Michael Schudson

Published in 1978, "Discovering the News" traces the historical development of journalistic ideals, specifically objectivity, in the United States. Schudson argues that objectivity is not a timeless truth, but a socially constructed standard that emerged in the 1830s with the penny press and evolved alongside political and economic changes.

Michael Schudson is an American sociologist and scholar who specializes in the study of journalism, media, political communication, and civic life. His research focuses on the history and sociology of the news media, examining how journalism shapes public knowledge and democratic participation.

In his body of work, Schudson champions a "sociology of news" approach, arguing that news is not simply a mirror of reality but a socially manufactured product. He suggests that news is shaped by organizational routines, legal frameworks, and cultural norms rather than just the personal biases of individual journalists.

Michael Schudson holds a prestigious position as a professor at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. He also serves as an adjunct professor in the sociology department at Columbia, bridging the gap between media practice and academic research.