Book reviews

Reviews of recent books on topics related to journalism ethics.

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The Mission: Journalism, ethics and the world
Joseph B. Atkins, Editor
Iowa State University Press (U.S.) 2002
Price:$54.99 (U.S.) at amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com

This is a good book that any journalist with the slightest interested in the problems and successes faced by their international colleagues should read. And it's mostly a good read at that.

After several set-up chapters on journalism ethics, the various authors explore issues in areas across the globe. Some are success stories, such as in Mexico, where: "Today, Mexico's more independent, professionalized and organized journalists have become watchdogs, freed from the culture of collusion and poised to oversee the nation's ongoing democratization."

Not so elsewhere. Consider this observation about journalists in Hungary where "a general belief exists among members of the elite that every journalist has his or her price. News coverage can be influenced by handing money to the journalist to report favorably on the person or company who pays. Incidents of this kind are often no more than unconfirmed rumors, but the very fact that such rumors circulate is an indication of major problems with the social standing and credibility of the profession."

We want more and we want it more often. Good job, even though the price is too steep. Get your library to buy it then read it beginning to end.

— John Ullmann, former WPI Executive Director