Journalism Under Fire

A challenging, new era is dawning in American journalism. The Internet is forcing the news media to contend with revolutionary changes in technology as well as heightened competition from new sources of news. In addition, profound changes in mediao -- ownership patterns have created pressure to maintain high profits, which has led to downsizing, increased coverage of “soft” and sensationalistic news and a de-emphasis on coverage of government and foreign news. Critics worry that the changes are seriously undercutting traditional journalistic values. Others say as journalism moves from newsprint to cyberspace, previously unheard voices will be able to participate in a public debate once dominated by media elites.