Journalism: State of the Art

by Jim Willis

A necessity for the professional journalist's library, State of the Art will prove a valuable resource for the student journalist as well. This book summarizes some 200 media studies many from the most prestigious journal in the trade, Journalism Quarterly . In a paraphrased-synthesis format, and using informal terms, the author arranges some of the most interesting studies of the 1980s into eight subject headings Ethics Law, and the Journalist; Advertising in the 1980s; Polling and Precision Journalism; and Predictors of Readership and Viewship.

For many years there has been a gap between media researchers and the practicing journalist. Published research about journalism as a discipline may receive attention in the classroom but seldom gets in the newsroom. Viewing the gap between the researcher and practitioner, Willis offers comments from both sides. He surveys nearly 150 news executives on media research and gives an insightful look at what factors cause readers or viewers to pay attention to the news media. From trends in the industry to types of audiences, State of the Art uses practical research studies presented in an accessible style. Offering the most current data available on media research, this book will prove a great instructional as well as reference tool. It is a must for college journalists, working press, and media marketers.

Paperback

First published November 20, 1989

About the author

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William James (Jim) Willis, a veteran news reporter and editor, earned his Ph.D. in Journalism from the University of Missouri. He has taught at the university level for three decades, chairing departments at Boston College, Ball State University, and Azusa Pacific University, and held endowed professorships at the University of Oklahoma and the University of Memphis. He has authored or co-authored 12 books on the media and one on college football. A frequent overseas lecturer, Willis has participated in six lecture tours for the U.S. State Department. He continues to work as a special correspondent and has covered the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, and the 10th and 20th anniversaries of the fall of the Berlin Wall. His honors include a Certificate of Appreciation from the U.S. Embassy in Berlin, and Undergraduate Faculty Scholar of the Year for 2009 at Azusa Pacific University.