Movie journalists: hello Hollywood

Abstract

Journalists on film have for decades offered fantasy, fun and escapism to millions, writes academic Niblock, but most of the movies have emerged from Hollywood. And that could be changing now that three new high-profile British-led or inspired productions (one about Robert Maxwell; a big screen version of the BBC mini-series State of Play and Embeds, set in Iraq) are in the pipeline. Niblock recalls memorable movies of the past and concludes: "If and when those major new productions of journalistic subjects reach the big screen, it will be fascinating to see if they stimulate a deeper interest in the workings of the British news media, and journalists' relationship with the state, as they have done in the U.S. It was widely reported after the release of All the President's Men that there was a surge in young people wanting to enter journalism in order to 'make a difference' and to challenge the status quo. Perhaps a new raft of films will inspire greater idealism and dynamism on the part of the next generation of reporters."