Alternative Journalism (Journalism Studies: Key Texts) [Paperback]

A key text for journalism and media studies students who want to explore and understand the history, theory and practice of alternative journalism. It contains some excellent examples and case studies, inspiring people to think about how alternative journalists all over the world have sought to challenge and redefine mainstream practices
Caroline Mitchell
Senior lecturer in Radio, University of Sunderland

Atton and Hamilton offer a rich, textured account of alternative journalism. They steer clear of cramped conceptions of "journalism" and "alternative" and instead open up the discussion to a wide range of public communication, from pamphlets to blogs. More than that, Atton and Hamilton provide an intellectually engaging framework for their examination of alternative journalism, a context in which they explain what others have merely described
Professor Theodore L. Glasser
Stanford University

Unlike previous work, notably by John Downing in the United States, Atton and Hamilton also include non-political, non-radical, 'cultural' alternative journalists in their study, which is consistent with Atton's previous approach to alternative media generally. They include studies of zines and fanzines as examples of 'alternative cultural journalism', along with traditional alternative journalism forms such as alternative radio, radical political media, street papers, and newer forms of citizens' media such as blogging, Indymedia and the online news site OhMyNews, which combines 'professional' and citizens' journalism... For journalism scholars, Alternative Journalism offers important insights into the bases and practices of alternative journalists. This is not only relevant to people working in this broader field of community/radical/grassroots/alternative media, but also to colleagues analysing mainstream media practices. Considering the significant rise in scholarship about all alternative media forms, primarily in response to the increased opportunity for internet-based democratic media projects and ongoing discussions about the lack of quality journalism occuring in the mainstream, this work will make an important addition to reading lists for many advanced-level journalism theory (and some practice) courses... Atton and Hamilton offer the first comprehensive examination of alternative journalism globally, and the work will inform scholarly analysis of this burgeoning research field for years to come
Susan Forde
Australian Journalism Review

Alternative Journalism's investigation of journalism forms that have developed in opposition to mainstream news coverage is an outstanding book. It provides a competent overview of alternative journalism across the globe, expanding and stimulating critical inquiry into many areas of journalism studies, from less-explored epistemology of news to much discussed questions of professional objectivity… The authors skillfully guide the reader towards the idea that alternative media represent not only the social practice of radical democracy, but also the social practice of citizen construction and journalistic deliberation, an argument that will attract not only students and teachers, but everyone interested in developing a deeper understanding of contemporary media
Verica Rupar
Journalism Studies

In investigating the challenges to media power presented by alternative journalism, this book addresses not just the issues of politics and empowerment but also the journalism of popular culture and the everyday. The result is essential reading for students of journalism - both mainstream and alternative.

Praise for the Journalism Studies: Key Texts series:

'It is easy to describe a good textbook for a specific journalistic format… The ideal book has to satisfy a list of requirements that are also bullet-pointed in journalism assignment outlines. A text has to: synthesize the existing body of knowledge; explain concepts clearly; have a logical order of topics; and provide enough information and directions to pursue further study. One may also hope it would include real life examples and be lucid, vivid and a pleasure to read. Hard to find? Not anymore. The new SAGE series Journalism Studies: Key Texts satisfies the main requirements on the list. Carefully planned and meticulously edited by Martin Conboy, David Finkelstein and Bob Franklin, the textbook series is a welcome contribution to the literature of journalism studies…

All three books follow the same structural template: an overview of historical development; explication of the political and economic frameworks within particular types of journalism; a review of contemporary practices; social demographics; a comparative analysis of practices around the world; a summary of main conceptual approaches; an indication of future directions; recommendations for further reading. This strong organization resembles a template for a course outline. This is intentional because the series is aimed both at students and their practice-based lecturers, who often come straight from industry and need time to adjust to the academic environment…

[The series] achieves its aim to bridge the sometimes too evident dissonance between journalism theory and practice… They successfully situate discussions about journalism in social and historical contexts. We see the faces of individual journalists, the circumstances of news production, the relationship with owners, the battle between the public service and the profit nature of news, the relevance of journalism work. The detailed account of the conditions under which newspaper, radio and alternative journalism is produced and performed make the Journalism Studies: Key Texts series mandatory reading for both journalism students and their lecturers' - Verica Rupar, Journalism Studies