Uncertain Guardians: The News Media as a Political Institution

Sparrow writes clearly and convincingly that the news media does act as an institution rather than as individualistic reporters, editors, and publishers. Since they all face the same constraints, they react in similar fashion. Sometimes they act as media "watchdogs" and sometimes they act as media "lapdogs." Sparrow gives clear evidence of both types of behavior and explains why the news media assume such radically different roles depending on the circumstances. His chapter on when the media fail to act as media watchdogs is chilling reading. It should make us all wonder whether the media, on whom we rely as guardians of our interests, is really up to the task.

Uncertain Guardians is exemplary! It is well-written, for one, and because it contains so many first-person accounts and quotes, it comes across as rather entertaining. Not to mention it offers important new information on stories that is simply incredible (while a picture develops of news media as a business vs. a public-minded venture). By the way, reading Uncertain Guardians felt like listening to a former professor from my undergraduate days. I would bet on this book growing into a benchmark piece. An excellent read.