Functions of journalism: traditional and new approaches

Section: Theory of Journalism and Media

The article examines classical and modern approaches to defining the functions of journalism. It draws on both fundamental works on the theory and sociology of journalism, as well as recent studies of the changing role and place of journalism within the context of the transformation of the Russian media system. The author systematizes and expands upon established ideas about the roles and functions of journalism, rethinking them in light of these changes. The author analyzes the functions of journalism in scientific articles published in top 5 Russian journals and identifies the “space of functions” and the subject areas directly related to journalism in the most cited textbooks. The author concludes that journalism’s functions can be attributed to a multifunctional system that meets the primary (social institutions) and secondary (mass audience) needs. Recognizing the complexity and diversity of research approaches to journalism’s functions, the author aims to overcome the haphazardness and inconsistencies associated with terminology and definitions, as well as the lack of clarity in articulating the need for journalism to fulfill its functions in an interconnected and complex world.

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To cite this article: Vartanova E. L. (2024) Funktsii zhurnalistiki: traditsionnye i aktual’nye podkhody [Functions of journalism: traditional and new approaches]. Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta. Seriya 10. Zhurnalistika 6: 3–30. DOI: 10.55959/msu.vestnik.journ.6.2024.330