Review by Choice Review
Rosenstiel et al. present an ideal statistical study of a real problem, the failure of local television news to produce significant, meaningful journalism to the community. This is not a quick study for other academics. It is a straightforward attempt to influence television broadcasters. The work of a team of academics and news media professionals, the project entails content analysis of five years of local television broadcasts in more than 40 markets; surveying and showing how television news is programmed; gathering data on viewers' responses to various formats; and correlating findings with actual viewer behavior over time. The book proves conclusively that quality journalism will attract more viewers than flash-and-grab news stories. One cannot refute the data and analyses, and this model statistical study could serve media scholars and researchers. Whether it will accomplish its goal of improving local television news programs is doubtful. Dubious news reporting cannot all be assessed statistically. Television station owners and news producers rely on a tired formula that is easy to replicate daily and cheap to produce--one that will keep sufficient audience to make news profitable. For their part, television viewers accept fluff because it is entertaining, diverting, and fulfills their desire for consumption. Summing Up: Recommended. Graduate students, researchers, faculty, professionals. R. Cathcart emeritus, CUNY Queens College
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
