News Literacy and Democracy invites readers to go beyond surface-level fact checking and to examine the structures, institutions, practices, and routines that comprise news media systems.

This introductory text underscores the importance of news literacy to democratic life and advances an argument that critical contexts regarding news media structures and institutions should be central to news literacy education. Under the larger umbrella of media literacy, a critical approach to news literacy seeks to examine the mediated construction of the social world and the processes and influences that allow some news messages to spread while others get left out. Drawing on research from a range of disciplines, including media studies, political economy, and social psychology, this book aims to inform and empower the citizens who rely on news media so they may more fully participate in democratic and civic life.

The book is an essential read for undergraduate students of journalism and news literacy and will be of interest to scholars teaching and studying media literacy, political economy, media sociology, and political psychology.

About the Author

Seth Ashley, PhD, is an associate professor of journalism and media studies at Boise State University. His research on media literacy, media sociology, and communication policy has been published in a range of scholarly outlets, including the Journal of Media Literacy Education; Communication Law and Policy; Journalism & Mass Communication Educator; Communication and the Public; Media, War & Conflict; and the Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media. Ashley received his PhD and MA from the University of Missouri School of Journalism. He has worked as a writer and as an editor for newspapers and magazines and as a designer and technician for film, theater, and music productions.

Reviews

"Seth Ashley's book on news literacy provides a refreshing, original and long overdue treatment of the matter, making media literacy a vibrant political and intellectual issue for our times."

-Robert W. McChesney, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

"In News Literacy and Democracy, Seth Ashley offers a refreshing holistic approach to news literacy that goes far beyond so-called 'fake news' and one that is deeply aligned with the key concepts of media literacy. This book provides a rich knowledge base to help people understand how the news is constructed and why it has become more sensational and more partisan over time. Timely and responsive to the current media environment, this book helps people understand how changing business models for journalism are influencing the depiction of news and current events that we encounter online. This book should be required reading for every citizen as they reflect upon and consider what new forms of media policy and regulation may be needed to ensure that journalism can fulfill its social obligations in sustaining the democratic process."

-Renee Hobbs, University of Rhode Island

"Seth Ashley's book on news literacy provides a refreshing, original and long overdue treatment of the matter, making media literacy a vibrant political and intellectual issue for our times."

-Robert W. McChesney, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

"In News Literacy and Democracy, Seth Ashley offers a refreshing holistic approach to news literacy that goes far beyond so-called 'fake news' and one that is deeply aligned with the key concepts of media literacy. This book provides a rich knowledge base to help people understand how the news is constructed and why it has become more sensational and more partisan over time. Timely and responsive to the current media environment, this book helps people understand how changing business models for journalism are influencing the depiction of news and current events that we encounter online. This book should be required reading for every citizen as they reflect upon and consider what new forms of media policy and regulation may be needed to ensure that journalism can fulfill its social obligations in sustaining the democratic process."

-Renee Hobbs, University of Rhode Island

"With great care and clarity, Seth Ashley maps out key challenges facing our society today, from the decline of journalism to the rise of misinformation. In doing so, he underscores the need for a critical approach to news literacy that considers contextual factors such as market fundamentalism and monopoly power. This timely and invaluable book should be required reading for anyone who is concerned about the future of democracy."

-Victor Pickard, University of Pennsylvania

"In a time of increasing distrust in civic institutions, and specifically the news industry, Seth Ashley provides a poignant look at the challenges to our contemporary news ecosystem. Ashley's critical insight shows an understanding of the impacts of digital technologies on our news industries, and also explores some of the potential ways that citizens can become meaningfully engaged in news processes. Seth Ashley has provided a text that is necessary reading for those interested in the future of vibrant, diverse, and equitable democracy."

-Paul Mihailidis, Emerson College

"Pulling from media sociology, political science, social psychology, and other fields, this book distills rich theoretical concepts and wide-ranging empirical findings into clear and helpful insights. In the process, Seth Ashley expands the scope of what news literacy is and what it can do for democratic life."

-Tim P. Vos, Michigan State University

"Ashley provides a timely, engaging discussion of the need for critical news literacy in contemporary democracies. He brings a nuanced and historical perspective to modern problems and avoids hyperbole surrounding 'fake news.' This book is perfect for students and others looking to understand news literacy and its applicability to our lives."

-Melissa Tully, University of Iowa

Book Information
ISBN 9781138625068
Author Seth Ashley
Format Paperback
Page Count 206
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 312g