News and Journalism in the UK is an accessible and comprehensive introduction to the political, economic and regulatory environments of press and broadcast journalism in Britain and Northern Ireland. Surveying the industry in a period of radical economic and technological change, Brian McNair examines the main trends in journalistic media in the last two decades and assesses the challenges and future of the industry in the new millennium. Integrating both academic and journalistic perspectives on journalism, topics addressed in this revised and updated edition include: The rise of online journalism and the impact of blogging on mainstream journalism The emergence of 24 hour news channels in the UK The role and impact of journalism, with reference to issues such as democracy, health scares and the war on terror Trends in media ownership and editorial allegiances 'Tabloidisation', Americanisation and the supposed 'dumbing down' of journalistic standards The implications of devolution for regional journalists