Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-2016

Publication Source

Journalism Studies

Abstract

Communitarian ethicists argue that social identity is formed by community relationships, emphasizing the connection between an individual and his or her community. News organizations are part of that community. Indeed, journalism only functions properly in terms of the public and public life, and as part of a larger community. This textual analysis study focused on the breakdown of the fictional Baltimore community depicted in the television series The Wire. Five institutions—the police force and justice system, the labor force, local and state politicians and government, the educational system, and the daily newspaper—have failed, and, in turn, the city is failing.

Through the lens of communitarian ethics, the researcher argues that community stakeholders must recognize the need for a strong community from which the press can operate to report, explain, correct, and connect.

Inclusive pages

11-27

ISBN/ISSN

1461-670X

Document Version

Postprint

Comments

The document available for download is the author's accepted manuscript, provided in compliance with the publisher's policy on self-archiving. Differences may exist between this document and the published version, which is available using the link provided. Permission documentation is on file.

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

Volume

18

Peer Reviewed

yes

Issue

1

Link to published version

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