This article analyzes and responds to the most significant criticisms of public
journalism made by scholars. After discussing public journalism advocates’
alleged failure to define public journalism clearly, we examine more specific
criticisms. Among other issues, few advocates have taken seriously the likely impact
of commercial imperatives on public journalism's modes of operation. We
argue, however, that public journalism projects show that reform-oriented news
organizations can challenge long-standing journalistic conventions, despite
managements’ interests in maximizing profit. Ultimately, we argue, public
journalism's long-term viability depends on continuing, explicit commitment
by journalists, its institutionalization within newsrooms and journalism classrooms,
and continued theory-development, research, and assessment.
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