A Comparitive Study Of The Press In Britain And The United States

There is hardly an industry more vibrant and energetic than the mass media is. Especially in the information age, the operation of newspapers and magazines is undergoing some changes almost on a daily basis, such as the application of an advanced printing technology, upgrading of an information delivery system, or satellite transmission of news pictures or videos. Changes like these have prompted the conception of the present thesis.The revolution characterized by the development and use of new technologies will ultimately change the way we send and receive information and could change the kinds of information we use. It could result in changes in the way we learn, work, and play. The communications system that emerge from the revolution may enable us to be more active and educated citizens, enhance our cultural awareness and appreciation, and motivate us to face the opportunities and challenges of the coming future with enthusiasm and vigor.The present thesis aims at exploring the nature and functions of the press in Britain and the United States, the role that the press is playing, the common features and differences of the press in the two nations, and the news production process of wire agencies.The present thesis discusses the features of the press in Britain and the United States, and analyzes their common characteristics such as the"agenda-setting"and"gate-keeping", the influencing factors on news selection process, the content components in the newspaper, and concentration of ownership. It compares the differences in terms of the inhibited nature of British press and the commercialization of the press in the United States, relationship with the government, publications in the two nations, and newspaper readership. It also discusses the internal structures, operation models and management strategies of Reuters and AP. Besides, in a case study of Reuters and AP report in the 2007 G8 Summit it introduces the background of G8 and the G8 Summit, and compares the reports of the two wire agencies from the perspectives of the quantity and theme selection of stories, and the content of news pictures. The conclusion part summarizes the role played by the press in modern British and American societies, their similarities and differences, and the news production process of Reuters and AP, and further discusses the value of news and knowledge in the information age.