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Now in paperback! Are American newspapers abdicating their responsibility to keep their readers informed? The American newspaper industry is in the middle of the most momentous change in its entire three hundred-year history. A generation of relentless "corporatization" has resulted in a furious, unprecedented blitz of buying, selling, and consolidation of newspapers—affecting the mightiest dailies and the humblest weeklies. Accompanying this corporate jury has come dramatic—and drastic—change in reporting and coverage of all kinds. Concerned that this phenomenon was going largely unreported—and, therefore, unquestioned—Gene Roberts, legendary reporter and editor, decided to undertake a huge, extended reportorial study of his own industry. Gathering more than two dozen distinguished journalists and writers, Roberts produced a long series of reports in the American Journalism Review, published by the University of Maryland's Philip Merrill College of Journalism. This is the first of two books to be published exploring the current state of American newspaper and it asks the crucial question: Are American communities—in the very middle of the so-called Information Explosion—in danger of becoming less informed than ever? “Gene Roberts’ credentials for passing judgment on the current newspaper scene are impeccable—he built the Philadelphia Inquirer into a legend, and demonstrated there and later on at the New York Times that where there is forceful and passionate journalistic commitment and talent then great newspapers will out.” —Peter Cole, professor of journalism at the University of Sheffield, England, “You can read this book for information on how the news business works in the United States, and it is a fascinating story in itself. But in reading the book, you’ll get a generous helping of reporting and writing by some of the top practitioners in this country. . . . The quality of this book becomes its own best argument for healthier budgets for news coverage.” —Patsy Watkins, professor of journalism at the University of Arkansas, “[A] fascinating study . . . filled with wit, humor, details, opinions, profiles, anecdotes, history, and philosophy.” —J. C. Martin, Arizona Daily Star “Gene Roberts (an immensely respected newspaper reporter and editor) has provided the reader with a unique and documented history that is as engaging as it is informative. Leaving Readers Behind is essential reading for aspiring journalists and students of American newspaper publishing.” —Midwest Book Review 6"x9" Contributors Ken Auletta |
