The Newsmongers: A History of Tabloid Journalism

(Kirby, Reaktion, £16.99)

Aside from journalism being included in the KS4 English programme of study and GCSE media studies, there's another good reason for reading The Newsmongers - because perhaps the most fascinating aspect of this highly detailed account is the extent to which the news, and how it's reported, depends so much on the personal predilections of publishers and editors. Yes, we might instinctively know that already - but seeing so many examples of it in practice, presented in one place, is quite something. The timespan covered by the book is extraordinary, running from the Middle Ages up to the present day. Politics, history, culture, 'churnalism', fake news - it's all here, making this book well worth reading for both curricular considerations and for personal research purposes.

This book was first reviewed in Teach Secondary magazine.

Here’s the review I originally sent to the editor:

While journalism is included in the English Programme of Study at Key Stage 4, and is very much a key element of GCSE Media Studies, this is not the prime reason for reading Newsmongers. The most fascinating aspect of this highly detailed account is the extent to which the news, and the way in which it is reported, depends so much on the personal predilections of the owner and the editor. Yes, we all knew this, but seeing example after example is quite something. Also, I was intrigued to discover that a popular news magazine of the sixties had been anticipated by Defoe. Indeed, the time span covered is extraordinary, from the Middle Ages to the present day. Politics, history, culture, “churnalism” and fake news – it’s all here, making this book well worth reading quite apart from curricular considerations. Readable as well as a useful reference book, Newsmongers is highly recommended.