Journalism without conflict: cordiality and accomodation in the journalist activity

Abstract

This paper presents and analyzes the interdependent relationship between newspapers and public relations agencies, in order to identify the possible causes for the growing use of press-releases as the only and very source of journalistic information. In order to do so, the ethical borders of this relationship were traced, as well as case study to detail how deeply a PR agency has influenced the newspapers’ agenda and texts. This work reached the concept of ‘cordial journalism’ – a subversion of the traditional meaning of journalism, which is less ‘combative’ and is not committed to the investigation. This work is based upon journalism theories, communication’s ethics and sociological concepts.