Book excerpt: This book explores the current challenges faced by those working in the news media, focusing on the responsibilities of journalism in advanced democracies. The contributors investigate key issues facing twenty-first century journalism and offer in-depth studies of the UK news media. These detailed analyses provide the basis for comparison with media in the US, France, Germany, Italy and Japan. The book's provocative conclusions will provide the groundwork for continuing debate about the place of journalism in invigorating political processes and democratic functions.