In Defense of Autonomy: A Critique of the Public Journalism Critique

Abstract

This article argues that public journalism as a reform movement has failed to appreciate the complexity of professional autonomy arid the occupational benefits it affords to practitioners. The article describes how the dynamics of professional. socialization predispose journalists to guardedly protect their independence. What might appear to be a defensive orientation is, in fact, quite understandable, given numerous threats to autonomy originating from inside and outside the neu'-sroom. Would-be reformers should articulate how autonomy could be protected-but recast- as professional expertise directed at political activation. The author discusses the implications of this argument for theory of press reform and for college instruction.