1. Introduction -- 2. Why study news? The democratic role of news -- 3. Understanding influences on the production of news -- 4. Routines and practices: studying the making of news -- 5. Journalism norms, values, and role perceptions -- 6. Journalism ethics -- 7. The news organisation -- 8. News audiences -- 9. News sources -- 10. Conclusion.

This book provides readers with the understanding required to analyse the range of key factors that shape the production of news, and to assess their implications for the role of news and journalism in democracy. It brings existing research together under the umbrella of a central organising framework to explore how news and its production is shaped by a multiplicity of factors including the norms, values, role perceptions and ethics associated with journalism as a profession, the role of news sources, the changing character and significance of news audiences, the aims and objectives of news organisations, and the political, economic and social contexts within which news is produced. Exploring these factors in depth, using examples, and considering the changing conditions of news production, the chapters chart significant changes, challenges, and responses to provide the essential background for understanding the consequences of current transformations for the democratic qualities of news. Julie Firmstone is Professor of Journalism and Political Communication at the School of Media and Communication, University of Leeds, UK. Her teaching and research explore a range of issues in the intersection between journalism, the news media, politics, and democratic engagement. She has published widely on the role of news and journalism in local democracy; journalism standards, press ethics and regulation; editorial journalism at newspapers; and communication about the European Union. .