The book has an extensive bibliography and a concise index. It is full of incisive insights and sharp observations. To date, it offers the most learned analysis of the ‘journalism as a profession’ issue. It is simply a must for media ethicists. I certainly intend to use it in my own classes.