"Criticism" And "Participation"

The Public/Civil Journalism grows out from a social movement arising around the 1990s in the United States. When it has been introduced to China, it becomes very popular and catches many attentions. But when understanding the means of it, there are some deviations. In China, people only look at it as a means which can raise ratings, fail to grasp the essential means of it. This paper is on the subject of the Public/Civil Journalism, interpret the core of the public spirit: "participation" and "criticism".In this thesis, chapter 1 introduces the headstream and progress of the Public/Civil Journalism in the United States, describes its distinguishing features, analyses its theoretical source—Communitarianism. Chapter 2 abstracts the two features of the public spirit: "participation" and "criticism", points out the meaning of these two features. (l)It restores the "audience" to the "public". (2)It rethinks journalist vocational ethics. Journalists are not only professional communicators, but also should be critical intellectuals. (3)It rethinks the role of the media. The media is not purely a "mirror", but also should be a participant and organizer without violating the principle of objectivity. Chapter 3 expounds on the importance of the Public/Civil Journalism for our society. Our spirit has always been lack of "public". Through the Public/Civil Journalism, grasp its essential significance, we can fostering the public spirit and a harmonious public life.