Principles of American Journalism introduces students to the core values of journalism and its singular role in a democracy. It provides a comprehensive exploration of the guiding principles of journalism: the profession's ethical and legal foundations, its historical and modern precepts, the economic landscape of journalism, the relationships among journalism and other social institutions, and the key issues and challenges that contemporary journalists face. Case studies, exercises, and an interactive companion website encourage critical thinking about journalism and its role in society, making students more mindful practitioners of journalism and more informed media consumers.