Denis McQuail (1935-2017) was Emeritus Professor at the School of Communication Research (ASCOR) University of Amsterdam and Visiting Professor in the Department of Politics at the University of Southampton. He studied history and sociology at the University of Oxford and received his Ph.D. from the University of Leeds. He is an Honorary Doctor of the University of Gent. He has published widely in the field of media and communication, with particular reference to audience research, media policy and performance, and political communication. His most recent book publication is McQuail¿s Media and Mass Communication Theory, 7th edition., SAGE, 2020, co-authored by Mark Deuze.

Preface
WHAT IS JOURNALISM? HOW IS IT LINKED TO SOCIETY?
Introduction
Origins of Journalism
The Journalism-Society Link: Levels of Analysis and Theoretical Perspectives
The Main Concerns of Social Theory of Journalism
Diversity and Diversification of Journalism
Journalism and Changing Technology: Implications for Society
Defining Journalism and the News Today
The Press as an Institution
The ¿Power of the Press¿
What Society Expects from Journalism
The Self-Image of the Social Role of the Press
Conclusions: Questions to Be Addressed
JOURNALISTIC RESPONSIBILITY TO SOCIETY
Introduction
Defining Journalistic Responsibility
Publication and the Public Interest
The Foundations of Journalistic Obligation
Free Press Theory
Journalism as Meeting Essential Needs of Society
The Press as Fourth Estate
The Idea of a ¿Public Sphere¿
Social Responsibility Theory
Critical Theory
Minority Media Theory; Democratic-Participant Theory
New Movements in Journalism
Internet News Theory
Looking for a Structure in Social Theory of the Press
Conclusion
PRINCIPLES OF JOURNALISTIC PERFORMANCE
Introduction
Basic Publication Values in the Public Interest
Truth as a Principle
Freedom as a Principle
Equality, Diversity and Solidarity as Principles
Order and Cohesion as Principles for Journalism
Conclusion
TOWARDS A FRAMEWORK OF ANALYSIS FOR JOURNALISM
Introduction
Alternative Approaches
On Journalism as a Profession: A Unifying Approach
Does Journalism have its Own ¿Ideology¿?
The Occupational Roles of Journalism
Conflicts and Mixed Expectations
Demand versus Supply of News
Changing Goals and Types of Journalism
If Not a Profession, at Least a ¿Public Occupation¿
Conclusion
THE CENTRAL ROLE OF MONITOR AND MESSENGER
Introduction
The Main Roles or Functions of the Press
The Monitor and Messenger Role Characterized
Objectivity as a Guiding Principle
Limitations to Objectivity
Degrees of Purpose and Activity in Objective News Journalism
Tensions Internal to the Monitorial Role
The Monitorial Role and State Power
The Monitorial Role and Democracy
Sources of Bias in the Monitorial Role
¿Media Logic¿ and ¿Mediatisation¿ Effects on Monitoring
Conclusion
MEDIA STRUCTURE, PERFORMANCE AND THE ¿POWER OF THE PRESS¿
Introduction
What Is a Media System?
Influences from Social Structure on Media Systems
Political Factors
Economic Factors
Social Cultural Influences
Media System Influences on Journalism
Influences at the Level of Organisation
The Question of Press Effects on Society
Informational Effects of News
Persuasion Influences via News
Effects on Behaviour in Society - Individual and Collective
In Overview: Primary Determinants of the ¿Power of the Press¿
Conclusion
ACCOUNTABILITY OF JOURNALISM TO SOCIETY
Introduction
The Main Issues of Regulation and Accountability
Journalistic Responsibility
The Accountability of Journalism
Lines of Accountability of Journalism
Forms of Governance and Accountability Applied to Journalism
Mechanisms of Accountability: External
Mechanisms of Accountability: Internal
Informal and ¿Illegitimate¿ Mechanisms of Control/Accountability
Three Frames of Accountability Relationship
Accountability in Overview
Conclusion
CHANGING MEDIA TECHNOLOGY: CONSEQUENCES FOR JOURNALISM, PRESS INSTITUTION AND ITS RELATIONS WITH SOCIETY
Introduction
The Potential of the Internet and Other New Media
Problematic Aspects of Media Change
Initial Signs of Change
The Internet: Liberating Promise Unfulfilled?
Effects of Media Change on Journalism Itself
The Future of the Press Institution
The Journalism-Society Relationship
The Question of Trust
Consequences for the Public Sphere
In Overview
Conclusion
IN CONCLUSION: STRIKING A NORMATIVE BALANCE
Introduction
A Frame of Reference for Journalism and Society
Normative Contexts and Choices: Different Levels of Application
Journalism in an Information Society
The Main Normative Issues of Journalism and Society in Review
Towards a Universal Normative Theory of Journalism?
The Consequences of Ongoing Changes in Media Technology and Structure for Normative Relations between Journalism and Society
What Can Be Done? Reflections on the Chances for Better Journalism
Last Word
Appendix: Selectde Documents Relating to Righrs and Obligations of News Media
References
Index