This scholarly book offers a comprehensive analysis of the decades-long practice of providing state aid to newspapers. Bringing together experts in media economics, governance, and management theory, it examines the political and economic implications of government subsidies. The text investigates how this funding shapes newspaper markets against a backdrop of declining readership, increased competition, and shifting media consumption habits.
While the media landscape has evolved since its publication, the foundational questions addressed in this book are more relevant than ever in 2025. For students, researchers, policymakers, and media executives grappling with the ongoing crisis in journalism, this work provides the essential theoretical and historical context needed to understand the debate. It is a critical resource for anyone seeking to preserve the social benefits of a high-quality press in the digital age.
Why We Recommend It: It provides a deep, academic framework for understanding one of the most critical and enduring issues in media studies. It's a foundational text for anyone serious about the business and governance of journalism.