Journalism: Theory and Practice presents a short history of journalism and focuses on the many important issues facing the media today, including bridging the divide between science and journalism; issues in and public perception of war reporting; the ethics and procedures of media coverage of natural disasters; the current difficulties facing U.S. newspapers; an in-depth analysis of how news organizations report new medical treatments, tests, products, and procedures; and more. The book also includes a history of and tribute to Edward R. Murrow, a pioneer in the field of television news broadcasting, including a report of how Murrow used the new media of his time, first radio, and then television. A comprehensive overview of running a government press office is presented as well.

CONTENTS: A Responsible Press Office:An Insider's Guide • Handbook of Independent Journalism • Edward R. Murrow:A Life • Freedom's Watchdog:The Press in the U.S • Murrow:Founder of American Broadcast Journalism • Harnessing "New" Media for Quality Reporting • "See It Now":Murrow vs. McCarthy • Making the News:Jobs in TV Journalism • Bridging the Divide Between Science and Journalism • Reporting Iraqi Civilian Fatalities in a Time of War • Should Health Professionals Allow Reporters Inside Hospitals and Clinics at Times of Natural Disasters? •How Do U.S. Journalists Cover Treatments, Tests, Products, and Procedures? An Evaluation of 500 Stories • Effective Media Communication of Disasters:Pressing Problems and Recommendations • Research about the Mass Media and Disaster:Never (Well Hardly Ever) the Twain Shall Meet • The U.S. Newspaper Industry in Transition • Index

Mass communication is the academic study of the various means by which individuals and entities communicate information via mass media to large audiences at the same time. Mass communication channels include newspaper and magazine publishing, radio, television and film, and, of course, the Internet. This volume addresses many pressing concerns in the field today, such as communicating information to the public about emergency procedures in the face of disasters and emergencies, an evaluation of the media's role in public health campaigns, a study of communication theories in recreation resource management, and more. The book also explores mass media theory and how to incorporate media strategies into peace-building campaigns. A thoughtful analysis of how mass media messages are constructed and construed rounds out the book.

CONTENTS: Working with the Media • Media, Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding:Mapping the Edges • Assessing Information Needs and Communication Behaviors of National Forest Summer Visitors • Parables and Paradigms:An Introduction to Using Communication Theories in Outdoor Recreation Research • Wildland Fire and Fuel Management:Principles for Effective Communication • Benefits of an Educational Program for Journalists on Media Coverage of HIV/AIDS in Developing Countries • Issues in Evaluating Mass Media-Based Health Communication Campaigns • Health Communication • The Impact of Mass Media Campaigns on Intentions to Use the Female Condom in Tanzania • Taipei's Use of a Multi-Channel Mass Risk Communication Program to Rapidly Reverse an Epidemic of Highly Communicable Disease • Egypt Violence Against Women Study Media Coverage of Violence Against Women • What Are the Roles and Responsibilities of the Media in Disseminating Health Information? • Communication Gap:The Disconnect Between What Scientists Say and What the Public Hears • Communication and Marketing as Tools to Cultivate the Public's Health:A Proposed "People and Places" Framework • Mass Media Theory, Leveraging Relationships, and Reliable Strategic Communication Effects • Re-Examination of Mixed Media Communication:The Impact of Voice, Data Link, and Mixed Air Traffic Control Environments on the Flight Deck • Index