How the Cold War Broke the News

Zelizer, Barbie

$22.95

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Author
Zelizer, Barbie
Publish Date
11/24/2025
Book Type
Paperback
Publisher Name
POLITYP
Subtitle
The Surprising Roots of Journalism's Decline
Number of Pages
240
Edition
1
ISBN-10
1509566384
ISBN-13
9781509566389
SKU
9781509566389

Description

Most of us would agree that American journalism has problems. Rushed reporting and thin coverage. Timidity in the face of adversity. Polarized perspectives and euphemistic language. Groupthink about complicated events.

While much blame has been levelled at big tech, Barbie Zelizer traces the decline of American journalism to the Cold War. She makes the bold claim that Cold War-era practices are to blame for the state of journalism today, undermining a once trusted media environment. This groundbreaking book shows how journalism's current problems can be traced back to customs developed over half a century ago and demonstrates how they've continued to upend journalism, journalists and the news ever since.

We all need a news environment that works. This book tells us why it doesn't and offers a plan to make it better. If our news is better, so is our democracy. And, if our democracy is better, we may be too.