Journalism at the Crossroads

Margaret Simons

A lively, spirited, and stirring critique of what is wrong with the Australian press — and how we might go about fixing it.

As newspaper subscription-rates decline, and mastheads lament what appears to be a broken business model, the future of journalism is uncertain. Yet, in an age of spin and the sideshow syndrome, quality journalism is more essential than ever before. How do we resolve the contradictions, and map out a path forward? And what do we mean by ‘quality’? As we face new, digital models for journalism, what might be worth preserving about the old models? How can journalists embrace new forms of media and technology, and engage more directly with their readers? Can journalism continue to contribute to a vibrant and robust democracy?

In Journalism at the Crossroads, journalist and media commentator Dr Margaret Simons explores the challenges and opportunities facing journalists as they confront the digital revolution and grapple with the changing role of journalism. Simons considers the role of the journalist in this new media landscape, why we still need quality news reporting, how new technologies can enhance traditional reporting, ways in which journalists and citizens can work together to break stories, and how media organisations can reinvigorate their newsrooms by engaging directly with the community.

The imperative to think about new ways of journalism has arrived, and it is time for all of us — citizens and journalists alike — to become involved in this vital debate.

Margaret Simons

Author photo
John Wright Photography

Margaret Simons is a freelance journalist and author. At the time of writing, she was convenor of journalism at Swinburne University of Technology. In December 2011, she will take up the position of director at the University of Melbourne’s Centre of Advanced Journalism. She writes about the media for Crikey and has published nine books, including The Content Makers and, most recently, The Political Memoirs (the memoirs of former prime minister Malcolm Fraser), which won Book of the Year and Best Non-fiction Book in the 2011 NSW Premier’s Literary Awards. Simons has worked for The Age and The Australian newspapers, and she has had work published in dozens of magazines and newspapers in Australia and overseas as a freelancer.

Michael Gawenda

Michael Gawenda is one of Australia’s best-known journalists and authors. In a journalism career spanning three decades, Michael has been a political reporter, foreign correspondent, columnist, feature writer, and an editor. He has won three Walkley Awards for Excellence in Journalism.