The Professionalization of Journalism: Impetus or Impediment to a “Watchdog” Press*

Abstract

How have recent efforts by American journalists to "professionalize" affected . their capacity to serve as "watchdog" over offcial misconduct? This article examines the organization, ideology, and legal status of American journalism with a view to answering that question. Past and present obstacles to the professionalization of news reporting are evaluated. The growth of professional consciousness and prerogatives has strengthened journalistic resources for critical scrutiny of public life. This conclusion casts doubts on sociology's prevailing view of professionalization as little more than status-seeking and self-aggrandizement. As critical journalism has increasingly come to depend on professionalizing ideology and professional organization, efforts to hamper critical journalism have increasingly taken the form of attacks on the professional autonomy of newsmen.

What Are Financial Journalists For?

“…Where issues of free speech are likely to arise, in the UK as in the U.S, is in relation to source protection. (Osiel 1986). UK financial regulators have developed informal and formal procedures that go beyond the protection afforded buy the European Court in terms for example of the protection of sources.…”

“…This approach draws on Osiel's (1986) study of the professionalisation of journalism in its understanding of the relationship between law, self regulation and professional practices. (See also Hallin and Mancini 2004) Whilst journalists themselves, particularly in the UK often reject the notion that they have institutionalized professional responsibilities, I argue that such a position is untenable as it is possible to demonstrate that the legal and self-regulatory framework within which journalists work sets out and reinforces such responsibilities.…”

Financial Journalism, Conflicts of Interest and Ethics: A Case Study of Hong Kong

“…While it might be possible-and indeed easy-to point to some universally acceptable principles of media ethics, codifying these into a set of justiciable rules applied in real institutions is much more difficult. To do so would depend upon not only agreement on rules but also definitions, not least the thorny issue of who is a journalist (Ugland & Henderson, 2007;Aldridge & Evetts, 2003;Osiel, 1986). In a situation such as Hong Kong where press freedom is jealously guarded, this would require effective voluntary action by self-regulatory bodies funded by news organizations not keen to increase bureaucratic burdens.…”

Professional Capital Contested: A Bourdieusian Analysis of Conflicts between Professionals and Managers

“…Consequently, they have highlighted the rise and formation of new professions, such as accounting, journalism, social work, teaching and consultancy (e.g. Hoyle 1980;Osiel 1986;Covaleski et al 1988;Randle and Brady 1997;Duyvendak et al 2006;McKenna 2006). Although these new "professions" cannot really be compared with classic professionals like medical doctors, they stick to classic professionalization strategies.…”